If you're on the hunt for a stellar police drama to add to your must-watch list, we've got just the ticket. We have no doubt you've already binged the likes of Line of Duty and Happy Valley, but what about Bloodlands, which was actually created by the man behind LoD, Jed Mercurio? Seasons one and two of the gripping series are already available to watch on BBC iPlayer. So what are you waiting for?
What is Bloodlands about?
Bloodlands follows a police officer in Northern Ireland, Tom Brannick, who is investigating a kidnapping when he makes a chilling connection with a cold case: the murder of his own wife.
The BBC description of season one explains, "Seeking solace for the past and protecting present-day peace. When cold cases threaten to expose a legendary assassin, the stakes have never been higher for DCI Tom Brannick."
As for season two? Tom and DS Niamh McGovern are investigating the murder of a crooked accountant, when they find themselves on a hunt for a stash of gold and the perpetrators of corruption.
Who stars in Bloodlands?
James Nesbitt, who you'll know from the brilliant crime thriller The Missing and Harlan Coben's Stay Close, plays lead role DCI Tom Brannick. He is also joined by various cast for seasons one and two. In season two:
- Charlene McKenna plays DS Niamh McGovern
- Lorcan Cranitch plays DCS Jackie Twomey
- Lola Petticrew plays Izzy Brannick
- Chris Walley plays DC Billy 'Birdy' Bird
- Victoria Smurfit plays Olivia Foyle
In season one:
- Lisa Dwan plays Tori Matthews
- Ian McElhinney plays Adam Cory
- Flora Montgomery plays Superintendent McAllister
- Michael Smiley plays Dinger
- Kathy Kiera Clarke plays Claire Keenan
- Cara Kelly plays Siobhan Harkin
- Asan N'Jie plays Larry
- Peter Balance plays Pat Keenan
- Susan Lynch plays Heather Pentland
How many episodes of Bloodlands are there?
Season one is made up of four, 55-minute long episodes. It originally came out in February 2021. Season two has six 55-minute episodes, and originally came out in September 2022.
What have viewers said about Bloodlands?
The Guardian described it as "an enjoyably dense and astute thriller (with enough black humour threaded through to let it breathe)" while Refinery29 summarised, "although it starts off slow, Bloodlands soon immerses itself in the dark and sticky history of the Goliath case."
Where can you watch Bloodlands?
As mentioned, Bloodlands is now streaming on BBC iPlayer, and you can watch seasons one and two whenever you like!
