Crime dramas are continuing to have a very big moment in the world of television – BBC’s Sherwood has recently enraptured us, Channel 4’s The Cane Field Killings had us on the edge of our seats and we’re eagerly anticipating the release of Netflix’s Bodies.

Now, joining the ranks of recent series we’re not done raving about is Channel 4’s Suspect. The gritty drama has a cast of familiar faces and a supposedly simple premise: who did it? If you haven’t watched it already, it’s time to get your Cluedo hat on as each character suddenly becomes a – you guessed it – suspect in an inexplicable murder case.

And it’s officially Channel 4’s biggest drama launch of the year. Sharing the news on Twitter, the broadcaster revealed that the crime thriller pulled in a staggering 3.3 million viewers and was the biggest show on All4 in June. We knew it was an impressive series, after all.

The (clearly) popular series is available to stream on All4 and if you’re anything like us, you’ll easily lap it up in a weekend. But like the rest of the online reaction to the series, Suspect is just the kind of crime drama we love.

It starts off with a dramatic introduction to Danny (James Nesbitt) and trust us, the tension really kicks up a notch as the episodes unfold.

From his past performances in Bloodlands and Stay Close, we knew Nesbitt would make the pained detective role his own.

But an honourable mention goes to Niamh Algar who wowed us all with her performance as Christina’s partner Nicole in the series.

And, of course, many Outlander fans are pleased to see Sam Heughan on their screens in an entirely different role.

Essentially, the drama has everything we know and love – twists, turns and that widening eye of suspicion that keeps us engrossed.

It really does make the series a “bloody good” one.

If that’s not enough to drum up excitement, perhaps some of the images of the series will. In one we see James Nesbitt (as Danny) holding a scalpel and looking very perplexed. In another, we see a sombre Anne Marie-Duff (as Danny’s ex-wife Susannah) leaning over a coffin and we also get a peek at Joely Richardson (as pathologist Jackie).

But that’s not all, oh no. Earlier in May, one of Suspect’s series stars, Sam Heughan, shared the first trailer for the series. While you may have already seen it on TV, the trailer does an excellent job of drumming up the suspense of the series.

In it, we get our first glimpse of the cast in action and Danny is not leaving any stone unturned. He says: “I’ve got nothing to lose so I’ll keep digging until I find something. And when I do find that one little thread, I’ll pull until the whole shebang unravels.” Chilling stuff, right?

Watch it for yourself (via Heughan’s Twitter) here:

With that, here’s everything you need to know about Suspect.

What is the plot of Suspect?

According to the Channel 4 synopsis:

“When veteran detective Danny Frater (James Nesbitt) turns up at a hospital mortuary for what he thinks is a routine ID check on a young woman’s body, he gets a devastating shock; the corpse turns out to be his estranged daughter, Christina (Imogen King).

“He sets out on a mission for the truth, retracing her last days and hours, in an agonising crusade to discover what really happened to his only child.”

Danny is informed that Christina ended her own life, but refusing to accept that, he uncovers truths and lies that will leave viewers gripped by each episode. After talking to those closest to her, he begins to get a picture of how Christina’s life had descended, which forces him to confront his own failings as a father.

Ultimately though, Danny has to decide who, if anyone, is responsible for Christina’s death. 

Who will star in Suspect?

James Nesbitt (Bloodlands, Cold Feet) leads the cast as detective Danny Frater while his deceased daughter Christina is played by Imogen King (The Bay, Clique).

Playing Christina’s mentor is Richard E. Grant (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Hang Ups). Anne-Marie Duff (Sex Education, Shameless) plays Danny’s ex-wife Susannah. Also starring are Ben Miller (Professor T, Bridgerton) as Danny’s Detective Superintendent boss, Niamh Algar (Deceit, Censor) as Christina’s partner Nicole, and Antonia Thomas (The Good Doctor, Small Axe) features as Christina’s best friend, Maia.

Other cast members include Sacha Dhawan (The Great, Doctor Who), Joely Richardson (The Tudors, Nip/Tuck), Sam Heughan (Outlander, Party Animals) and Imogen King (Clique, Hotel Portofino). 

What has been said about Suspect?

Speaking about the series, Nesbitt said: “I could relate to Danny, with his flaws, vulnerabilities and the devastating situation he faces, from the very first moment I picked up the script. Each episode of Suspect is an intensely theatrical double-hander, a psychological battle of wits between Danny and another character who may know something about his daughter’s untimely death, and I really can’t wait to lock horns with my fellow cast members and to lead this incredible array of acting talent.”

When speaking about working with the other cast members, Nesbitt added: “The calibre of the actors is amazing and they came so prepared. They were also incredibly supportive and protective of me, I think instinctively, because they knew I was taking on a fairly big responsibility. It was a beautifully collaborative experience.”

Jo McGrath, executive producer and CCO of Eagle Eye Drama, also commented: “Suspect has a distinctive narrative architecture which is both incredibly intimate and very intense, which represents an exciting challenge for any actor and I’m sure that’s one of the reasons we have attracted such a high calibre, talented cast.” 

When will Suspect be available to watch?

All episodes of Suspect are available to stream on All4 now.

Images: Channel 4