If you’ve worked your way through brilliant British classic crime dramas, such as Happy Valley to Broadchurch, and need some new cases to sink your teeth into, we’ve found the perfect solution. The BBC is currently airing new episodes of Beck, a Scandi crime drama that, in our humble opinion, is nothing short of perfect. So, stop scrolling! With twisty cases, red herrings aplenty and an unforgettable lead - this classic series should be your next binge watch.
The drama, which first aired in Sweden in 1997, follows Inspector Martin Beck (Peter Haber) through a string of unsettling investigations that take ahold of Stockholm. The latest instalment follows the force into particularly murky waters - from a devastating church blaze, to an operation targeting a wily gang leader that goes terribly wrong.
Here’s everything you need to know about Beck, including the plot, cast and all the inside details about this series.
What is Beck about?
Based on a series of novels by Swedish writers (and partners) Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, the much-loved Swedish detective drama Beck follows the eponymous detective Martin Beck (Peter Haber) and his team as they investigate murders in Stockholm's dark underworld. Beginning nearly three decades ago, the series is one of the most popular Scandi crime series.
Across more than 50 feature-length episodes, Beck has tackled all kinds of troubling cases with his trademark meticulousness, calmness and logic. Earlier episodes focused on his dynamic with his short-tempered and impulsive partner, Gunvald Larsson (Mikael Persbrandt). As the series has developed, Martin has taken a less central role in the drama, passing over the reins to his grandson Vilhelm Beck (Valter Skarsgård).
Now, the BBC has treated us to two new feature-length episodes from the latest series, which first aired earlier this year in Sweden. The first, Ashes To Ashes, tackles a dark and personal case. A huge fire devastates the Jeriko parish church, leaving the senior pastor dead. Squad Chief, Alex Beijer (Jennie Silfverhjelm), is devastated when she realises her childhood best friend was also killed in the blaze. What initially appeared to be an isolated incidence of arson unravels into something much darker. Alex finds herself at the centre of a difficult conflict of interest - will she be able to strike a balance between her duty and her loyalties?
What to read next
The next episode called In The Shadows follows the police as they take-on an exhilarating operation to bring down a ruthless gang leader who’s behind a series of fatal killings. The squad are ready to close in on their target, that is until a masked individual appears out of the darkness and sends the whole operation into chaos.
Is there a trailer for Beck?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Beck below.
Who’s in the cast of Beck?
The cast of Beck includes:
- Peter Haber as Martin Beck
- Valter Skarsgård as Vilhelm Beck
- Jennie Silfverhjelm as Alexandra “Alex” Beijer
- Martin Wallström as Josef Eriksson
- Måns Nathanaelson as Oskar Bergman
- Elmira Arikan as Ayda Çetin
- Nina Zanjani as Ebba Ståhl
- Frida Hallgren as Ellen Bengtsdotter Dal
- Magnus Schmitz as Örjan Landström
- Gunnel Fred as Mariel
Is Beck any good?
Yes, Beck is a brilliant dark and atmospheric detective drama, and the authors of the book series are even credited with establishing the Scandinavian crime fiction drama! Peter Haber has played the role of Martin Beck since the show started in 1997. With more than 50 feature-length episodes, there are plenty of captivating stories to work through and each episode is a standalone mystery, meaning you don't need to go right back to the beginning.
How can I watch Beck?
Beck series 10 is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer, with older episodes available to watch on Prime Video.
What other detective dramas can I watch now?
For a British detective drama, we’d suggest Inspector George Gently, in which the eponymous anti-corruption inspector (Martin Shaw) takes the rash young DS John Bacchus (Lee Ingleby) under his wing as they solve a string of complex crimes in 1960s Northeast England. Inspector George Gently is available to stream now on Netflix. For another dark crime drama, we'd recommend The Marnow Murders. Set in the German city of Schwerin, the atmospheric drama sees detectives Lona Mendt (Petra Schmidt-Schaller) and Frank Elling (Sascha Alexander Geršak) team up to solve murder cases. You can watch The Marnow Murders now on Channel 4.
