ITV continues to set the gold standard for British storytelling
(Image: ITV)ITV has produced some of the most gripping, emotional, and unforgettable dramas ever seen on British television — from chilling true-crime stories to sweeping emotional masterpieces that keep viewers coming back year after year. Whether it’s a haunting coastal murder mystery, a shocking real-life scandal that changed the nation, or an explosive police thriller that has audiences on edge, these shows prove why ITV continues to set the gold standard for British storytelling.
Critics have hailed many of these dramas as “masterpieces,” with performances that have won BAFTAs, inspired global remakes, and turned quiet British towns into pop culture landmarks. Some made headlines for their social impact, others for their powerhouse acting and rewatch value — but all have left a lasting mark on viewers. Here, we count down the seven greatest ITV dramas of all time — and reveal the one “masterpiece” fans still can’t stop rewatching.
7. Love/Hate
This gritty Irish crime saga, starring Aidan Gillen, Robert Sheehan, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, delves into Dublin’s violent gangland scene and the consequences of loyalty and ambition.
Although produced by RTÉ, its UK airing on ITV4 helped build a cult following. Critics praised the series for its raw performances and shock twists that left viewers reeling. One fan gushed: "This is brilliantly done. It deserves to be a worldwide hit."
(Image: ITV)6. Trigger Point
Vicky McClure stars as bomb disposal officer Lana Washington, facing danger and trauma while uncovering a wider conspiracy in London. Created by Line of Duty’s Jed Mercurio, it’s packed with tension, cliff-hangers and explosive action.
Fans have praised its pace and performances, with one writing: “Very exciting and so many surprising moments. I highly recommend this action-packed series. The acting is amazing but the lead actress was outstanding.” Popular with viewers, it’s become ITV’s most adrenaline-fuelled modern thriller.
(Image: ITV)5. Manhunt (2019–2021)
Martin Clunes swaps comedy for crime in this chilling real-life drama, playing detective Colin Sutton as he hunts down some of Britain’s most notorious killers — Levi Bellfield and the Night Stalker.
Gritty, gripping and eerily realistic, Manhunt had viewers hooked and proved Clunes can do dark just as well as funny. One fan summed it up, penning: “They say a story is good if it keeps rolling around in your head when you’re not watching it. This retelling of a true crime was a gripping and authentic production that had me thinking for days afterward.”
(Image: ITV)3. Prime Suspect
Helen Mirren stars as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, battling sexism and bureaucracy while solving complex murder cases. Gritty, character-driven and revolutionary for its portrayal of women in policing, it won multiple BAFTAs and Emmys and is credited with reshaping British crime drama for generations to come.
Fans still hail it as untouchable, with one writing: “This just is the best of the lot. I have seen many a police drama but this one near perfect. Helen Mirren is superb. A must watch!”
(Image: ITV)2. Des (2020)
David Tennant delivers a chilling performance as real-life serial killer Dennis Nilsen, whose 1983 arrest exposed a series of gruesome murders in London. Co-starring Daniel Mays and Jason Watkins, this true-crime mini-series earned praise for its accuracy, and psychological insight.
Des was a huge awards success, winning Best New Drama and Best Drama Performance for David Tennant at the National Television Awards. It also earned multiple BAFTA nominations, cementing its status as one of ITV’s most acclaimed true-crime dramas.
(Image: ITV)2. Mr Bates vs The Post Office
This real-life drama follows sub-postmaster Alan Bates (Toby Jones) leading hundreds of people wrongly accused due to the faulty Horizon computer system.
With powerhouse performances and a story that changed UK law, it’s been hailed as one of ITV’s most important dramas, sparking political action and earning near-universal critical acclaim.
(Image: ITV)1. Broadchurch
A small coastal town is shaken by the murder of a young boy, investigated by Detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman).
Praised for its emotional storytelling, stunning cinematography and haunting performances, it became a BAFTA-winning “masterpiece” fans still rewatch for its gripping twists and sheer powerhouse value. One viewer summed it up perfectly: “This series is what TV should look like. This is TV at its finest. The story arc was magnificent. An absolute masterpiece.”
(Image: ITV)