Are you mourning the end of the latest season of Line of Duty? ๐จ The gripping, complex plots, and the intense undercover operations that leave you on the edge of your seat every Sunday are now over for another year. But the good news is there are countless other series that can fill that investigative void in your TV watching schedule. Whether you're looking for more police dramas, thriller series, or even tales of espionage and corruption, this list of 10 Unmissable Series to Binge After You've Watched Line of Duty has got you covered. Let's dive into each one and see what makes them stand out! ๐
1. The Wire
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๐ If you loved the intricate character development in Line of Duty, The Wire offers an unmatched look into the Baltimore drug scene and law enforcement. Created by former police reporter David Simon, this series uses real-life experiences to craft a narrative that's both realistic and profoundly engaging. Hereโs what you can expect:
- Complex Characters: Just like AC-12's own, characters in The Wire have layers and stories that intersect in unexpected ways.
- Realistic Plotlines: The show portrays crime, policing, and the socio-economic conditions of urban America with raw authenticity.
- Deep Themes: Beyond crime, it explores themes of education, politics, media, and the consequences of institutional failings.
<p class="pro-note">๐ก Note: The Wire is known for its slow-burn storytelling, but patience pays off with some of the most rewarding character arcs in television history.</p>
2. True Detective
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๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ Each season of True Detective brings a new case, new characters, and a captivating narrative style. For fans of Line of Duty:
- Detective Work: Thereโs a blend of police procedural and psychological thriller that will remind you of the tense investigations in Line of Duty.
- Character Depth: Characters grapple with personal demons, much like the moral and professional struggles seen in AC-12.
- Mysterious Plots: Season one, in particular, is known for its complex, winding investigation into ritualistic murder.
3. Broadchurch
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๐ This series not only shares the same creative mastermind as Line of Duty in Chris Chibnall but also brings:
- Community Involvement: Broadchurch involves the entire town in its mystery, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspicion.
- Character Interaction: The chemistry between lead investigators Hardy and Miller is as compelling as that of any AC-12 team member.
- Engaging Plot: The investigation into a boy's murder in a small English seaside town spirals into broader societal issues.
4. Luther
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๐ Idris Elba stars as the brooding detective John Luther, whose methods often skirt the edges of the law:
- Moral Ambiguity: Like Line of Dutyโs characters, Luther faces ethical dilemmas that challenge his integrity.
- Intense Cases: The series offers high-stakes, psychological cat-and-mouse games with sophisticated criminals.
- Gritty Realism: The show's setting in London provides a gritty, real backdrop to the investigations.
5. The Fall
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๐ฎโโ๏ธ A psychological thriller that focuses on the cat-and-mouse game between a serial killer and a detective:
- Psychological Depth: The series delves into the psyche of both the hunter and the hunted, offering a depth not always explored in Line of Duty.
- Tense Atmosphere: The pace and tension are meticulously crafted, echoing the suspenseful chase sequences seen in AC-12โs operations.
<p class="pro-note">๐ก Note: While "The Fall" doesn't cover as broad a scope as Line of Duty, its focus on character and atmosphere provides a different kind of thrill.</p>
6. Bodyguard
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๐ This series takes you into the world of political intrigue and personal protection:
- Political Thriller: The plot involves protecting the UK Home Secretary amidst terrorism threats, providing a different angle on governmental corruption.
- Intense Drama: The series features nail-biting, real-time action sequences that elevate the tension.
7. Hinterland
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๐ป Set against the haunting landscapes of Wales, this series delivers:
- Atmospheric Settings: The isolation and beauty of the countryside add layers of mystery and melancholy to the cases.
- Elegant Crime Solving: Detective Mathias's introspective approach to policing offers a refreshing contrast to the urgency seen in Line of Duty.
8. Spiral (Engrenages)
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๐ซ๐ท For those who enjoyed the legal and moral complexities of Line of Duty, Spiral dives deep into the French judicial system:
- Legal Drama: The series follows both the police and prosecutors, offering insights into different aspects of the justice system.
- Moral Gray Areas: Characters often navigate ethical dilemmas, showcasing the blurred lines between right and wrong.
9. Mindhunter
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๐ง This David Fincher series explores the origins of criminal psychology:
- Psychological Profiling: Much like AC-12's investigative techniques, Mindhunter focuses on understanding the criminal mind.
- Historical Setting: The 1970s setting provides a unique backdrop for the exploration of early criminal profiling methods.
10. Ozark
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๐ฒ While not a police procedural, Ozark deals with the consequences of crime, corruption, and the attempt to escape:
- Crime Family Dynamics: The Byrdes' struggle to launder money mirrors the moral and ethical complexities in Line of Duty.
- Tension and Suspense: The constant need to stay ahead of law enforcement and criminal elements creates a gripping narrative.
From gripping police procedurals to deep psychological thrillers, this list provides a range of series to help you fill the void left by Line of Duty. Each show offers its unique take on crime, corruption, and the human condition, ensuring that your weekend binge-watching plans are more than well catered for. ๐
Now, let's keep the momentum going with an FAQ section to answer some of your burning questions about these recommended series!
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these series as gritty as Line of Duty?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Many of these series share Line of Dutyโs gritty realism, with shows like "The Wire," "Luther," and "The Fall" standing out for their raw portrayal of crime and law enforcement.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Which series focuses more on character development?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>"The Wire," "True Detective," and "Broadchurch" are particularly renowned for their deep character studies, showing character growth and psychological complexity over time.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I watch these series with my family?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most of these series contain mature themes, violence, and language, making them more suitable for older teens and adults. However, "Broadchurch" or "Bodyguard" might be slightly more family-friendly, depending on your family's tolerance for crime-related content.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>
With a new slate of series to explore, your TV queue will be filled with suspense, drama, and the occasional moral quandary, keeping you engaged long after Line of Duty has concluded. Enjoy the binge-watching! ๐ฟ