Best Channel 5 drama series to watch in December 2024
My5 is home to a number of dramas, with a particular emphasis on murder mysteries and crime series. If you’re willing to let yourself fall into the narrative and aren't concerned with whether it's 100% believable - what murder mysteries are? - then sit back, relax, and find out whodunnit. Here are some of the best dramas available on My5 in December…
The Good Ship Murder
Mystery | Drama | Crime
Summary:A retired police officer is now pursuing his dream to become a burlesque singer on a cruise ship. However, he’s dragged back into his crime-solving days when a string of murders happen aboard the luxury liner. Alongside the ship’s First Officer, they attempt to solve the mysteries behind the murders. Strictly star Shayne Ward plays Jack, with Corrie actress Catherine Tyldesley playing Kate. Claire Sweeney also stars.
Why you should watch: It’s a great premise, having a series of murders take place on a cruise ship. With nowhere to hide for the killer, it becomes a bit of a locked room mystery. It’s a lot of fun, and as always, there are twists galore. Ward and Tyldesley are great together, which makes it all the more entertaining. Of course it’s silly, but it’s not too silly that you won’t enjoy it. And if you do come away wanting more - good news! Channel 5 have confirmed the show will return for a second and third series, as well as a Christmas special. Woohoo!
Christmas special available December 18
All Creatures Great & Small
Drama | Comedy
Summary:A reboot of the classic, this drama, set in 1930s Yorkshire, follows a group of vets, their adventures, lives outside of work and relationships. Slow Horses star Samuel West leads the cast, alongside Anna Madeley, Rachel Shenton and the late Diana Rigg. Inspired by the book series, written by James Herriot, the author says most of the cases featured were based on true stories.
Why you should watch: A show with five series in this day and age must be doing something right - and All Creatures Great and Small definitely is! The perfect show for the family this Autumn, it’s something to stick on as the colder evenings come in. The Daily Telegraph called it “family-friendly comfort-viewing”, whilst Town & Country said it was “comforting...warm [and] uplifting”. With five seasons to enjoy, you’ll have plenty to watch in the lead-up to Christmas (and a new series next year).
Christmas special airs December 23
The Teacher
Drama
Summary:The Teacher began in 2022 and followed Sheridan Smith’s character as she attempted to work out what happened to her on a drunken night out where she was accused of sexually assaulting a student. The second season follows a new cast, this time led by Kara Tointon, as Dani. In series 2, Dani begins an affair with a colleague while on a school trip. When a student goes missing, she is forced to lie as her life crumbles around her. Emmett J Scanlan and Will Mellor also star.
Why you should watch: It’s an intriguing mix of mystery and thrills, with a great cast leading the line. It might be a little over the top at times, but the drama is bound to keep you seated. There’s only four episodes too, so you could easily binge it all within a day (if you have the time, of course!). While the first season isn’t on My5 anymore, it’s on Netflix if you want to catch up.
Available now
Coma
Drama | Crime
Summary:A mild-mannered family man loses his cool when his neighbourhood is terrorised by a gang of teenagers. However, his out-of-character confrontation with them forces him to deal with consequences he likely didn’t expect. To avoid repercussions, he lies to police and desperately tries to keep his secret hidden. Jason Watkins leads the cast in this four-part drama, which also stars After the Flood actor Jonas Armstrong and Outnumbered star Claire Skinner.
Why you should watch: This is easily one of the better dramas currently available on My5. It’s relatively new, having only aired in March, and has had some good reviews from critics. The Guardian, for example, described it as being “excruciatingly tense in its authenticity”, whilst The Times branded it “intensely addictive”.
Available now
The Night Caller
Drama | Crime
Summary:After having lost his job, Tony becomes a taxi driver in Liverpool. During his lonely nights working, he phones in to a radio station he likes listening to, and becomes a “friend of the show”. However, his liking of the show’s host soon becomes an obsession which becomes dangerous. Spooks actor Robert Glenister stars as Tony, with Sean Pertwee playing radio host Lawrence.
Why you should watch: This is a gritty, dark drama, perfect for those who want something that’ll leave them feeling very uncomfortable. It’s also great that you’re not entirely sure who you’re meant to be sympathising with - the lonely taxi driver who develops an obsession, or the radio host who isn’t as he seems who is on the receiving end of said obsession? Both Glenister and Pertwee are great in their roles, as expected. iNews were big fans of it earlier this year, giving it a four star review and describing it as “yet another great Channel 5 drama”.
Available now
The Cuckoo
Drama
Summary:The Cuckoo tells the story of a woman becomes a lodger of a family who have recently lost their son. However, as she continues to cross boundaries and moves into the son’s bedroom, the family begin to suspect that there’s more to her than meets the eye. Jill Halfpenny stars in this four-part drama which aired back in April.
Why you should watch: This is great for fans of psychological dramas, as this will undoubtedly leave you feeling unsettled. Halfpenny is great as always, and the mystery surrounding her character is compelling and will keep you invested. iNews hailed it “the best weeknight drama on television”, which is high praise indeed.
Available now
Ellis
Mystery | Crime
Summary:Ellis tells the story of DCI Ellis, who is parachuted in to respond to a murder investigation in a small town. However, her inquiries leads her to understand that the town’s parents don’t know anything about their children. Sharon D Clarke and Andrew Gower star in this three-part drama.
Why you should watch: It’s a gritty murder mystery drama with a great actor in Sharon D Clarke leading it. It also examines some important issues, with Ellis being overlooked due to the colour of her skin. Despite being often overlooked, she's a first-class murder detective. It’s also only three episodes long, meaning you’ll be able to binge it all in one sitting!
Available now
Too Good to Be True
Drama
Summary:This four episode mini-series follows cash-strapped single mum Rachel who is struggling to make ends meet, until she’s offered the opportunity to work for a wealthy client. Things seem great at first, however the client’s dark side soon comes to the fore, she begins to grow suspicious of his motives. The Teacher star Kara Tointon plays Rachel, with Downton Abbey actor Allen Leech playing the mysterious Elliott.
Why you should watch: Another psychological thriller, this one will have you gripped from the start. Tointon is great in the lead role, and Leech is charming yet sinister as her enigmatic new employer. The critics seemed to be big fan of this, with the MailOnline giving it four stars earlier this year, despite them admitting that some parts require you to perhaps suspend your incredulity “by a few notches”. But that’s part of the fun, isn't it?!
Available now
Cold Call
Drama
Summary:This four-part drama follows a woman as she is scammed out of her money by a cold caller. In a bid to win her money back, and take down the scammer, she begins working for him. But she will she evade suspicion? Sally Lindsay leads the cast, with Daniel Ryan and Paul Higgins also featuring.
Why you should watch: As always, Sally Lindsay is great in the lead role, so if you’re a big fan of her then you’re going to love this one. There’s some proper edge of your seat moments, which always make good telly, and it’s a pretty interesting and unique concept - a victim of scamming goes to work for their scammer in a bid to bring them down. The Guardian sang its praises at the time, describing it as a “cracking little psychological exploration of loss, greed, revenge, all too chillingly credible so often”.
Available now
The Catch
Drama
Summary:The story follows fisherman Ed Collier, who is highly protective over his family, which includes wife Claire and daughter Abbie. However, when a rich young man by the name of Ryan Wilson starts to take an interest in his daughter, Ed feels her becoming increasingly distant and fears he may lose her for good. While Ed tries to uncover Ryan's secrets, he also has to protect his own dark past from seeing the light.
Why you should watch: The Telegraph put it best: “It's one of those second-tier thrillers that the broadcaster [Channel 5] does so well – barrels along, doesn't tax the brain, will not appear on any Bafta shortlists but is an enjoyable, easy watch with plenty of twists that you may or may not see coming.” Plus it has a great cast led by Barnard and Watkins. If you’re after a drama that isn’t too intense, you’re in the right place.
Available now
The Holiday
Drama | Crime
Summary:Four families gather for a holiday abroad. However, the sun, sea, and sand doesn’t prevent some shocking revelations coming to light. Things go from bad to worse when a murder is committed. The families must now figure out who is responsible for it. Jill Halfpenny leads the cast, which also features the likes of Killing Eve’s Owen McDonnell and Aidan McArdle.
Why you should watch: Based on a book, The Holiday is a lot of fun and will keep you guessing until the end. Jill Halfpenny is great as always in the lead role, and she’s surrounded by an entertaining, believable cast too, including Owen McDonnell, Siobhan Hewitt and Cat Simmon. There’s plenty of twists and turns which will surely keep you gripped, and there’s a shock ending, which is always fun.
Available now
Finders Keepers
Drama | Crime
Summary:Finders Keepers follows a group of amateur metal detectorists who stumble across a hoard of buried Saxon treasure. Instead of handing it over to the authorities, they decide to keep it, with the aim of selling it on for some big, big money. However, this decision sends them down a path of treachery and suspicion of murder. Neil Morrissey, James Buckley, and Fay Ripley lead the cast of this four-part drama.
Why you should watch: Not only does this have a talented cast, but it has also has a gripping storyline. As with all good dramas, there are twists and turns, and there’s a little murder mystery too. The Telegraph were big fans, describing it as Channel 5’s “most enjoyable drama in years”. Very high praise, considering some of the gems the channel has produced.
Available now
The Inheritance
Drama
Summary:A father unexpectedly dies, but his children’s grief turns from confusion to anger when they find out he changed his will before he died, meaning they have been left with nothing. All he owns has now been transferred to his new partner. The siblings try to figure out whether his death was a tragic accident as first believed or something more sinister happened. Larry Lamb and Samantha Bond lead the cast in this four-part drama, which also features GMB host Adil Ray.
Why you should watch: It’s a family drama with a cast full of recognisable faces, but it isn't your standard murder mystery. With all good dramas, the characters have their own issues to face as they try to find out what really happened to their father. Yes, it might not be totally believable at times, but it’s still a great little mystery that’ll keep you guessing. iNews gave it a good review last year, writing: “Channel 5 crime shows can be hit and miss and the worst are truly dreadful […] but The Inheritance is so far great fun and insightful about family dynamics while delivering lashings of cosy crime thrills and chills”.
Available now
For Her Sins
Drama
Summary:This four-part drama follows Laura, a mother-of-two who lives a perfect life. She has a great job, a loving husband, but seems to struggle with raising her children. However, when she meets the mysterious Emma in the school playground, everything in her life begins to unravel. Who is Emma? And why is she so determined to ruin Laura’s life? Jo Joyner plays Laura, with All Creatures Great and Small star Rachel Shenton plays Emma.
Why you should watch: Jo Joyner and Rachel Shenton are great together, and their chemistry is as captivating as it is unsettling. Like most Channel 5 dramas, some aspects of it do border on the unbelievable, but as i News wrote, it’s a “strangely compelling” drama. They also praised its “slick storytelling” and “exhilarating secrets”, so we reckon it’s worth at least giving a try!
Available now
HEAT
Drama
Summary:Danny Dyer, who portrays Steve Cameron, leads this four-part drama, which tells the story of two families who meet up in Australia. Steve takes his family to his friend's home for a summer holiday, and while they've been dealing with their own problems, they had no idea what would unfold during their vacation. As bushfires rage, secrets reveal themselves with disastrous consequences. Joining Dyer are Australian actors Jane Allsop and Pia Miranda, as well as Darren McCullen.
Why you should watch: One of the biggest selling points of this drama is Danny Dyer. As The Guardian said, Danny’s “cockney-geezer charisma” makes this drama “worth a try”. The I newspaper were also fans of the show, describing it as being “surprisingly moreish – tightly plotted, with the added dimension of an encroaching bush fire”. With a tease of some of the cast not making it out alive, how could you resist? Come for Danny Dyer, stay for the drama, thrills, twists, and turns.
Available now
The Drowning
Drama
Summary:This mystery series revolves around Jodie, a struggling mum who lost her four-year-old son in an accident nine years earlier. It's a type of grief no parent would heal from, but when she sees a boy who looks like an older version of her son almost a decade later, she's convinced it's her missing boy. In an attempt to find out the truth, she lies to get closer to him to find out more. Starring Jo Joyner and Rachel Shenton, this psychological crime drama will have you guessing at every turn.
Why you should watch: The Drowning has had some good reviews from critics since being released three years ago. The Radio Times branded it a “gripping thriller”, whilst the The Telegraph described it as “a no-nonsense thriller that keeps you guessing”. Jill Halfpenny is, again, great in the lead role, and gives a “compelling” performance as a grieving mother (Evening Standard). Again, it’s a C5 drama that might require you to maybe suspend your disbelief, but it’s a great little thriller with an intriguing mystery.
Available now
Lie with Me
Drama
Summary:Set in Australia, this drama follows a family who move Down Under from the UK for a fresh start. After moving, they hire a nanny to look after their young son. However, it turns out that the nanny is hiding something and isn’t who she seems. EastEnders actress Charlie Brooker leads the cast, which also features Brett Tucker, Phoebe Roberts, and Caroline Gillmer.
Why you should watch: The family drama aspect of the show is done well, and Brooker is believable in the main role, as a wife who suspects her husband is being unfaithful with someone they hired to help. It’s had some mixed reviews here, but was described by The Times as being “more-ish” escapism - what more could you really want from a TV show? There’s only four episodes too, so you’re going to fly through this.
Available now
Love Rat
Drama
Summary:Recently divorced Emma enjoys a whirlwind romance with a hotel proprietor whilst on holiday in Cyprus. However, her new man turns out to be a scammer, who robs her of her life savings. Emma must now embark on a dangerous mission to get her money back. Sally Lindsay stars as the lead, with Gerald Kyr as the mysterious scammer. Neil Morrissey is also in the cast.
Why you should watch: Any Channel 5 drama with Sally Lindsay in it is bound to be entertaining, and this one is no exception! Lindsay gives a “convincing” performance and was described as being “marvellous” by iNews. You’ll be rooting for her by the end of the first episode, which will undoubtedly mean that you’ll want to stick around and see if she gets her money back! The Herald Scotland branded the drama “preposterous” but praised the fact that the drama knew it was “preposterous”, which just makes it all the more entertaining! Worth a watch.
Available now
Blindspot
Crime | Drama | Action & Adventure
Summary:Blindspot tells the story of a mysterious woman who is found in a travel bag in Times Square by the FBI. The woman has no recollection of her past or her identity. However, she is covered in fresh tattoos, which turn out to be clues towards her past. She has to piece together the jigsaw puzzle inked on her skin to uncover who she really is. Thor actress Jaimie Alexander stars, with Sullivan Stapleton also starring.
Why you should watch: It’s a brilliant and unique concept, which is worth the investment alone. The reviews for the show have been decent, with many saying that once you suspend your disbelief, it’s pretty addictive TV. There has been a lot of praise for Jaimie Alexander’s performance, with Rolling Stone writing she is “likably vulnerable and earnest” in the lead role. With three seasons available to watch, this is a drama that you’ll find hard to quit.
Available now
Penance
Crime | Drama
Summary:A three-part Julie Graham-led drama. Penance follows a husband and wife who are grieving the death of their son in Thailand. Amid their grief, Rosalie (Graham) grows close to a young and charismatic man whose parents have died. He also just happens to pass a resemblance to her dead son. Exploiting their emotional turmoil, the man manages to infiltrate the family and attempts to seduce Rosalie. But what is his end goal? Joining Graham in the cast are Neil Morrissey, My Mad Fat Diary actor Nico Mirallegro, and Art Malik.
Why you should watch: Julie Graham is predictably convincing in the lead role, and the mystery surrounding the enigmatic Jed will definitely keep you interested enough to watch this series the whole way through. The Guardian gave it a fairly decent review, awarding it 3 stars, whilst iNews branded it a “taut little thriller” with enough “salacious intrigue” to keep you coming back.
Available now
Wentworth
Drama | Crime
Summary:This drama follows groups of women as they attempt to survive in the brutal Australian prison, Wentworth. The first four seasons follows Bea Smith’s early days behind bars and her subsequent rise in the prison hierarchy. From season six onwards, the show follows an ensemble of characters. Danielle Cormack leads the first few series, which also feature the likes of Nicole Da Silva and Kate Atkinson.
Why you should watch: If you’re a fan of prison dramas (think Prison Break or Orange is the New Black), then this will be right up your street. Wentworth Prison has had some fantastic reviews during its time on the telly. The Guardian hailed the "crisp and pacy writing" and "genius production". The Telegraph were big fans of the drama too, branding it “fabulously strong”, praising its “variably humane female characters”. With eight seasons available, this is a drama that will suck you in and not let you go until you’re all done. And if you’re a fan of this, you’ll be able to watch the original 70s drama that inspired it all, Prisoners. The first three seasons (of seven) are available on My5 right now.
Available now
Intruder
Drama | Crime
Summary:This four-part drama follows a married couple based in Cornwall. They are living a perfect, wealthy life but their life is turned upside down when their home is broken into but two teenagers. Matters take a turn and Sam (Tom Meeten) inadvertently kill one of the intruders. The police get involved in the case to find out what really happened. Sally Lindsay stars in this one, with Elaine Cassidy and Tom Meeten also featuring.
Why you should watch: It’s a Channel 5 drama with Sally Lindsay in it, why wouldn’t you watch? The mystery deepens when the couple try to stage the crime scene to avoid police sniffing around - but will their tactics work? It’s had some fairly decent reviews, with The Guardian giving it 3 stars back in 2021. The Arts Desk were of the opinion that whilst some of the things that happen in the show aren’t very believable, it’s still very “watchable”. “It isn’t King Lear, but it’s got enough going on to keep you watching,” they said.
Available now
Revenge
Drama | Mystery | Soap
Summary:This American drama follows a young woman who manages to infiltrate an affluent community in a bid to get revenge on those who wronged her and her family 20 years previously. Based on The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, her ultimate goal is to seek vengeance for her father being wrongly convicted. During her masterplan, she blends herself into the community she use to live in, but gets involved in multiple dangerous situations, and uncovers shocking revelations and secrets. Marvel star Emily VanCamp stars, with Madeleine Stowe and Gabriel Mann also involved.
Why you should watch: Not only did the show run for four seasons (which is always a very good sign), it was widely received as well. It was regularly named in the top shows of 2011 back in the day, and was described as “spellbinding” by The Wall Street Journal. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 69% score by critics, with viewers rating it higher at 78%. It’s got a great cast leading the line, and there’s plenty of episodes for you to binge on. It’s a no brainer, really!
Available now
Riptide
Drama | Mystery
Summary:Alison has just tied the knot to an older (and wealthier) man who lives by the coast. She moves to be with him, however, things take a turn for the worst when he goes missing after an early morning surf. The police believe he may have drowned in the riptide, but Alison believes something more sinister is going on. Jo Joyner stars, with Peter O’Brien, Ciaran Griffiths, and David Berry also in the cast.
Why you should watch: Riptide received decent reviews when it was released. iNews, for example wrote that there is “no shortage of narrative meat to sink your teeth into” and praised the "well-paced writing and confident performances”. Some outlets also compared it to a darker version of Neighbors, if that’s something you’re interested in! As always, Joyner is great, and O’Toole’s performance drew much praise too. With four episodes, this is yet another series worth binging on My5.
Available now
As you can see, Channel 5 has made sure there is no shortage of drama series available on My5 this December. One of the best things about the dramas listed here is that they are short and there is (usually) only one series for you to get through. Most are pretty binge-able, and the ones that have more than one series are very well received dramas that are well worth getting your teeth stuck into.
