Image via BBC.

The BBC has renewed the Line of Duty TV show for a fifth season. Previously renewed through season four, the successful BBC Two show is moving to BBC One, for its upcoming fourth season. In other words, Line of Duty is not only not cancelled, it is getting a promotion of sorts. The season three finale of Line of Duty aired April 28, 2016, on BBC Two.

A British police procedural drama starring Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, Adrian Dunbar, Craig Parkinson, and Keeley Hawes, Line of Duty is written and created by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions. In a press release, the BBC cited strong ratings when announcing the channel change, and season five renewal (i.e. recommissioning).

Per BBC consolidated data, in 2012, series (season) one of the Line of Duty TV series averaged 4.1 million viewers and a 15.7% share. Series two, in 2014, drew an average 3.4 million viewers and a 12.3% share. In series three, which ended less than two weeks ago, Line of Duty averaged 5.1 million viewers and a 19.3% share.

Read the BBC press release for more.

Line Of Duty to move to BBC One

Date: 06.05.2016 Last updated: 06.05.2016 at 13.12
Category: BBC One; Drama; BBC Two; Commissioning

Charlotte Moore, BBC Controller of TV Channels and iPlayer, announces today that hit drama series Line of Duty, will move to the nation’s favourite channel for its fourth series next year, and commissions a fifth series.

The award-winning series, written and created by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions, has been a huge success on BBC Two since launching in 2012. It’s played an important part in the incredible resurgence of drama on the channel over the last few years.

This third series is the highest-rating BBC Two drama series ever since current measuring system began in 2002, with a series consolidated average of 5.1 million. The exhilarating 90-minute finale consolidated at 5.6 million.

Charlotte Moore, BBC Controller of TV Channels and iPlayer, says: “Line of Duty is original, bold, gripping drama that gets the nation talking and the time is right to bring the series to an even broader audience on BBC One. Jed Mecurio’s explosive thriller will find a new home on BBC One for two more series and create room for new drama to flourish on BBC Two. Thanks to Jed, Simon Heath’s World Productions, and Stephen Wright at the BBC for producing the record-breaking show.”

Jed Mercurio says: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the extremely flattering response to series three. Much of the credit should go to our brilliant cast and crew and to Simon Heath and Priscilla Parish at World Productions. We’re deeply grateful for the unstinting support we receive from Charlotte Moore, Stephen Wright and the whole BBC team. It’s an immense privilege to be able to reward Line Of Duty fans with two more series on BBC One.”

Simon Heath, World Productions, says: “We couldn’t have asked for a better response to series three, and it’s testament to Jed’s brilliant writing, and a fantastic cast, that the BBC have handed us two further series on BBC One. A big thank you to Charlotte Moore, Stephen Wright and all in the BBC team who have supported and nurtured the show over the last five years.”

Stephen Wright, BBC Executive Producer, says: “It has been a privilege to be associated with this show and Jed Mercurio’s bold and brilliant writing. Credit goes to the cast, production teams and colleagues in the BBC who have worked on all three series. I am delighted that we have the opportunity to continue to thrill and provoke audiences.’’

Reviews

“This was true watercooler TV; an hour and a half of primetime TV thriller that kept you on the edge of your seat.” – Keith Watson, Metro.

“Extraordinary, intense television” – Sam Wollaston, The Guardian.

“It’s not just the best British TV drama of the year, it’s the best TV show of the decade” – Adam Postans, The People.

“A clean sweep of a series which has, with a couple of very honourable exceptions like The Sopranos and The Wire, thrilled and absorbed me like no other, in 15 professional TV-watching years” – Ally Ross, The Sun.

“You are unlikely to experience a more thrilling 90 minutes of TV drama this year” – Gerard O’Donovan, Daily Telegraph.

“The superbly convincing performances, claustrophobic photography, and complex web of sub-plots made Jed Mercurio’s drama the most brilliantly bleak, raw, realistic, British cop show since The Sweeney.” – Jim Shelley, Daily Mail.

In the US, the first three seasons of Line of Duty are available on Hulu, with a paid subscription.

What do you think? Are you a fan of the Line of Duty TV show? How many seasons would you like to see it run?