Netflix's new crime drama Dept. Q has jumped straight into the streaming charts following its release.
Based on the novels of the same name by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, the nine-part series stars Downton Abbey's Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck, who is tasked with setting up new cold case unit upon his return to work after a traumatic incident.
"At first, the disillusioned cop is happy to waste his days away, but his detective instincts are ultimately reawakened and his new department becomes a magnet for a crew of misfits and mavericks," the official synopsis adds.
Following its release on Netflix yesterday, Dept. Q has already proved to be a success with audiences at home after reaching the streamer's top 10 chart for television, with the series currently placed at number 3.
It currently sits behind true-crime docuseries Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders and Julianne Moore's new dark comedy Sirens.
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Viewers are impressed with the new series, commenting how much they are enjoying it on an official Netflix Instagram post.
"I just binged it and although you’ll hardly ever see me write such things on the socials, please order at least another five seasons," wrote one fan, who added that Dept Q "may have outdone" the BBC when it comes to gripping police dramas.
"I’m on episode seven and I am fully hooked!" said another, with a third adding: "This is so good that I finished all the episodes in one sitting."
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The series has also received positive reception from critics, earning it a solid score of 86% from 22 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing.
In Digital Spy's review of Dept. Q, we described it as a "largely entertaining watch" with a "great cast that has taken a story with tremendous potential and breathed life into it".
Dept. Q also stars Line of Duty's Kelly McDonald as Dr Rachel Irving, Mark Bonnar as Stephen Burns, Kate Dickie as Detective Chief Superintendent Moira Jacobson, and Chloe Pirrie as Merritt Lingard.
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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.
