If you've already made your way through every episode of Silent Witness and are searching for another gripping crime drama to get stuck into, we've found just the thing.
Before Silent Witness, there was Waking the Dead – arguably one of the BBC's most underrated crime dramas. It’s a gritty, atmospheric series with gripping mysteries and brilliant performances, a forgotten BBC gem that’s well worth discovering.
And with plenty of complex cold cases and high-stakes psychological twists, it’s the perfect watch to fill the Silent Witness-shaped hole in your evening.
What is Waking the Dead about?
Waking the Dead follows Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd, who leads the Metropolitan Police's Cold Case Unit in London.
Tasked with reopening long-forgotten investigations, Boyd and his specialist team use advances in forensic science, psychological profiling and modern detective techniques to uncover the truth behind unsolved murders and disappearances that have baffled police for years.
Much like Silent Witness, each investigation unfolds over two episodes, giving every case time to develop plenty of suspense before reaching a satisfying conclusion.
The series delves into both the investigations themselves and the personal lives of the detectives leading them, as they work tirelessly to finally bring justice to victims and their families.
So basically, it was made for Silent Witness fans looking for their next obsession.
Who stars in the cast of Waking the Dead?
Trevor Eve leads the series as the uncompromising Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd. His determination to solve even the oldest crimes drives the Cold Case Unit.
He's joined by a talented supporting cast, including Claire Goose as detective Amelia Silver, Wil Johnson as pathologist Dr Spencer Jordan, and Holly Aird as forensic scientist Dr Frankie Wharton.
The cast also features Sue Johnston (who you may remember from Downton Abbey and Corrie). She plays psychological profiler Dr Grace Foley.
Where can I watch Waking the Dead?
All nine seasons are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, so there’s no shortage of watching material - it’s ready and waiting!
