Birmingham's own police procedural DI Ray has become one of the most talked-about crime dramas on British television, with a growing number of viewers insisting that it goes even beyond the beloved Line of Duty. The ITV series, first broadcast in May 2022 and followed by a second season in October 2024, is now being discovered by a wider audience on ITVX, where it is streaming free.
Created and written by Maya Sondhi, the show stars Parminder Nagra as Detective Inspector Rachita Ray, a Birmingham-based officer who lands a homicide role but quickly suspects that her promotion was based on her ethnicity rather than her ability. Determined to prove her worth, she dives headfirst into the city's organised crime underworld.
Why DI Ray Is Being Compared to Line of Duty
The comparisons to Line of Duty are hard to ignore. Both are British police thrillers bred from the same stable, with Jed Mercurio serving as executive producer on DI Ray. As one critic put it in a review: "A depiction of systemic racism lodged inside a murder case, this British police thriller is a post-Line of Duty series, produced by that hit show's Jed Mercurio and eventually boasting a similar swift narrative velocity."
Viewers have gone even further. One audience member wrote: "A bit Noir, which British series usually lack, I find this series excellent, in some ways even beyond Line of Duty, being more humble and less grandiose." Another fan on Rotten Tomatoes said: "It gives a perspective of the police in the UK we rarely get to see. Acting is all top-notch. Compelling writing, lots of surprises, well done!"
A Birmingham Story with a Stellar Cast
One of the show's greatest strengths is its authentic Brummie setting. Filming took place in recognisable Birmingham locations including the Jewellery Quarter, the Hockley Flyover, and outside Lloyd House police headquarters. The use of real streets and genuine Birmingham accents has endeared it to local audiences. As one IMDB review noted: "Gripping drama and lovely to hear real Birmingham accents. Acting is superb and the storyline keeps you watching."
Nagra leads a hugely talented ensemble that includes Gemma Whelan, Jamie Bamber, Sam Baker-Jones, Peter Bankolé, Maanuv Thiara, Jessica Temple, Steve Oram, and Ian Puleston-Davies. According to Wales Online, the casting has been central to the show's success, giving each episode a layered sense of realism.
The official synopsis reads: "DI Rachita Ray is promoted to join a homicide investigation, but she suspects she's been chosen for her ethnicity rather than her ability. However, Rachita is nevertheless determined to find the killer by delving into the world of organized crime."
Critics and Audiences Have Their Say
The critical response has been overwhelmingly positive. One reviewer enthused: "DI Ray draws you in within the first twenty seconds of the cold open and has you hooked by the opening credits. DI Ray is the kind of police procedural that any actor would love to be a part of." Another wrote: "A top-class police drama series. I was most impressed with this police drama series. Excellent acting, supplemented by tight and focused writing that aptly contained all the high drama to four episodes and completed by very intelligent directing that succinctly brought all parts together."
Parminder Nagra's performance has repeatedly been singled out. One reviewer said: "Parminder Nagra was superb and carried this drama series in large part. I hope I speak for many in saying we want to see more of her on TV. She simply lives the parts she acts. I highly recommend this excellent series." Another fan added: "If you liked Line of Duty you'll enjoy this! This show is brilliant. It starts off going down one predictable direction but then rapidly changes direction. Stick with it and you will be rewarded."
Streaming Free on ITVX
All episodes of DI Ray are available to stream now on ITVX at no cost. With two full seasons having aired — the first in May 2022 and the second in October 2024 — new viewers can catch up on the entire series in one sitting. The show's growing reputation suggests that for many audiences, the Birmingham crime drama has earned its place next to, or even above, the giants of the genre.
