Helen Mirren is a national treasure, and it's hard to find a project of hers we haven't seen. From playing the ever inquisitive Elizabeth in the adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club, to taking on the role of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen, to her surprise appearance in four Fast & Furious films, there's quite literally nothing this woman can't do.
And if you think you've seen just about everything Helen has starred in then think again, as ITVX has added Helen's standout TV series Prime Suspect, and it's a must-watch.
Before you rush to ITVX and hit play, here's everything you need to know about Prime Suspect, starring Helen Mirren.
What is Prime Suspect about?
Prime Suspect is an ITV crime drama devised by the queen of crime-writing herself, Lynda La Plante. It stars Helen as DCI Jane Tennison, one of the first female DCIs in the Met Police.
The series focuses on the crimes Jane solves with her team, as well as the constant battle she has to face of having to "prove" herself in a heavily male dominated environment.
The show ran for five seasons between 1991 and 1996, before returning for a sixth season in 2003 and a seventh and final season in 2006.
Helen went onto win three BAFTA awards for her role as Jane and the show won many BAFTAS and Emmy awards throughout its airing.
In a 2010 Guardian roundup of the 50 best TV dramas of all time, Prime Suspect was ranked 19th, with Grace Dent describing the show as "bleak, brutal and beautifully rendered, this was British crime drama at its absolute best." If that doesn't make you want to watch it nothing will!
Who stars in Prime Suspect?
Alongside Helen, here's all the main characters and cast members of Prime Suspect:
- John Benfield as Detective Superintendent Michael Kernan, aka Tennison's boss
- Richard Hawley as Detective Constable Richard Haskons
- Tom Bell as Detective Sergeant Bill Otley
- Jack Ellis as Detective Inspector Tony Muddyman
- Craig Fairbrass as Detective Inspector Frank Burkin
- Mossie Smith as Constable Maureen Havers
Over the years the series had many notable guests stars including Zoë Wannamaker, Ralph Fiennes, Peter Capaldi, David Thewlis, Ciarán Hinds and Danny Dyer.
Where can I watch Prime Suspect?
All seven seasons of Prime Suspect are available to watch on ITVX now. Each season has two episodes, so that's 14 episodes to get through. Should last us about a week!
Prime Suspect is available to watch on ITVX now
