Armchair Thriller

Watch Armchair Thriller

  • 1980
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.4  (243)

Armchair Thriller is a classic British television series from the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its gripping storytelling, suspenseful plots, and memorable performances by some of the era's most talented actors. Originally broadcast on ITV in the UK, the show has since gained a cult following among fans of suspense and crime dramas, and has been released on DVD and streaming platforms worldwide.

The series is an anthology of standalone stories, each centered around a different mystery or crime. While the specific plots vary widely, there are a few elements that tie the series together thematically: most episodes involve a protagonist who finds themselves embroiled in a dangerous situation, often of their own making; there is a strong emphasis on psychological tension and suspense, with many episodes featuring twists and turns that keep the viewer guessing; and the series eschews violence and gore in favor of more subtle forms of suspense, such as suggestion and implication.

One of the standout features of Armchair Thriller is the caliber of its cast. In particular, the series features several notable performances by Ian McShane, Ian McKellen, and Marc Zuber, all of whom were at the height of their powers at the time of filming. McShane, best known for his roles in Deadwood and Lovejoy, appears in several episodes of the series, often playing morally ambiguous characters who are difficult to pin down. McKellen, who would go on to become one of England's most celebrated actors, brings a gravitas and intensity to each of his performances, whether he's playing a detective, a murderer, or something in between. And Zuber, a lesser-known actor who appeared primarily in British television during his career, is a standout in several episodes of the series as a suave, dangerous villain.

Despite its relatively short run (the series aired for a total of 29 episodes over two seasons), Armchair Thriller has left a lasting impression on fans of the genre. Many of the episodes are still cited as classics of British television, and the series as a whole is often compared favorably to other classic suspense series from the era, such as The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. While some of the special effects and production values may seem dated by modern standards, the strength of the writing and the performances are what continue to make Armchair Thriller a must-watch for fans of suspense and crime dramas.

In terms of specific episodes, there are too many to cover in detail, but a few highlights are worth mentioning. One early episode, entitled "Rachel in Danger", tells the story of a young woman who is kidnapped and held for ransom by a group of criminals, while her fiancé races against time to rescue her. The tension is palpable throughout, as the viewer is kept in the dark about the identity of the kidnappers and the motives behind their crime. Another standout episode is "Quiet as a Nun", which stars Stephanie Beacham as a journalist investigating a sinister convent whose residents are all former prisoners. McKellen appears in this episode as a police inspector who helps Beacham in her investigation, and his performance is one of the highlights of the series.

Other episodes delve into taut psychological thrillers or explore the dark underbelly of British society, and each does so with a unique voice and style. Some episodes end on a hopeful note, while others leave the viewer with a feeling of unease or even outright horror. All in all, Armchair Thriller is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling, and a testament to the talent of its cast and crew. Whether you're a fan of classic TV dramas or just looking for a compelling mystery to sink your teeth into, this series is not to be missed.

Armchair Thriller
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Seasons
Quiet as a Nun: Episode 6
18. Quiet as a Nun: Episode 6
April 27, 1978
With Shore's life in danger and the future of the convent at risk, help arrives from an unexpected source.
Quiet as a Nun: Episode 5
17. Quiet as a Nun: Episode 5
April 25, 1978
Shore finds an underground passageway from the crypt to the tower and discovers a link between the dead nun and a missing schoolgirl. Unfortunately, the Black Nun is also on the hunt.
Quiet as a Nun: Episode 4
16. Quiet as a Nun: Episode 4
April 20, 1978
The schoolgirls speculate that Sister Miriam wanted to leave the convent and had recently changed her will.
Quiet as a Nun: Episode 3
15. Quiet as a Nun: Episode 3
April 18, 1978
Shore hears of an apparition that haunts the hallways at night and seems to portend death. Flashlight in hand, she goes off in search of the "Black Nun."
Quiet as a Nun: Episode 2
14. Quiet as a Nun: Episode 2
April 13, 1978
Shore learns that Sister Miriam had recently inherited a fortune. While one nun warns Shore to get out while she can, another is all too eager to confide her suspicions.
Quiet as a Nun: Episode 1
13. Quiet as a Nun: Episode 1
April 11, 1978
Television journalist Jemima Shore investigates the death of her old friend, a nun who starved herself to death in her convent's tower.
The Circe Complex: Episode 6
12. The Circe Complex: Episode 6
April 10, 1980
Ollie finally learns where the jewels are stashed, but his quest to recover them spirals out of control.
The Circe Complex: Episode 5
11. The Circe Complex: Episode 5
April 8, 1980
Bannister remains suspicious about Tom's death but starts an affair with Val, who is more than happy to provide an easy out for the conflicted detective.
The Circe Complex: Episode 4
10. The Circe Complex: Episode 4
April 3, 1980
The case against Cat looks watertight, but Detective Bannister has doubts. Why does Cat stick so doggedly to his story--and insist his relationship with Val wasn't strictly business.
The Circe Complex: Episode 3
9. The Circe Complex: Episode 3
April 1, 1980
Ollie takes harsh measures to get Tom to talk, but things go dreadfully wrong. Cat realizes it's his word against that of the respected Dr. Milton.
The Circe Complex: Episode 2
8. The Circe Complex: Episode 2
March 27, 1980
Ollie and Tom's wife, Val, enlist the help of ex-con "Cat" Devlin in their plot to locate the hidden jewels.
The Circe Complex: Episode 1
7. The Circe Complex: Episode 1
March 25, 1980
Tom Foreman kills a policeman after stealing jewerlry worth a fortune. Caught and incarcerated, he refuses to reveal the loot's whereabouts, even to prison psychiatrist Ollie Milton.
The Chelsea Murders: Episode 6
6. The Chelsea Murders: Episode 6
December 30, 1981
The detectives finally figure it out, but the journalist puts herself in harm's way trying to solve the case.
The Chelsea Murders: Episode 5
5. The Chelsea Murders: Episode 5
December 30, 1981
The police find a video of the most recent killing, but the reporter is a step ahead. Then a vital piece of evidence allows them to close the net.
The Chelsea Murders: Episode 4
4. The Chelsea Murders: Episode 4
December 30, 1981
The authorities grow increasingly frustrated, especially after one of their main suspects gets assaulted himself.
The Chelsea Murders: Episode 3
3. The Chelsea Murders: Episode 3
December 30, 1981
The police zero in on a hard-pressed filmmaking team. Their suspicions mount when the killer attacks again, dressed in a theatre costume.
The Chelsea Murders: Episode 2
2. The Chelsea Murders: Episode 2
December 30, 1981
A second letter arrives, mocking the police with the identity of the next victim. Somehow, the Gazette writer also knows about the letters--could she be involved?
The Chelsea Murders: Episode 1
1. The Chelsea Murders: Episode 1
December 30, 1981
Three murders in Chelsea yield only one clue: a poem mailed to the police before the latest crime. As the cops search for a connection, a reporters looks for a scoop.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    February 12, 1980
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (243)
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