Blue Murder

Blue Murder is a British crime drama television series based in Manchester. Shown on ITV from 2003 until 2009 when it was cancelled by the network, it starred Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis.

Blue Murder (2003-2009) is a British crime drama series created by Cath Staincliffe for ITV1. Caroline Quentin plays DCI Janine Lewis, a Manchester detective inspector who leads a murder squad alongside DI Richard Mayne (Ian Kelsey) and DS Butchers (Paul Loughran), while DCS Hackett (David Schofield) presses from above. The engine of the series is the grinding pressure of each homicide case, from the first body through interviews, dead ends and the slow build of evidence, while Janine struggles to keep her home life with her daughters Ellie (Eden Garrity) and Charlotte (Rosanna Brett and Caitlin Brett) intact. Each story is self-contained within a run of episodes, giving the show a case-driven rhythm across five seasons and nineteen hour-long episodes. Set in contemporary Manchester, it is an ITV procedural with a gritty, grounded atmosphere, where bleak urban settings and emotionally weighty investigations are balanced by warmth in the detectives' relationships. Its tone is serious and character-focused, with the squad's internal rivalries and loyalties adding texture. Viewers who enjoy Prime Suspect, Line of Duty and Cracker will find resonance in its blend of police work and personal drama.

• Line of Dutyshared police procedural structure and gritty British crime drama tone
• Prime Suspectshared case-driven detective drama with a female lead and northern English setting
• Crackershared Manchester-set police procedural with ensemble detective team

Created by

Cath Staincliffe

Release Date

2003-05-18

Episode runtime

60 min

Rating

7.3 / 10 (15)

What is Blue Murder about?

A Manchester detective inspector leads her squad through murder investigations while balancing a demanding career with family life.

What is Blue Murder like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Blue Murder as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Blue Murder violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Blue Murder as moderate.

Which shows are like Blue Murder?

Shows with a similar feel include Line of Duty, Prime Suspect, and Cracker.

How long is Blue Murder?

Blue Murder: 5 seasons, 19 episodes.

Is Blue Murder still running?

No, Blue Murder has ended.

Where can I watch Blue Murder?

In United States, Blue Murder streams on Amazon Prime Video, Britbox Apple TV channel, The Roku Channel, BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, Plex, Plex Player, Plex Channel, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, Fawesome, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel, Tubi TV, Howdy Amazon Channel, Amazon MX Player, Pluto TV.