David Tennant’s Gripping Three-Part True-Crime Drama Is Leaving Netflix in Just Weeks

Netflix viewers have only a short time left to watch one of David Tennant’s most unsettling television performances, with the acclaimed British crime drama Des scheduled to leave the streaming platform.

The three-part ITV miniseries, which also stars Daniel Mays and Jason Watkins, is based on the investigation into Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen.

Originally broadcast in 2020, the drama earned praise for its restrained storytelling and powerful performances, particularly Tennant’s portrayal of the convicted murderer.

According to the latest streaming information, Des will remain available on Netflix UK until November 7, 2026.

David Tennant Takes on One of His Darkest Roles

Best known for his performances in Doctor Who and Rivals, Tennant takes a dramatically different direction in Des, portraying Dennis Nilsen following his arrest in 1983.

The investigation began after human remains were discovered blocking a drain near Nilsen’s London home, leading police to uncover evidence of his crimes.

Daniel Mays plays Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay, the investigator tasked with questioning Nilsen and establishing the full extent of what happened.

Rather than relying on sensationalized violence, the series focuses on the police investigation, the psychological complexity of the case and the challenges faced by those trying to uncover the truth.

Jason Watkins, known for The Crown, also stars in the drama, alongside Pip Torrens, Barry Ward, Ron Cook, Ben Bailey Smith, Ross Anderson, Laurie Kynaston and Jamie Parker.

Viewers Praise Tennant’s Unsettling Performance

Since its original ITV broadcast, Des has continued to attract positive reactions from audiences impressed by its acting and storytelling.

Several IMDb reviewers singled out Tennant and Mays for their performances, describing the drama as compelling and disturbing.

One viewer praised the production as among ITV’s strongest recent miniseries, highlighting the quality of the cast.

Another commended Tennant’s understated portrayal of Nilsen, noting how effectively the actor captured the character’s manipulative behavior.

Other reviewers described the three-part drama as gripping from its opening moments, with particular admiration for Tennant’s ability to inhabit such a disturbing real-life figure.

Tennant Discussed the Challenge of Playing Dennis Nilsen

Tennant previously reflected on the difficulties of portraying a convicted serial killer, explaining that the role required him to examine a deeply troubling psychological perspective.

Speaking to Digital Spy, the actor described the experience as both horrifying and fascinating.

He emphasized that attempting to understand the psychology behind someone’s actions does not mean approving of or sympathizing with those actions.

That distinction is central to the drama’s approach, which examines the investigation without presenting Nilsen’s crimes as entertainment.

Where to Watch Des Before It Leaves Netflix

Des is scheduled to leave Netflix UK on November 7, 2026, giving subscribers just over two weeks to watch the complete miniseries.

With only three episodes, the drama can be finished in a single evening, making it an accessible choice for viewers interested in serious British crime television.

Those who miss its departure from Netflix will still have other viewing options, as the series is also available through ITVX and Disney+.

For audiences seeking a tense, performance-driven true-crime drama, Des remains one of David Tennant’s most distinctive television roles.