Viewers can't seem to get enough of the British legal drama Accused, as the 2010 BBC show has become a hit once more since finding a new home on Netflix. This interest could have something to do with the considerably impressive pool of talent that its creator Jimmy McGovern assembled, talent which includes Sheridan Smith, Olivia Colman, Stephen Graham (who is once again having a real moment right now), Anne-Marie Duff, Sean Bean, and many more.
However there's no denying that the gripping nature of the story also plays a heavy role in its appeal. Set in a courtroom, the crime drama unsurprisingly centres on the accused who are awaiting their verdict on trial. Flashback scenes help fill in the blanks as to how they got there, with viewers left to ultimately decide if they believe that the suspect is innocent or guilty.
It's the perfect show to binge-watch, with a water-cooler-conversational draw, and if you've finished all of the episodes then you are no doubt currently looking for something else to watch. If that's the case, you've come to the right place – here are six unmissable shows to watch after Accused.
Criminal: UK
With phenomenal performances from the likes of David Tennant – the stacked cast also includes Katherine Kelly, Rochenda Sandall, Kunal Nayyar, Sharon Horgan and Kit Harrington – Criminal: UK was a no-brainer for this list.
Also an anthology, the crime series takes place in an interview room and sees a psychological game of cat and mouse ensue between detectives and their suspects whose alleged crimes lay the grounds for an engrossing watch.
Criminal: UK is available to stream now on Netflix.
What to Read Next
Mindhunter
If you love the psychological aspect of Accused, then Mindhunter will definitely make a great follow-up watch.
Set in the 1970s, the Netflix drama centres around two FBI agents – Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) – who are hellbent on catching serial killers, but to do so they must route through the minds of the convicted in order to understand the psyche of others.
Mindhunter is available to stream now on Netflix.
Inside Man
Inside Man, created by Steven Moffat, sees death row inmate Jefferson Grieff (played by Stanley Tucci) become integral to an investigation, when math tutor Janice (Dolly Wells, And Just Like That) goes missing.
The tense and twisted thriller also follows desperate father and vicar Harry (David Tennant), whose determination to protect his child lands him in unthinkable trouble, and It's a Sin's Lydia West also stars as journalist Beth Davenport.
Inside Man is available to stream now on Netflix.
Bergerac
When it comes to a story that evolves in a twisty fashion, Bergerac will have you just as hooked as Accused – and the series is packed with red herrings to keep you guessing.
The crime drama centres around the broken detective Jim Bergerac (Damien Molony) who is still reeling from the death of his wife. In an attempt to regain control over his life, Bergerac thrusts himself back into work, which means investigating the death of a young mother belonging to a wealthy family.
Bergerac is available to stream now on U.
True Detective
Another anthology series, the crime thriller follows different detectives each series starting with Matthew McConaughey's Rustin Cohle and Woody Harrelson's Martin Hart in season one, right up to season four with detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis).
No one season is the same, but what connects them is the high stakes and gripping mysteries that unfold, as each detective pairing works to uncover the truth.
It may not be set in a courtroom but fans of Accused will love the suspenseful nature both shows share.
True Detective is available to stream now on Prime Video.
Accused
No this is not a typo, Accused also has an American version too.
Naturally the 2023 US iteration follows the same premise as the BBC crime anthology and stars Taylor Schilling, Rachel Bilson, Christopher Gorham and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
Accused is available to stream now on Paramount+.
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
