Watch Vienna Blood

Set in the late 1800s, Vienna Blood is a gripping crime drama that premiered on BBC Two in 2019. The show is based on a series of novels by Frank Tallis and follows the investigations of a young English doctor named Max Liebermann, played by Matthew Beard, and a seasoned Viennese detective named Oskar Rheinhardt, played by Juergen Maurer.

The two main characters could not be more different in terms of their backgrounds and personalities, but they quickly form a strong bond as they work together to solve a series of gruesome murders that seem to be connected in some way. Max is a brilliant young man who is studying under renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud, while Oskar is a veteran detective who is struggling to adapt to the rapid changes taking place in Vienna at the time.

The show is set in a time and place where class and status are everything, and this provides an interesting backdrop to the murder investigations. Max, being a foreigner, is very aware of the social dynamics at play in Vienna and is often frustrated by the way the upper classes seem to be untouchable when it comes to the law. Oskar, on the other hand, has spent his entire life in Vienna and knows just how difficult it can be to break through the barriers that separate the classes.

The cases that Max and Oskar are tasked with solving are complex and often involve some degree of psychology, which is Max's area of expertise. This adds an intriguing element to the show, as Max often uses his knowledge of Freudian and Jungian psychology to gain insights into the minds of the killers they are pursuing. The murders themselves are also quite gruesome, which might not be to everyone's taste, but they are certainly effective in creating tension and suspense.

Visually, the show is stunning, with the beautiful architecture and landscapes of Vienna providing a stunning backdrop to the action. The attention to detail in terms of costumes and set design is also impressive and helps to transport the viewer back in time to late 19th-century Vienna.

In addition to the main murder investigations, Vienna Blood also explores the personal lives of Max and Oskar, as well as some of the other characters in the show. There are several romantic storylines that play out over the course of the season, and these add an extra layer of complexity to the characters and their relationships.

Overall, Vienna Blood is a gripping and visually stunning crime drama that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. The chemistry between Matthew Beard and Juergen Maurer is excellent, and the show's unique blend of historical setting, complex psychology, and gruesome murders make for a truly engaging viewing experience. Fans of other BBC crime dramas such as Luther, Sherlock, and Broadchurch are sure to find plenty to love in Vienna Blood.

Vienna Blood is a series that ran for 4 seasons (22 episodes) between November 18, 2019 and on BBC Two