SummaryDS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) is transferred to the Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12) run by Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) and partners with D.I. Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) to investigate possible corruption in the police force in this BBC police drama created by Jed Mercurio.
Created By:Jed Mercurio
Line of Duty
7 Seasons
Season 1 Premiere:
Jun 26, 2012
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
86
User score
Generally Favorable
8.0
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
86
86% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
14% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jun 3, 2021
100
It's a soul-crushing realistic depiction of the banality of evil. [7 - 20 Jun 2021, p.6]
Dec 4, 2019
100
As ever, nothing is wasted; not a scene, not a line, not a beat. For every morsel of information gathered by the team and by the viewer, another turn reveals 100 hidden possibilities. It fits together flawlessly.
User score
Generally Favorable
8.0
84% Positive
67 Ratings
67 Ratings
8% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
9% Negative
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
Mar 21, 2021
10
Outstanding. Unbelievable writing, amazing acting. The writing is sooo good, it keeps you guessing, it surprises you even when you think you figured it out. All the seasons are connected and different and writers manage to keep you interested through it all, no holes in the script. Lotta great writing has gone into this. No weak link, everyone’s acting is top notch ( I think English actors are just brilliant) .
Bravo to the English for bringing such an entertaining Crime drama with Forensic and the whole Shebang. Love love, must see!!! I was sad it ended.
Jul 1, 2020
10
The after-feeling is exhilarating. Every season, every episode, every character is crisp. The opening episode of each season hits like a typhoon hitting a loose door. There are several moments throughout the season that will pull the landing off your feet. There are only limited shows which have this profound consistency. Jed Mercurio has pulled it off in style like no other. And if DSU Ted Hastings can't win you over time after time, you are bent (pun intended). Clearly an under-watched show. More reason to watch this since all the popular ones are over now. Waiting for the sixth season.
May 16, 2020
90
Yes, there are times when Mercurio seems to want to be David Simon just a little too much – I'm going to put the line about "coming at the king" down to Lennie James' Tony Gates being a massive Omar fan in his secret inner life – but this first episode was taut, tightly scripted and well acted all round.
Sep 20, 2021
80
A promising, pulsating start to the sixth season that, on the strength of two episodes, stands shoulder to shoulder with previous Line Of Duty highs.
May 16, 2020
80
Line Of Duty makes an excellent effort at modern British life. It does fall short in places, but I give it a lot of credit for trying.
May 9, 2019
80
Much like in Bodyguard, a jolting twist at the season's midpoint changes everything, and what initially seemed like solid and smartly done procedural becomes urgent, must-finish-now TV. [13-26 May 2019, p.11]
Mar 25, 2021
40
By the show's towering standards it felt underwhelming. Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), bored and in the doldrums at AC-12 dealing with sick leave grunt work, seemed a human metaphor.
Jul 22, 2019
10
For me it's the greatest series of all time. Nothing compares. The writers have done miraculous work season after season. And the actors have done justice to their parts. Highly recommended.
May 12, 2019
10
Only one word does justice to this TV series: "Excellent". Season 5 did not disappoint in that regard. Well written and well played.
May 11, 2019
10
This is one of the most exciting and intense tv series I have watched in years! The acting is outstanding, and the storyline twists and turns in the most unexpected ways. The writers and producers have crafted an iconic crime drama which will be remembered in years to come. One of the greats,and a must see!
Oct 11, 2025
6
There is quite a bit to like about this show—generally good storytelling and acting, but it doesn’t deserve universal acclaim. The premise that there are so many dirty UK cops on the force and at the highest levels doesn’t seem believable. And all the obfuscation and long interrogations isn’t as entertaining as it could be.. It all just seems so dour.
Apr 20, 2020
6
I tend to like British shows...i love cop shows... Honestly this show is interesting on one hand and unbearable to watch on the other. There's never been a show with more unlikeable and barely tolerable people in every role. The main characters are despicable. The villains unlikely. The show could be so good but how could so many actors be so awful?
