The “Exceptionally Good” British Detective Drama That Fans Of Shetland And Midsomer Murders Should Binge Tonight
Some crime dramas follow familiar police investigations. Others take you into a side of detective work rarely explored on television, where a missing person could be the first clue to something far more disturbing. Chasing Shadows belongs firmly in the second category, and its unusual approach to catching serial killers makes it a standout among British crime dramas.
First aired in 2014, the ITV series stars Reece Shearsmith as DS Sean Stone, a socially awkward detective with an extraordinary ability to spot behavioural patterns, and Alex Kingston as Ruth Hattersley, his empathetic and level-headed professional partner. Together, they investigate cases involving serial killers who target vulnerable people, tackling investigations that demand more than conventional police work.
With all four episodes available to stream on ITVX, this is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a gripping detective drama to watch tonight.
A Missing Persons Unit With A Disturbing Mission
Unlike traditional police procedurals, Chasing Shadows centres on a missing persons unit. Its detectives face the difficult task of finding people who have disappeared, often uncovering evidence of far more sinister crimes along the way.
At the heart of the story is Sean Stone, an obsessive, blunt and socially awkward investigator who appears to have undiagnosed autism. His ability to recognise patterns that others overlook makes him an exceptional detective, even when his manner puts him at odds with those around him.
Ruth Hattersley provides the balance Sean needs. Her empathy and steady presence complement his unconventional methods, creating a partnership that feels distinctive without relying on the usual troubled-detective formula.
The four-part series unfolds across two separate two-part investigations, each presenting the pair with a different and unsettling mystery.
- The first case: A 16-year-old girl vanishes as a series of teenage suicides raises troubling questions.
- The second case: Lawyer and single father Stephen Eli disappears, leaving behind a mystery that refuses to add up.
Both investigations draw the detectives into cases involving vulnerable people, giving the drama an emotional weight that extends beyond simply identifying a criminal.
Why Reece Shearsmith Saw Something Different In The Series
For Reece Shearsmith, one of the biggest attractions was the opportunity to step away from the conventions of a standard police drama.
Speaking to Digital Spy, the actor explained that he wanted a project that would surprise viewers rather than follow a predictable procedural formula. He was initially concerned about whether the series might feel like another familiar detective show, but the focus on missing persons offered a different perspective.
Shearsmith also contrasted the drama with Cracker, highlighting how its central premise sets it apart from more conventional police investigations.
That distinction is crucial to the show’s appeal. The mysteries are not simply about who committed a crime. They begin with someone who has disappeared, leaving detectives to piece together what happened and whether the person is still in danger.
The Cast Bringing The Cases To Life
Alongside Shearsmith and Kingston, Chasing Shadows features a strong ensemble of familiar British television talent.
- Reece Shearsmith as DS Sean Stone (Inside No. 9)
- Alex Kingston as Ruth Hattersley (ER)
- Adjoa Andoh as Angela Bale (Bridgerton)
- Don Warrington as CS Harley Drayton (Death in Paradise)
- Noel Clarke as DCI Carl Prior (Kidulthood)
- Lynda Baron as Maggie Hattersley (Open All Hours)
- Letitia Wright as Taylor Davis (Black Panther)
- Myriam Acharki as Adele Rivera (The Beach)
- Alfie Field as Bryan Hattersley (The Woman in Black)
- Susan Lynch as Dr Ellesmere (Nora)
The ensemble helps build the wider world around the investigations, while the contrasting personalities of the two central detectives give the series much of its character.
Is Chasing Shadows Worth Watching?
Absolutely. Its strongest feature is the way it combines tense criminal investigations with a less familiar setting and a partnership that avoids many of the genre’s standard clichés.
Sean’s obsessive approach and blunt personality make him an unconventional investigator, while Ruth’s compassion provides a counterbalance. Neither character needs to fit the mould of a conventional detective for the partnership to work.
The missing persons angle also gives the mysteries a different emotional dimension. Every case begins with uncertainty about someone whose fate is unknown, and the possibility that vulnerable people have fallen into the hands of serial killers raises the stakes considerably.
For viewers who enjoy intelligent crime stories with compelling characters, Chasing Shadows offers a refreshing alternative to more familiar detective dramas.
Where To Watch All Four Episodes
All four episodes of Chasing Shadows are available to stream on ITVX.
With its compact four-episode run, the series is an easy choice for a crime-drama binge without committing to multiple seasons.
Three More Detective Dramas To Add To Your Watchlist
If you’ve already worked your way through the usual crime favourites, there are two more series worth considering.
Hinterland
Fans of Shetland may enjoy this atmospheric Welsh detective drama. Richard Harrington stars as troubled detective Tom Mathias, whose fresh start in Aberystwyth is interrupted when he is called to investigate an attack in the sand dunes.
All three series are available on BBC iPlayer.
My Life Is Murder
For viewers who prefer their mysteries with a lighter touch, this series follows Alexa Crowe, played by Lucy Lawless, a fearless former detective turned private investigator who takes on some of Melbourne’s trickiest criminal cases.
Combining crime-solving with charm and wit, it offers a different mood from the darker world of Chasing Shadows. You can watch it on Acorn TV via Prime Video.
Whether you prefer unsettling serial-killer investigations, atmospheric British mysteries or a more playful take on detective work, these series offer plenty to explore. But for a compact crime drama built around an unusual investigative team and cases with real emotional stakes, Chasing Shadows deserves a place near the top of your watchlist.