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10 best period crime dramas to watch right now

By Alexandria Ingham

Angel Of Darkness ph: Kata Vermes/TNT
Angel Of Darkness ph: Kata Vermes/TNT /
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PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 05: Actors Adam Rothenberg (L) and Jerome Flynn speak onstage at the “Ripper Street” panel discussion during the BBC America portion of the 2013 Winter TCA Tour- Day 2 at Langham Hotel on January 5, 2013 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 05: Actors Adam Rothenberg (L) and Jerome Flynn speak onstage at the “Ripper Street” panel discussion during the BBC America portion of the 2013 Winter TCA Tour- Day 2 at Langham Hotel on January 5, 2013 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) /

1. Ripper Street

Years it ran: 2012 to 2016

Network it aired on: The series started on BBC One in the UK before moving to BBC Two and then Prime Video. In the U.S., it’s available on Netflix.

What it’s about: Set just after Jack the Ripper’s last kill, Ripper Street follows the police of the time trying to keep the people calm. When there’s another murder, tensions are high. There are always questions of whether Jack the Ripper is back considering he was never caught.

We follow the characters each season as they deal with the cases that develop. At the same time, we learn more about who they are as people and the things that motivate them, whether it’s the need for career opportunities or just to escape their pasts.

Why you need to watch it: Ripper Street is a great look at the fear of London’s East End in the late 1880s. It’s understandable that people would be scared, but that’s often overlooked in most period crime dramas. In fact, it’s overlooked in period dramas overall. This series doesn’t shy away from that fear, and it drives a lot of the detectives at the time.

We also have that focus on personal stories and flaws in individuals. We see what drives them to solve crimes, which can often lead to us hating even the main characters of the series.

Next. 15 best British TV crime dramas. dark

Which period crime dramas are you watching right now? Which ones are your favorites? Share in the comments below.

Acorn TV, BritBox, and PBS Masterpiece for these period crime dramas are all available via Amazon Channels.

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