'Masterpiece' BBC series that fans say everyone should watch at least once

A gritty BBC crime series is hailed as a "masterpiece" that "everyone should watch". Luther first hit screens in 2010 and focuses on the titular troubled DCI John Luther (played by Idris Elba) as he investigates grisly, disturbing crimes in London's hidden criminal underworld.

Unconventional and rarely by the book, he forms a complicated relationship with Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson), a brilliant scientist he's tasked with probing over a shocking double murder. And while Luther's brilliance as an investigator is key to cops tracking down some of the capital's most elusive killers, his personal demons and rule-breaking put his career and life in danger.

The show ran for five series and was followed by a feature film, Luther: The Fallen Sun, which premiered in cinemas in early 2023.

Screenrant.com described Luther as a "masterpiece from start to finish", saying it's a "British crime show everyone should watch, not just because of its characters and performers, but because of the mysteries at the heart of each storyline".

One fan took to IMDb, where the show has an 8.4/10 score, to shower it with praise, writing: "I can't say enough about how much I loved Luther, it was such a terrific show.

"It's about a terrific detective who always figures out even the hardest of cases and the dangers that come with it. He's like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes.

"I've watched the entire series twice through and can't say enough about how good it is, especially Idris Elba as the lead. He's such a great actor and has given so many great performances throughout his career, but I have to say that Luther is his best one. Ruth Wilson (Alice) is also brilliant in this show and holds her own with Elba."

Another said Luther "stands out as a gripping crime drama with Idris Elba delivering a powerhouse performance as the troubled DCI John Luther".

"The series blends intense investigations with deep psychological twists, offering a raw and emotionally charged story. It's a must-watch for fans of dark, clever thrillers."

A third said the episodes "keep me on the edge of my seat and there is no way to watch this show any other way that being focused".

"The sub-stories and plots are many and complex, and they add another reason to watch, just to see how events unfold and how they impact the main characters," they added.

The episodes in the series have 15 certificates and deal with various upsetting themes, including mental health struggles, suicide, violence, and gore, so they may not be for everyone.

All five series of Luther are streaming now on BBC iPlayer.

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