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Season 1 – The Responder

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Responder 2022 Drama Crime Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
A crisis-stricken and morally compromised first responder tackles a series of night shifts on the beat in Liverpool, while trying to keep his head above water personally and professionally.

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The Responder — Season 1

The Responder — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

The Responder is unrelentingly dark and inescapably absorbing, with Martin Freeman's hangdog performance carrying the drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Kristen Baldwin Entertainment Weekly Freeman, sporting a severe buzz cut and a hollowed-out gaze, brings a chilling intensity to Chris, whose coiled-up rage threatens to strangle the last bit of humanity lingering in his soul. Rated: B+ May 27, 2022 Full Review Scott Bryan BBC.com It kind of takes the normal police procedural and things from a normal police drama that you have seen countless times and kind of throws it on the floor and stamps on it! Rated: Must Watch Apr 6, 2022 Full Review Kylie Northover The Age (Australia) In this astonishing series created and written by former police officer Tony Schumacher, Martin Freeman manages to infuse the cliche with disturbingly believable humanity. Rated: 5/5 Mar 10, 2022 Full Review Aaron Murray Loud and Clear Reviews In the overwhelming sea of crime dramas we see now, particularly from the BBC, The Responder feels like a massive breath of fresh air. Rated: 5/5 Aug 4, 2024 Full Review Ana Yorke PopMatters If the above sounds too depressing for a holiday viewing, worry not – this is a thoroughly English affair, with side-splitting humor and offbeat vignettes guaranteed to leave you cackling. Dec 27, 2022 Full Review Anne Brodie What She Said What makes the series so good is Freeman’s signature quirky performance, as a man racing to stay alive. He lingers. Jun 10, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Karl J Show treads the familiar path of overworked cop on the beat, marriage under pressure, regular counselling and he doesn’t feel as though he’s making a difference anymore. Some very good acting but the story line has been done many times before and I struggled to maintain interest. After the first episode. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/19/24 Full Review Sky D Martin Freeman like you have never seen him. A man on the edge, struggling to cope with the pressures of policing the bad side of town and dealing with homelife. Relentlessy dark, with few moments of joy, Somehow, the good in his character, Chris Carson, manages to occasionally be seen, through acts of understanding to others. This show epitomizes why I love BBC/Britbox television. Depth of characters, stellar acting and writing, and subject matters that U.S. TV either sugarcoats or politicizes. BAFTA bound. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/24 Full Review Mike P Intense and well mounted British cop show starring the always brilliant Martin Freeman. This reminds of the Departed and Lethal Weapon; it's got that kind of vibe. Recommended Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/09/24 Full Review Arron O Good show but considering it's created by an ex police officer, it isn't very realistic. Quite a few things happen that just wouldn't happen in the real world. I think the only reason I stuck with it, was because Martin is a cracking actor. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/16/24 Full Review Debbra W I was completely engrossed and infected by the show and the incredible performances. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/07/24 Full Review Chavel D Show is sucky. What a waste. I don't believe Martin Freeman was up for this role or his writers for the show sucked. Maybe we're, or I, have been spoiled by his great performances in other series. So bad I just watched 1 1/2 episodes. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/01/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The Responder — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Martin Freeman

Chris Carson

Adelayo Adedayo

Rachel Hargreaves

Warren Brown

Raymond Mullen

MyAnna Buring

Kate Carson

Emily Fairn

Casey

Josh Finan

Marco

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 24, 2022 Police response officer Chris is struggling to keep a grip on his mental health and marriage when he is offered a path to redemption in the form of a young heroin addict. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 25, 2022 Chris must juggle rookie Rachel while tracking down Casey after Chris threatens his family; Casey puts her trust in a friend to hide her from Carl. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 31, 2022 Chris plans to hand the drugs in, until Carl makes him an offer he cannot refuse; Rachel strikes a deal with Mullen, but Chris' behavior makes her feel conflicted. Details Episode 4 Aired Feb 1, 2022 After witnessing Carl's murder, Chris hits rock bottom; Rachel begins to suspect Mullen may not be all he appears; Casey teams up with Marco to find a buyer. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 2, 2022 Chris is forced to work for a major drug dealer to return the drugs stolen by Casey; when Rachel needs his help urgently, Chris must decide where his loyalties truly lie. Details Episode 6 Aired Mar 28, 2022 Chris is forced to work for a major drug dealer to return the drugs stolen by Casey. Details

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The Responder — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
Tim Mielants, Fien Troch
Screenwriter
Tony Schumacher
Network
BBC
Genre
Drama, Crime
Original Language
British English
Release Date
Jan 24, 2022