The little-known cop drama was nominated for a BAFTA TV award back when it released(Image: ITV / Red Production Company)
Fans of gripping British police dramas like Broadchurch, Prime Suspect, and Line of Duty are in for an absolute treat, as Netflix has quietly unveiled another hidden gem within its already impressive array of detective series.
The streaming giant has discreetly slipped the crime drama into its UK library, and the show has swiftly climbed into the most-watched charts.
The opening series of the ITV original first aired on 28 April 2014 in the UK, with a follow-up series commissioned in April 2015, which was broadcast in December that same year.
Featuring three episodes per series, each lasting roughly 45 minutes, the show leans decidedly towards the miniseries format. In fact, it secured a BAFTA Television Award nomination in the ‘Mini Series’ category back in 2015.
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Rosie Cavaliero takes on the role of DS Susan Reinhart and stands as the only main character to appear across both series. The first series centres on John Simm (Grace, Doctor Who, Life on Mars), while Philip Glenister (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes) takes the lead in the second series, reports Wales Online.
John Simm is the protagonist of series one(Image: ITV / Red Production Company)
The opening series of Prey also boasts Anastasia Hille, Craig Parkinson, and Benedict Wong rounding out a stellar cast, while the second series features MyAnna Buring, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Ralph Ineson, and Daniel Jillings in key supporting roles. John Simm earned a prestigious Royal Television Society North West Award for ‘Best Male Performance’ in recognition of his exceptional portrayal of DC Marcus Farrow in the first series.
The show’s official plot states: “In the aftermath of her marriage, Detective Sergeant Susan Reinhardt puts long hours into her job as she struggles to cope with her inner demons while fighting to unravel the truth by taking on two intense cases. Both cases appear to involve corruption by U.K. law enforcement officials.
“In the first, she is after a colleague, well-liked Detective Constable Marcus Farrow, who is wanted for the murder of his wife and son. He is on the run, hoping to locate evidence that will clear his name before Reinhardt catches up to him.
“Later, prison officer Dave Murdoch’s life is turned upside down when he receives a call that his pregnant daughter has been kidnapped and he must help an inmate escape in order for her to be released. Reinhardt searches for clues that could help her solve the case, which could help make her career..”
The incredible Rosie Cavaliero stars in both seasons of the show(Image: ITV / Red Productions)
Prey holds an impressive 100% rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, with one critic saying: “Prey… is a near perfect blend of well-crafted characterizations within the context of a credibly gripping murder case.”
A further reviewer added: “Despite its familiar premise, Prey is an engrossing, dynamic series, a testament to the sturdiness of the tropes it’s driven by as well as Lunt’s ability to play with and execute ideas so many have others explored.”
A third critic noted: “Bolstered by a stacked roster of very capable British actors, Simm, Glenister and Cavaliero go a long way toward helping you not worry about wasting your time.”
Yet another reviewer writes: “Prey isn’t without its faults…. But the big question was, did it make the viewer want to tune in next week to see watch the story unfold? And the answer to that is a resounding ‘yes’.”
Audiences were equally effusive about the ITV production, with one writing: “I can’t believe that I just found this gem. Outstanding acting from virtually everyone, non stop action, great storyline.
Philip Glenister takes on the lead in the second season(Image: Ben Blackall / ITV / Red Production Company)
“Every character is so believable, so real. Three episodes, so well done! Series two is my plan for tomorrow. Amazon Prime has the absolute best choices for British and Australian TV.”
One IMDB reviewer said: “BRITS DO IT BEST… The Brits just seem to have the formula for these types of series..always spot on..better than anything on American and Canadian TV…and anything with John Simm in it is going to be A1 entertainment… Great series ..worth the time and a good binge watch..as mentioned Brits do it best!”.
An additional IMDB review added: “Gripping ITV drama. ITV have made quite a few solid crime dramas recently and this series is among the better ones. John Simm puts in a fine performance as Farrow and Rosie Cavaliero is equally good as Reinhardt.
“The rest of the cast are pretty good too; especially Struan Rodger who plays elderly villain Topher Lomax who is threatening even though he is in a wheelchair and needs an oxygen cylinder. The story is gripping from start to finish. Overall this series is well worth watching if you enjoy crime dramas.”
A separate reviewer wrote: “Absolutely loved this action packed thriller. Both series were excellent tho, of course, for me the draw was John Simm. The entire cast is brilliant. Well worth watching!”.
Prey is available to stream now on Netflix.
