The Unstoppable Rise of Dept. Q on Netflix
"Edinburgh-based crime drama on Netflix, nestled in cobblestone streets, is a must-see for crime drama aficionados"
Ever since its debut on 29th May, 2025, Dept. Q has been relentlessly climbing up Netflix's rankings (topping the charts as we speak). Starring the legend Matthew Goode, this enthralling nine-part British series brilliantly transforms Jussi Adler-Olsen's first novel, The Keeper of Lost Causes, into a gripping psychological masterpiece set amidst the cold, dreary fog of Edinburgh.
This gritty reimagining exudes a forceful intensity that breathes new life into the crime thriller genre. Its intricate plotlines unravel a web of secrets and lies, while its characters grapple with the ghosts of their past.
If you're into series, check out these articles:
- A Danish crime series set in the suburbs of Copenhagen is taking over Netflix
- 5 addictive Korean series you should revisit
- A captivating Korean drama series set on Jeju Island will keep you glued to your screen
A Tainted Squad
Our hero, Carl Morck, a brilliant yet blasé detective with a haunted past, finds himself relegated to the thankless task of reopening cold cases in the basement of the police station. Teaming up with Akram, a former Syrian officer with an affinity for procedure but marginalized within the force, they welcome the unstable Rose, a colleague battling PTSD, to complete their ragtag team.
Assigned with the five-year-old unsolved case of Merritt Lingard, a senior civil servant presumed dead, Department Q discovers a tangled web of deceit that stretches deep into political and institutional circles. This investigation becomes a quest for redemption for the tormented trio.
A Visionary Adaptation
The Department Q Investigations series has earned a place in the pantheon of Scandinavian crime fiction. Rather than following the source material scene-by-scene, creators Scott Frank (The Queen's Gambit) and Chandni Lakhani opted for a fresh take, shifting the story to Edinburgh and altering certain characters. This choice allows for an original storyline, teeming with its own unique social, political, and historical challenges.
The result is an enchanting fusion: staying true to the essence of the book but offering a completely new narrative and aesthetic. The series' gloomy atmosphere creates the perfect backdrop for this dark and twisted tale. The streets of Edinburgh, cloaked in mist and adorned with Victorian architecture, provide a chilling backdrop for this psychological thriller.
A Critically Acclaimed Debut
Dept. Q has received widespread praise from British and international critics. Special mention goes to Matthew Goode for his intense and nuanced performance. While Netflix has yet to confirm whether there will be a second season, the blockbuster ratings of the first season certainly set the stage for more explosive revelations, possibly adapting The Absent One, the second novel in the series, which focuses on an elitist boarding school's double murder[3].
Dept. Q delves into themes of loss, sorrow, memory, and the flawed nature of the justice system. It's a challenging yet deeply rewarding series for those who love complex narratives, enigmatic characters, and mysteries that refuse to yield without a price.
Visit EdinburghDiscover the U.K.Book Your Ticket
If you're interested in exploring more compelling series, delve into "Dept. Q", currently making waves on Netflix's "movies-and-tv" section, offering a gripping psychological thriller set amidst the haunting streets of Edinburgh. This adaptation of Jussi Adler-Olsen's novel, "The Keeper of Lost Causes", is a visionary take that will captivate entertainment enthusiasts. For those eager to immerse themselves in the city that served as the series' backdrop, consider a visit to Edinburgh, a city rich in Victorian architecture and steeped in history.
