ITV crime drama hailed 'genuine masterpiece' as fans urge 'don't miss it'

More than a decade ago, a BBC crime drama captivated the entire country. The six-episode series, 'River', has maintained its popularity throughout the years and subsequently became available on Netflix, with viewers now able to stream it free of charge on ITVX. The programme chronicles Detective Inspector John River (Stellan Skarsgård), tormented by the killing of his friend and partner, DS Jackie "Stevie" Stevenson (Nicola Walker).

While probing her murder, River must conceal his deteriorating mental state from senior officers to avoid being removed from duty. A synopsis for 'River' states: "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." "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?" Since its initial broadcast, audiences have lavished praise upon the crime drama, with numerous viewers drawing comparisons to programmes such as Unforgotten, Broadchurch and The Wire, reports the Mirror . One viewer remarked, "Blew me away, you know if Netflix presents it, it must be good. wrong.

It's incredible. the most original detective story I've come across thus far." Another viewer remarked: "Pure Cinema, even if it is a 'TV' show. The new wave of cinema seems to be TV, and Netflix is the new HBO, for better and worse. River, is everything True Detective should have been but didn't have the strength to achieve. River is the Netflix equivalent of The Wire." A further comment read: "The impact of this show is astonishing.

Boy, did this show take me by surprise. All I can say is don't miss it. It's so much more than a detective series, and Stellan Skarsgård gives a performance that will take your breath away. Nicola Walker is, of course, magnificent as well." While another person stated: "What a gem!

So glad I found this. Genuine masterpiece. Acting is believable and tender. The plot is complicated but not unbelievable." Despite only one series being produced, Nicola Walker previously revealed to Good Housekeeping that Stellan Skarsgård would be interested in returning to his role as DI River.

Nevertheless, his willingness to film additional episodes would be contingent upon award-winning writer Abi Morgan returning to lead the project. Nicola, however, appears content with the six-episode conclusion, stating: "I kind of like that it was a really good story well told, a one-off six episodes. Not everything has to be returned to. It's one of my favourite things that I've ever been involved in." All episodes of River are available to watch on ITVX