In the crowded landscape of crime dramas, ITV’s Ridley emerges as a standout, delivering a gut-punch of emotional depth, unrelenting suspense, and a chilling exploration of human darkness. Far from the formulaic police procedurals that dominate television, this series, starring the magnetic Adrian Dunbar, weaves a tapestry of betrayal, loss, and redemption against the stark backdrop of northern England’s rugged landscapes. With its second season having premiered on August 10, 2025, Ridley has solidified its place as a must-watch for fans of gritty, thought-provoking thrillers. But what makes this series so compelling, and why is it resonating so deeply with audiences?
At its core, Ridley follows Alex Ridley, a retired detective inspector played by Dunbar, who is drawn back into the world of crime-solving as a consultant. Unlike the typical action-hero cop, Ridley is a man scarred by profound personal tragedy. Eighteen months before the series begins, his wife and daughter perished in a devastating arson attack, an event that shattered his world and forced him into early retirement due to a nervous breakdown. Now, called upon by his former protégée, DI Carol Farman (Bronagh Waugh), Ridley steps back into the fray, tackling complex cases that test his intellect, resilience, and emotional fortitude.
The series’ strength lies in its refusal to shy away from the darker corners of the human psyche. Each episode, spanning a feature-length two hours, dives into intricate mysteries—ranging from a jewellery heist gone violently wrong to the discovery of a young woman’s body on a desolate moorland. These cases are not mere whodunits; they are layered with moral ambiguity, forcing characters and viewers alike to grapple with questions of justice, loyalty, and retribution. The show’s creator, Paul Matthew Thompson, known for his work on Vera, infuses Ridley with a grittier edge, setting it apart from its contemporaries. The northern England setting, with its fog-laden moors and windswept hills, becomes almost a character in itself, amplifying the sense of isolation and foreboding that permeates the narrative.
What sets Ridley apart from other crime dramas is its unflinching portrayal of betrayal. The series delves into betrayals both personal and professional, with Ridley himself confronting the man responsible for his family’s death—a criminal who shows no remorse. This dynamic adds a raw, emotional intensity to the show, as Ridley wrestles with his desire for closure while maintaining his commitment to justice. The interplay between Ridley and DI Farman also explores themes of trust and loyalty, as their flipped power dynamic—Farman now outranking her former mentor—creates tension and mutual respect. The supporting cast, including Terence Maynard as the skeptical DI Goodwin and Julie Graham as jazz club co-owner Annie, adds depth, bringing nuanced relationships that elevate the drama beyond its procedural roots.
Yet, Ridley is not without its quirks, and one of its most divisive elements is Adrian Dunbar’s musical performances. As a co-owner of a jazz club, Ridley takes to the stage at the end of each episode, delivering soulful renditions of jazz standards or songs by artists like Richard Hawley. For some, these moments are a refreshing break from the show’s relentless tension, showcasing Dunbar’s real-life vocal talents and adding a layer of vulnerability to Ridley’s character. For others, the musical interludes feel jarring, pulling viewers out of the gritty crime narrative and into a softer, almost incongruous space. Regardless of where one stands, these scenes are undeniably memorable, sparking heated discussions among fans and critics alike.
The show’s pacing is another triumph. Each episode begins with a crime that hooks viewers immediately, whether it’s a farmer found dead under suspicious circumstances or a high-profile murder at an illegal rave. As the investigations unfold, the plot thickens with unexpected connections, hidden motives, and shocking revelations. Unlike many modern crime dramas that rely on graphic violence or over-the-top twists, Ridley maintains a measured intensity, allowing the weight of its characters’ choices and the consequences of their actions to drive the story. The rural setting, with its stark beauty and haunting atmosphere, enhances the sense of unease, making every clue and discovery feel like a step deeper into a moral quagmire.
For all its strengths, Ridley is not without flaws. Some critics have noted that the series occasionally leans on familiar crime drama tropes—a brooding detective with a tragic past, a skeptical boss, a tight-knit community hiding secrets. Yet, the stellar performances, particularly Dunbar’s, elevate these conventions into something fresh and engaging. His portrayal of Ridley is understated yet powerful, conveying a man who is both a brilliant investigator and a broken soul. Bronagh Waugh’s DI Farman complements him perfectly, her strength and intelligence shining through in every scene, while her personal life adds warmth and relatability to the show.
As Ridley moves into its second season, it promises to delve even deeper into its titular character’s psyche. New cases, including a shooting, a disappearance, and a corporate conspiracy tied to an underground rave scene, challenge Ridley in ways that push him to his limits. The series continues to explore his grief, his tentative steps toward healing, and his complex relationships with those around him. For viewers, the question isn’t just who committed the crime, but how far Ridley will go to uncover the truth—and at what cost.
In a television landscape filled with predictable procedurals, Ridley stands out as a bold, emotionally charged thriller that dares to confront the messiness of human nature. It’s a series that doesn’t just entertain but lingers in the mind, leaving viewers haunted by its tragedies and captivated by its mysteries. Whether you’re drawn to the pulse-pounding investigations or the soulful strains of Ridley’s jazz performances, this ITV gem is a journey worth taking. Dare to dive in, and prepare to be gripped by a story that will break your heart and keep you guessing until the very end.
