BBC viewers are raving about ‘phenomenal’ gritty crime drama after season 2 lands on iPlayer

It's been described as 'phenomenal TV' and on the same level as Happy Valley

The Responder stars Martin Freeman as Chris Carson, an unconventional and troubled police officer in Liverpool who works nightshifts in the city. Written by Tony Schumacher, who was a former police officer himself, the series was praised for its gritty and no-holds-barred portrayal of what its like to work in a frontline job such as this.

Season 2 was released on iPlayer on May 5, and takes place six months after the events of the first series, as Chris continues to try and better his life and career whilst continuing to be there for his daughter Tilly.

You can watch the trailer below.

Series 1 of The Responder received critical acclaim and it looks like the second series is just as good, with many raving about the show on social media.

On X, one person wrote: "I'm telling you, watch the Responder. It's Happy Valley level, at least. Best dialogue of any British drama around. Nothing gets near it."

Another described the series as "grim but gripping #TheResponder,” while a third commented: “What a start to #TheResponder series 2, ey?!! Chris really doesn't get a break. Brilliant writing and how is Martin and the whole cast soooo good!”

Someone else penned: "Give Martin Freeman & the writers every award going. The Responder is just phenomenal TV. Worth the licence fee all on its own."

Along with Freeman, the series also stars Adelayo Adebayo as Chris's patrol partner Rachel, MyAnna Buring as his separated wife Kate and Amaka Okafor as his old work partner Deb.

The late Bernard Hill also stars in show in one of his final TV appearances.

Along with praise from viewers at home, critics have been raving about series two of The Responder as well.

In a five-star review, the Guardian says: "Martin Freeman returns in the exquisitely painful study of a police officer’s breakdown – and it’s a rare second run that’s just as riveting and vital as the first."

The Responder also got five-star reviews from the Telegraph - who labelled it a "quality police drama that delivers a crucial sense of authenticity" - and the Times.

Meanwhile, the Independent said Freeman was "excellent as an angry, sweary copper," but did warn that it is "hard to stomach the darkness" of the series.

All five episodes of series 2 of The Responder are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer, where you can also watch all of the first season as well.

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