Gripping crime drama 'better than Blue Lights' now streaming for free
The Irish crime thriller series has been a huge hit with fans
A "brilliant" crime drama praised "as good as Line Of Duty" is now available to stream for free. Hidden Assets initially debuted on BBC in 2022, presenting audiences with DS Emma Berry and her team at the Criminal Assets Bureau. The programme recently returned for its third series and as the latest episodes arrived, BBC iPlayer has made all earlier instalments available to view. The series, a joint production between Irish, Belgian and Canadian crews, was written and developed by Peter McKenna, the creative mind behind Kin and Gangs of London.
Each series spans six episodes, making it the perfect length for a binge-watching session for both first-time viewers and returning fans, reports The Mirror. The opening series was set in present day Shannon, County Clare, Ireland and the port town of Antwerp, Belgium as the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the Belgian Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) collaborated on a case.
Starring the likes of Angeline Ball, Cathy Belton and Simone Kirby, the synopsis discloses: "A team at the Criminal Assets Bureau, conduct a routine raid, and discover that a small-time drug dealer has been receiving rough diamonds as payment from an untraceable source.
"When the diamonds turn out to be linked to a series of bombing in Belgium, the Criminal Assets Bureau is reluctantly forced to team up with Belgian Police Commissioner Christian De Jong to uncover the truth and prevent another bombing."
The second series continued the narrative between Antwerp and County Clare, while the third series is set to move between Dublin and Bilbao, where the CAB joins forces with Ertzaintza detectives in Spain. According to the synopsis, the fresh storyline will feature evidence uncovered during a raid linking a drug dealer to a series of bombings that took place in Belgium.
Irish detective Angeline's Emer Berry travels to Antwerp, where she is met by Christian de Jong from the anti-terrorism squad.
The pair must work together to begin "untangling an international conspiracy involving drugs, terrorism, and corrupt business and political leaders".
The series has garnered glowing reviews from critics over the years, with The Guardian describing the series as "television's most stressful thriller".
Viewers have also praised he show, with one writing on social media: "Brilliant Irish police thriller so much better than the BBC's Northern Irish attempt, Blue Lights."
Another weighed in, stating: "Compelling drama. Well written , directed and acted. I can't wait to see the next episode and good ending. Definitely recommend. As good as Line of Duty."
While a third posted: "Ever since Love/Hate we've been waiting for a gripping Irish Crime series to come along and here it is.
"Right away you get sucked into the storyline and get caught up in the action. The acting is first class from all. I'm already looking forward to the next episode."
Hidden Assets is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
