ITV's new crime drama Protection, starring Happy Valley's Siobhan Finneran, has garnered rave reactions from viewers.
Created by White House Farm's Kris Mrksa, the six-part series stars Finneran as Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, who finds herself at the heart of a security breach within her witness protection unit.
The synopsis adds: "Professionally compromised by a secret affair with a colleague, she is determined to uncover the true source of corruption within the police. Liz will stop at nothing to redeem herself, the reputation of her lover, and to keep her witnesses and her own family safe. Even if it means breaking all the rules."
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Viewers have now taken to social media to praise the series following its premiere on March 16, with some even comparing it to Line of Duty.
"New Line of Duty vibes #Protection," one viewer wrote on X, while another added: "Protection is giving vibes of The Bay and Line of Duty I love it !!"
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A third viewer commended Finneran on "another flawless performance", adding: "Her range is just phenomenal as you’ll know if you’ve seen Alma’s Not Normal."
Another hailed Protection as "possibly" being "ITV’s best crime drama in years!"
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Protection also stars Katherine Kelly (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office, The Crow Girl), Nadine Marshall (Sherwood, Trigger Point), Barry Ward (Bad Sisters, Save Me) and Chaneil Kular (Sex Education).
Finneran is next set to star alongside Sex Education's Asa Butterfield in Netflix's upcoming psychological thriller Out of the Dust.
The series will centre on dutiful wife and mother Rosie, whose life in a conservative Christian sect is changed when she crosses paths with escaped convict Sam.
Protection airs on ITV and streams on ITVX.
Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
