BBC to launch brand new police show that will directly rival Motorway Cops and 24 Hours in Police Custody
THE BBC is set to launch an exciting new police series that aims to directly rival popular shows like Motorway Cops and 24 Hours in Police Custody.
This latest addition promises to offer gripping insights into the world of law enforcement, adding another must-watch crime programme to the lineup.
The new show named "Back Seat Cops" will delve into the police ride-along scheme, giving members of the public a front-row seat to the realities of policing in 2025.
With unprecedented access, the series follows crime victims as they join local neighbourhood officers for a shift, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the challenges faced by modern law enforcement.
BBC viewers will witness how this experience shapes the participants’ perspectives, as they get a firsthand glimpse of the complexities of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
Catherine Welton, Executive Producer for Full Fat TV comments: “I’m delighted we’re working with the BBC on our first BBC Daytime commission.
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"Back Seat Cops will take viewers right to the heart of the most talked about crime hot topics, giving audiences a front row seat to all the thrills and spills of modern policing.”
The BBC has also commissioned a series based on residents who provide doorbell footage to police named "Doorbell Detectives."
The gripping new five-part series, hosted by Matt Allwright, dives into the world of neighbourhood crime through the eyes of ordinary people using their video doorbells and security cameras to aid police in catching criminals.
With over one in five UK households equipped with these devices, they’ve become vital tools not only for home security but for solving crimes right on our doorsteps.
Broadcasting from the Incident Room in Manchester, each episode showcases incredible footage captured by these everyday heroes, revealing shocking instances of crime.
Matt sits down with the victims to uncover how their doorbell footage played a crucial role in solving the case, pinpointing key details like location, timings, and the culprits involved.
Police experts will also provide invaluable advice on how to safeguard against common criminal tactics, from home burglaries to pet thefts, making Doorbell Detectives an essential watch for anyone wanting to stay one step ahead of the crooks.
Purple Productions’, Dympna Jackson said: “Neighbourhood Watch has had a digital upgrade! We’re all reliant on using our smart doorbells to ensure that deliveries arrive on time or knowing who’s at the door, but they are more and more being used to tackle local crime.
"Matt will be uncovering some gobsmacking stories and really help you feel safer on your street.’
Back Seat Cops and Doorbell Detectives will be available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here's a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman's war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate while Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.