On June 27, 2025, Netflix added all six seasons of the BBC’s Line of Duty to its streaming platform, sparking a frenzy among crime drama fans. Hailed as a “10/10 masterpiece” on X, this British police procedural, created by Jed Mercurio, has captivated audiences since its 2012 debut with its labyrinthine plots, relentless suspense, and gut-punching betrayals. With 36 episodes now available for binge-watching, viewers are calling it “illegal” to be this hooked on a show dripping with deception. This article dives into the cast, plot, major twists, release details, and why Line of Duty remains a benchmark for crime dramas, exploring what makes it so addictive and divisive.
The Cast: A Powerhouse of British Talent
Line of Duty boasts a stellar ensemble, anchored by its core trio: Martin Compston as DS Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure as DI Kate Fleming, and Adrian Dunbar as Superintendent Ted Hastings. Compston’s Arnott is a principled yet embattled detective, transferred to the Anti-Corruption Unit (AC-12) after refusing to cover up a fatal mistake. McClure’s Fleming, a master of undercover work, balances loyalty to her team with a fierce moral compass. Dunbar’s Hastings, the head of AC-12, is a commanding figure whose Irish catchphrases like “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and the wee donkey!” have become fan favorites, even earning praise from Stephen King. Their chemistry drives the series, with each actor delivering career-defining performances across six seasons.
The show is renowned for its rotating guest stars, each season introducing a new “bent copper” under AC-12’s scrutiny. Lennie James kicks off the series as DCI Tony Gates in Season 1, a decorated officer entangled in corruption. Keeley Hawes steals Season 2 as DI Lindsay Denton, a complex figure whose guilt is never clear-cut. Season 3 features Daniel Mays as Sergeant Danny Waldron, while Thandiwe Newton’s DCI Roz Huntley dominates Season 4. Stephen Graham’s DS John Corbett electrifies Season 5, and Kelly Macdonald’s DCI Joanne Davidson anchors Season 6. Supporting players like Craig Parkinson (DS Matthew “Dot” Cottan), Nigel Boyle (DCI Ian Buckells), and Anna Maxwell Martin (DCS Patricia Carmichael) add depth, with recurring characters like Gregory Piper’s Ryan Pilkington evolving from a teenage courier to a chilling antagonist. This blend of consistent leads and high-profile guests keeps the series fresh and unpredictable.
The Plot: A Web of Corruption and Betrayal
Line of Duty follows AC-12, a fictional anti-corruption unit within the Central Police, as they investigate corrupt officers linked to an organized crime group (OCG). Each season centers on a new case, with AC-12’s trio—Arnott, Fleming, and Hastings—unraveling layers of deceit through intense interrogations, undercover operations, and high-stakes chases. The series begins in 2012 with Season 1, where Arnott, fresh from a botched counter-terrorism operation, joins AC-12 to investigate DCI Tony Gates, whose high arrest rate raises red flags. What unfolds is a tangled web involving money laundering, murder, and a gangster named Tommy Hunter.
Subsequent seasons escalate the stakes. Season 2 probes an ambush on a police convoy, implicating DI Lindsay Denton. Season 3 tackles child abuse cover-ups, with Danny Waldron’s death exposing deeper conspiracies. Season 4 sees Roz Huntley hunting a serial killer while hiding her own secrets. Season 5 introduces John Corbett, an undercover cop gone rogue, and Season 6 focuses on the murder of journalist Gail Vella, with Joanne Davidson at the center. A recurring mystery is the identity of “H,” a high-ranking corrupt officer tied to the OCG, driving much of the series’ tension. The show’s signature style—taut interrogations, moral ambiguity, and cliffhangers—keeps viewers hooked, with each season averaging 6–7 episodes of unrelenting drama.
The overarching narrative explores the moral grayness of policing, questioning who the real villains are when officers bend the law. Jed Mercurio’s writing treats viewers as intelligent, weaving complex plots that demand attention. The series’ realism, drawn from extensive research into police procedures, contrasts with its heightened drama, creating a unique blend that fans on X compare to Nordic noir but with a distinctly British edge.
Plot Twists: Betrayals That Redefine the Game
Line of Duty is synonymous with jaw-dropping twists, each season delivering revelations that upend expectations. In Season 1, the discovery that DS Matthew “Dot” Cottan is “The Caddy,” a mole for the OCG, shocks viewers, especially as he remains undetected by AC-12. Season 2’s reveal that Lindsay Denton was complicit in an ambush but not the mastermind flips her arc from villain to tragic figure. Season 3’s early death of Danny Waldron, followed by the exposure of a child abuse ring, keeps audiences reeling, while Dot’s heroic yet fatal “Dying Declaration” unveils the existence of “H.”
Season 4’s twist that Roz Huntley accidentally killed her colleague Tim Ifield during a confrontation adds layers to her character, while Season 5 reveals that “H” is not one person but four high-ranking officers, including Dot, Gill Biggeloe, and Derek Hilton. The biggest shock comes in Season 6, when the bumbling DCI Ian Buckells is unmasked as the fourth “H,” a reveal that divided fans for its anticlimactic nature. Many on X felt Buckells was a “patsy,” not the mastermind, with Adrian Dunbar himself suggesting the real “H” remains at large. Another twist sees Ryan Pilkington, a minor Season 1 character, return as a corrupt police officer, only to meet a dramatic end in a shootout with Kate. These twists, often revealed in tense interrogation scenes, are a hallmark of the series, fueling debates and keeping viewers guessing.
Release Details: Netflix’s Timely Drop
All six seasons of Line of Duty became available on Netflix on June 27, 2025, following their initial run on BBC Two (Seasons 1–3) and BBC One (Seasons 4–6) from 2012 to 2021. The series, also accessible on BBC iPlayer, has found a new global audience on Netflix, with fans praising its binge-worthy nature. The show’s arrival comes amid speculation about a seventh season, with hints from stars Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar suggesting a possible 2026 return, though no official confirmation has emerged. If greenlit, Season 7 could air by mid-2026, likely continuing AC-12’s fight against corruption.
The Netflix release has reignited interest, with X posts calling it the “perfect weekend binge.” The series’ Rotten Tomatoes scores—100% for Seasons 1–4, 90% for Season 5, and 86% for Season 6—reflect its critical acclaim, though some fans criticize the later seasons for unresolved plot threads, particularly the “H” reveal. The show’s 8.7/10 IMDb rating and 13 BAFTA nominations underscore its status as a top-tier crime drama.
Fan Reactions: A Love Affair with Betrayal
The Netflix drop has sparked a wave of enthusiasm on X, with viewers hailing Line of Duty as “the best crime drama ever” for its gripping plot and stellar acting. Fans are particularly drawn to the betrayals, with one user joking that the show’s twists “should be illegal” for their emotional impact. The interrogation scenes, often spanning entire episodes, are lauded for their intensity, with Keeley Hawes’ Season 2 performance as Lindsay Denton frequently cited as a standout. However, the Season 6 finale, particularly the Buckells reveal, has drawn mixed reactions, with some fans feeling it didn’t match the series’ earlier highs. Posts on X suggest lingering hope that a potential Season 7 will address loose ends, such as Chief Constable Philip Osborne’s role or Patricia Carmichael’s motives.
Critics and viewers alike praise the show’s realism and moral complexity. Reviews highlight the ensemble’s authenticity, with Compston, McClure, and Dunbar delivering “phenomenal” performances that make AC-12 feel like a real unit. Some critiques note repetitive elements in later seasons, but the consensus is that Line of Duty’s ability to keep viewers on edge is unmatched. As one X user put it, “You can’t stop watching because every episode ends with you needing answers.”
Why It Resonates: A Cultural Phenomenon
Line of Duty’s appeal lies in its ability to blend high-stakes drama with social commentary. By focusing on police corruption, it taps into real-world distrust of institutions, a theme that resonates globally. The show’s intricate plotting and refusal to spoon-feed answers respect viewer intelligence, while its cliffhangers ensure late-night binges. Mercurio’s revisionist take on policing, inspired by shows like The Wire, challenges simplistic “good vs. evil” narratives, presenting characters who are neither fully heroic nor villainous.
The series’ cultural impact is evident in its record-breaking viewership—Season 6’s finale drew 12.8 million viewers, the UK’s highest-rated drama in 13 years. Its availability on Netflix is likely to expand its reach, introducing new audiences to AC-12’s world of betrayal and redemption. While some question the plausibility of later seasons, the show’s ability to spark debate only adds to its allure.
Conclusion
Line of Duty’s arrival on Netflix is a gift for crime drama fans, offering six seasons of unrelenting suspense, unforgettable twists, and a cast that brings every betrayal to life. From Tony Gates’ tragic fall to the divisive “H” reveal, the series thrives on its ability to shock and provoke. With Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar leading a stellar ensemble, and Jed Mercurio’s masterful storytelling, Line of Duty remains a benchmark for the genre. As fans binge through its 36 episodes, the clamor for a seventh season grows louder, promising more of the “sucking diesel” intensity that defines this twisted masterpiece. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan, Line of Duty on Netflix is a binge that demands to be watched—just don’t expect to emerge unscathed.
