Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all well. Today, I’m diving into the review of the crime thriller series Dept. Q, which debuted on Netflix on May 29, 2025, and has quickly earned its place as one of the top-rated detective shows of the year.
Premiering on May 29, 2025, this British crime drama spans six hour-long episodes, delving into Edinburgh’s most chilling unsolved cases. Created by Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani (of The Queen’s Gambit fame), the series is adapted from the bestselling novels by Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen, though the setting shifts from Copenhagen to Scotland’s capital city.
Featuring Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck, along with Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Kelly Macdonald, and Leah Byrne, Dept. Q follows a gifted yet troubled detective who leads an unconventional unit focused on cold cases. Filmed in Edinburgh from February to June 2024, it is a narrative of trauma, redemption, and the relentless quest for justice on behalf of forgotten victims.
Carl Morck: A Detective Battling Inner Demons
Carl, once a top-notch detective, is tormented by guilt after an attack that left his partner paralyzed and another officer dead. Matthew Goode portrays DCI Carl Morck, a detective whose sharp wit and abrasive demeanor have left him isolated within the force, still haunted by a tragic shooting. His new role leading Department Q offers both a form of punishment and a chance for redemption.
Department Q: The Unconventional Cold Case Squad
A bold yet brilliant officer takes charge of a new police division, guiding a diverse team of outsiders in tackling Edinburgh’s cold cases. The department, often seen as a repository for unsolvable cases, benefits from Carl and his team’s fresh approaches and unique methods. Their dynamic introduces both tension and breakthroughs as they address cases that have puzzled investigators for years.
Intricate Characters with Unseen Layers
Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Kelly Macdonald, and Leah Byrne complete the ensemble, each character adding distinct skills and personal challenges to Department Q. They act as both colleagues and unofficial therapists for Carl, creating a found family atmosphere within the police procedural context. The chemistry among the cast lifts the show above the usual detective series.
The Investigative Journey: Psychological Intensity and Procedural Mastery
Each episode spotlights cold cases overlooked by the system but remembered by the victims’ families. The series skillfully intertwines past and present, illustrating the lingering impact of unsolved crimes on all involved. The investigations uncover layers of corruption, cover-ups, and human suffering far beyond simple mysteries.
Success Among Critics and Viewers on Netflix
Dept. Q premiered on Netflix on May 29, 2025, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 87% approval rating from 49 critic reviews. The series boasts a 94% audience score and an 83% “Certified Fresh” critics’ score, ranking it among Netflix’s top crime dramas. From the creators of The Queen’s Gambit, this enthralling new Netflix mystery series, set in Edinburgh’s cold case unit, has become a streaming sensation, surpassing other popular series to top Netflix’s charts.
If you’re a fan of psychologically rich crime dramas with outstanding performances and detailed storytelling, Dept. Q is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The combination of Matthew Goode’s captivating lead role, Edinburgh’s atmospheric backdrop, and Scott Frank’s expert storytelling delivers an unforgettable detective experience.
A landmark in crime television, proving that the greatest mysteries aren’t just about solving cases, but about healing those who refuse to let justice remain hidden.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 6 episodes Platform: Netflix Rating: TV-MA / 87% Rotten Tomatoes (83% Critics, 94% Audience) 8.2/IMDb Genre: Crime Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller Protagonists: Matthew Goode (DCI Carl Morck), Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Kelly Macdonald, Leah Byrne Antagonist: Unresolved crimes, institutional corruption, and Carl’s own psychological trauma