British crime drama fans have plenty to celebrate this month. While Guy Ritchie's MobLand returns with Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, and The Gentlemen continues to dominate Netflix, a fresh addition to the genre is about to hit screens. ITV has officially confirmed that The Blame, a new crime thriller, will premiere on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 9 PM on ITV1, with all episodes available to stream on ITVX.
Starring Michelle Keegan, known for her lead role in the Harlan Coben adaptation Fool Me Once, The Blame boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Joining Keegan are Douglas Booth (The Sandman), Ian Hart (Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Nathan Mensah, Nigel Boyle (Peaky Blinders), Joe Armstrong (Black Mirror), Matilda Freeman (How to Get to Heaven from Belfast), Josh Bolt (Masters of the Air), Ceallach Spellman (Cheaters), and Gavin Spokes, who portrayed Lord Lyonel Strong in the first season of House of the Dragon.
What Is The Blame About?
Based on the novel of the same name by Charlotte Langley, The Blame is already drawing comparisons to the iconic British crime series Happy Valley, thanks to producer Nicola Shindler. The official synopsis teases a gripping narrative: "As DI Emma Crane (Keegan) and DI Tom Radley (Booth) dig deeper into what starts as a tragic death that sends shockwaves through the town of Wakestead, a murder inquiry soon spirals into a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups and moral compromise." It continues, "As the clock ticks and trust fractures, Crane must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team."
The series promises to deliver the gritty, character-driven storytelling that British crime fans crave, with a focus on moral ambiguity and systemic corruption. Keegan's character, DI Emma Crane, is set to be a complex protagonist, torn between justice and the murky realities of police work.
For those who enjoy dark, twisty thrillers, The Blame is shaping up to be a must-watch. If you're looking for more gripping crime dramas, check out our review of Slow Horses season 6, which takes Apple TV's spy thriller to darker and wilder places. Or, if you prefer a more psychological take, our look at Sweetpea highlights Ella Purnell's standout performance in a dark thriller on Starz.
With its stellar cast, compelling source material, and a producer known for quality drama, The Blame is poised to be one of the standout crime series of the year. Mark your calendars for September 20, 2026, and get ready to dive into the secrets of Wakestead.
