On the hunt for your next TV binge? ITVX has got you covered. The “gripping” and totally binge-worthy drama series, River, has just become free to stream on the platform – and there are six episodes to get stuck into.
Created and penned by Abi Morgan, known for The Split and Eric, the series stars Stellan Skarsgård as brilliant detective John River, who is grieving the death of his close friend and colleague, DS Jackie ‘Stevie’ Stevenson (Nicola Walker). But as the investigation into Stevie’s murder unfolds and her darkest secrets are revealed, River begins to question everything he thought he knew about her.
All you need to know about River before watching
The series centres around John River, a detective who “lives among the dead and dying victims and killers from the murder cases he’s trying to solve.”
The synopsis continues: “John River: a man whose vulnerabilities and eccentricities are brought to the fore as he grieves the loss of his dearest friend and colleague, DS Jackie Stevenson.
“The stages of his grief mark River’s growing bonds with those he has excluded from his heart and his mind, and when a murder suspect jumps to his death whilst being pursued by River, the pressure and scrutiny that surrounds him escalates fast.”
© BBC/KudosIt concludes: “As the investigation into Stevie’s murder begins to reveal her deepest secrets, River has to question everything he thought he knew about his one true friend. Their relationship might have survived her death, but can it survive the truth of who she really was in life?”
Who stars in River?
The show boasts a star-studded cast led by Stellan Skarsgård (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) and Nicola Walker (The Split, Unforgotten).
They’re joined by Adeel Akhtar (Sherwood, Showtrial) in the role of Detective Sergeant Ira King, Lesley Manville (The Crown, Sherwood) as Chief Inspector Chrissie Read, and Eddie Marsan (Back to Black, Ray Donovan) as a notorious killer who plagues River.
5 top ITV drama series
© ITV1. The Bay
Set in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire. Investigator Lisa Armstrong is assigned to support and talk to the families of missing persons. When she discovers a personal connection to a case she’s working on, her emotional involvement may cause her to overlook crucial clues.
2. A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story
A dark love story about Ruth Ellis (Lucy Boynton), the last woman to be executed in the UK in the 1950s. The historical crime drama follows her turbulent life as a nightclub manager and her violent relationship with the man she eventually murders.
3. Unforgotten
Detectives Cassie Stuart and Sunil Khan are on the top of their game to solve a series of cold cases including murders and strange disappearances. But are there consequences to digging up crimes and secrets from the past?
4. Out There
Nathan Williams (Martin Clunes), plays a farmer who risks everything to protect his son after he becomes involved with a drug gang. The dark world of county lines drug cartels begins to seep into the family’s rural life.
5. Playing Nice
James Norton stars in this nightmare thriller about what happens when two sets of parents realise their sons may not be their biological children.
How was the show received?
The show was met with positive reviews from critics, with The Guardian describing the show as “more than just crime drama – it’s about personal tragedy, demons; it’s a study of loss and grief”.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph hailed the drama as “superlatively creepy”.
© BBC/Kudos/Nick BriggsThe series is also well-loved by viewers, with many praising the show on social media.
One person wrote: “Recommendation: River – a 6-part British TV series. Stellan Skarsgard gives a memorable, sensitive performance, and has terrific chemistry with Nicola Walker. Gripping and original,” while another penned: “Binge-watched RIVER. Excellent work, Stellan Skarsgard and Nicola Walker.”
River is available to stream on ITVX.
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