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‘Brilliant’ detective drama based on best-selling book streaming for free on BBC | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Many incredible books have been turned into TV shows and films over the past few decades. Some adaptations struggle to meet expectations, but others manage to impress both readers and new viewers. One BBC detective drama did exactly that. It became a hit as soon as it aired and continues to attract viewers to this day.

The show is based on a hugely successful crime book series and follows a private detective and his partner as they take on cases the police have failed to solve. It has strong reviews from fans and critics, and many viewers say it is one of the best British crime dramas available right now.

It also has high scores on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 83% critic rating and an 88% audience score.

The show in question is Strike, based on the best-selling Cormoran Strike novels by J. K. Rowling, written under the name Robert Galbraith.

Reviews from viewers are extremely positive. One person said: “It’s a must-watch. Excellent cast, dynamic story line, unique cinematography all combine for an outstanding series.

“The non-existence of over the top completely impossible special effects is refreshing. It’s intelligent and sophisticated in its execution.”

Another added: “Absolutely love this series. Really clever stories with depth and great characters. But what takes it to another level is the perfect casting of Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger.”

A third wrote: “All I can say is watch it. I watched the first three episodes in one go, it was that good. I was only going to watch one but it got me hooked immediately. It was brilliant.”

Someone else said: “It’s my favourite detective series by far. So many great twists and turns and the acting is superb.”

The drama follows Cormoran Strike, played by Tom Burke, a former soldier who works as a private detective in London.

He uses his investigative background to break down complex cases, often with help from Robin Ellacott, played by Holliday Grainger. She joins as his assistant before becoming his partner.

Each series adapts one of the novels in order. So far, the BBC has released six adaptations: The Cuckoo’s Calling, The Silkworm, Career of Evil, Lethal White, Troubled Blood and The Ink Black Heart.

A seventh series, based on The Running Grave, is being filmed and is expected to be shown in 2026.

The books have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 40 languages. 

An eighth book, The Hallmarked Man, was released in 2025, and Rowling has said she plans to write up to ten in total.

All six seasons of Strike can be streamed on BBC iPlayer with a valid TV licence.

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