Crime drama viewers looking for a lesser-known series to binge may want to add Inspector Ellis to their watchlist.

The Channel 5 drama first premiered in 2024 and returned for a second series the following year. Led by Sharon D Clarke, the show follows Detective Chief Inspector Ellis and DS Harper as they are sent into struggling police stations to help solve investigations that have stalled or gone badly wrong.

Although DCI Ellis is often underestimated professionally, she is a highly skilled investigator with a relentless determination to uncover the truth — a combination that has quickly won over viewers.

Fans Praise the Writing, Twists and Sharon D Clarke

Since its debut, Inspector Ellis has attracted strong reactions from crime drama fans, many of whom have praised its carefully constructed mysteries and central performances.

One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer wrote that the series kept them engaged “from the first episode to the last,” highlighting the scripts, production values and Clarke’s performance as the lead detective.

They also praised the show’s scenery and ensemble cast before calling for a third season.

Another viewer awarded the drama five stars and praised its “well laid out red herrings and twists” that keep audiences guessing until the final reveal.

Clarke, in particular, has repeatedly been singled out for praise.

One viewer admitted they had discovered the show late but described her as “awesome,” adding that they were disappointed there were only three episodes in the first season and were already waiting for more.

Only Three Episodes Per Series Leaves Fans Wanting More

One of the few complaints surrounding Inspector Ellis is simply that there is not enough of it.

Each series consists of only three episodes, with each instalment running for approximately 90 minutes.

For some fans, that format makes the show easy to binge — but also means the episodes disappear quickly.

One viewer described the series as “AMAZING” and praised Clarke’s performance as Inspector Ellis, saying it had been a long time since they had seen acting of such quality.

They also highlighted the three murder mysteries and the chemistry between Ellis and her more awkward sidekick, DS Harper, played by Andrew Gower.

According to the viewer, watching the pair’s relationship develop across the episodes became one of the strongest parts of the series.

Viewers Compare It to Endeavour

The dynamic between Ellis and Harper has also drawn comparisons with other beloved British detective dramas.

One fan went as far as calling Inspector Ellis the “best show since Endeavor ended,” saying they had struggled to find another crime series that held their attention after that programme concluded.

They praised the way Ellis and Harper gradually reveal more of their personalities to one another, describing their partnership as almost resembling a mother-and-son relationship.

That warmth, they said, makes Ellis feel different from detectives who are written as emotionally distant for no clear reason.

The viewer also praised the show for keeping the identity of the killer hidden until the final stages of each investigation.

What Is Inspector Ellis About?

The series centres on DCI Ellis, a detective brought in when local police forces are struggling with difficult cases.

Rather than remaining in one station with the same surrounding team, Ellis and Harper move between different investigations, giving each episode its own setting, suspects and police dynamics.

Ellis may frequently find herself underestimated, but her ability to recognise inconsistencies and push beyond the obvious explanation makes her particularly effective.

Harper, meanwhile, provides a contrasting presence, and the developing partnership between the two has become a major part of the show’s appeal.

Fans Are Already Calling for Series Three

After the first series attracted a strong response, the drama returned for a second run.

But viewers are already looking further ahead, with many calling for a third series and expressing frustration that each season contains only three feature-length episodes.

For anyone who enjoys classic British murder mysteries built around red herrings, slow reveals and a strong central detective partnership, Inspector Ellis has quietly established itself as a series worth discovering.

Both series of Inspector Ellis are available to stream on Netflix and Channel 5.