In the crowded streaming landscape, BritBox has carved out a niche for itself by delivering top-tier British television. From classic Agatha Christie adaptations to fresh originals, the platform consistently offers compelling viewing. Among its standout titles is The Tower, a crime series that premiered in November 2021 and quickly became a critical darling, earning a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on Kate London's acclaimed novel Post Mortem, The Tower is not your typical police procedural. It kicks off with a shocking event: a veteran officer and a teenage refugee fall to their deaths from a tower block roof in south-east London. The only witnesses are a young boy and rookie cop Lizzie Adama, who vanishes before she can be questioned. Detective Sergeant Sarah Collins, played with intensity by Gemma Whelan, is tasked with unraveling the mystery—both of the fall and of Lizzie's disappearance.
What follows is a layered narrative that goes beyond the initial incident. The series explores institutional failures, the complexities of policing, and the fraught relationship between Sarah and Lizzie. As Sarah digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that challenge the official story, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Critics were unanimous in their praise. Jim Loach's direction is described as "solid, firework-free but also without the flabbiness" that plagues many crime dramas. Whelan's performance as Collins is called "both intense and emotional." The show's tight scripting and stellar acting make it feel like an extended film, with flashbacks and on-the-ground investigation keeping the suspense high.
Despite its acclaim, The Tower was canceled after three seasons. A spokesperson told The Sun that while the show was "much loved," viewing figures for the final season didn't meet expectations. Still, the series remains a hidden gem on BritBox, a testament to the power of smart, character-driven crime storytelling.
For fans of the genre, The Tower is a must-watch. It joins the ranks of other must-watch crime sagas that push the boundaries of the genre. And if you're looking for more, check out our list of video game masterpieces or explore other miniseries that nail it from start to finish.
With its unflinching look at the human cost of policing and a protagonist who refuses to back down, The Tower is more than just a crime show—it's a poignant reflection on justice, duty, and the shadows that lurk in every institution. If you haven't discovered it yet, now's the perfect time to start.
