DCI Banks

Watch DCI Banks

  • TV-14
  • 2010
  • 5 Seasons
  • 7.7  (9,353)

DCI Banks is a British crime television series that aired on ITV from 2010 to 2016. Based on the best-selling crime novels by Peter Robinson, the show follows the life and work of Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks, played by Stephen Tompkinson, as he investigates murders and other crimes in the picturesque setting of the Yorkshire Dales.

The show is produced by Left Bank Pictures, and the series is adapted from the books by Robert Murphy. Each episode is an hour long and follows a self-contained crime story, although there are also ongoing storylines that develop across the seasons. The show has been praised for its strong performances, excellent writing, and beautiful locations.

Stephen Tompkinson stars as DCI Banks, a hard-working and dedicated police officer with a strong moral compass. Banks is often driven by his own personal demons, including the loss of his parents at a young age, and his complicated relationships with his family and his colleagues. Banks is supported by his loyal team, including his right-hand woman, Detective Sergeant Annie Cabbot, played by Andrea Lowe, and his enthusiastic and eager-to-please trainee, Detective Constable Winsome Jackman, played by Caroline Catz.

The crimes that the team investigate are often complex and involve a range of suspects and motives. Throughout the series, the team deal with murders, kidnappings, drug trafficking, blackmail, and other crimes. The show is not for the faint-hearted, as the murders are often graphic and disturbing. However, the show is not just about the crimes themselves. DCI Banks also explores the personal lives of the characters, delving into their personal relationships and the impact that the murders have on them.

One of the defining features of the show is its stunning location in the Yorkshire Dales. The show takes full advantage of the beauty of the region, and the stunning scenery serves as a backdrop to the dark and disturbing crimes that are committed in the area. The show's visual style is also notable for its use of muted colours and a deliberately gritty aesthetic, which gives the show a moody and atmospheric feel.

DCI Banks is a show that thrives on its tense and intriguing storylines, as well as its strong performances. Stephen Tompkinson is an engaging and believable lead, and his portrayal of the haunted and determined DCI Banks is one of the show's strongest assets. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Andrea Lowe delivering a nuanced performance as the sharp and competent DS Cabbot, and Caroline Catz bringing a sense of warmth and humour to the role of DC Jackman.

One of the standout features of the show is its exploration of Banks' personal life. Throughout the series, we see him struggle with his relationships with his estranged brother, his ex-wife, and his own feelings of loneliness and isolation. These personal storylines provide a rich and complex backdrop to the crimes that the team investigate, giving the show an emotional depth that is lacking in many other crime dramas.

Overall, DCI Banks is a gripping and engrossing crime drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With strong performances, engaging storylines, and stunning visuals, it is one of the best British crime dramas of recent years. Whether you are a fan of the books or new to the series, DCI Banks is well worth watching.

DCI Banks is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (37 episodes). The series first aired on September 27, 2010.

DCI Banks
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Seasons
Undertow, Pt. 2
6. Undertow, Pt. 2
October 5, 2016
Having been thrust into a dark place from where it looks like there is no coming back, Banks' mission to solve Annie's murder is made all the harder by the fact he has been taken off the case and sent on gardening leave - but that won't stop him. While his old team struggle, Banks operates for the first time on the other side of the law, using his years of experience, wits and wisdom to secure the all-important break-through.
Undertow, Pt. 1
5. Undertow, Pt. 1
September 28, 2016
Banks and the team begin the painful job of finding out exactly who was responsible for the tragedy that has changed all their lives forever, while dealing with the grief it has caused.
A Little Bit of Heart, Pt. 2
4. A Little Bit of Heart, Pt. 2
September 21, 2016
Having recently returned a kidnap victim safe and sound, the team is thrown on to the back foot when he is found murdered. The way the victim died suggests a local protection gang is to blame, but nailing the hard-nosed woman they believe is behind it proves challenging - witnesses know the price they will pay for talking to the police.
A Little Bit of Heart, Pt. 1
3. A Little Bit of Heart, Pt. 1
September 14, 2016
What starts out as a missing person's case soon escalates into a kidnap and ransom - but when the perpetrators cleverly stay one step ahead of the police, it soon becomes clear that they aren't average criminals.
To Burn in Every Drop of Blood, Pt. 2
2. To Burn in Every Drop of Blood, Pt. 2
September 7, 2016
Kat Richards' suicide leaves behind grieving parents Tamsin and Steve - but of more import is the note Kat left confessing to Damon Horsley's murder. However, all is not what it seems when the post mortem suggests Kat's death isn't a simple suicide - could someone else have been involved?
To Burn in Every Drop of Blood, Pt. 1
1. To Burn in Every Drop of Blood, Pt. 1
August 31, 2016
When a victim of a frenzied attack is found in the woods with his head caved in, initially the team wonders if it's a random attack or related to the location - a shrine to a local girl who recently committed suicide there. Banks, however, has a theory of his own.
Description
Where to Watch DCI Banks
DCI Banks is available for streaming on the itv website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch DCI Banks on demand at Max and Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Google Play, Hoopla and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 27, 2010
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (9,353)