Shows Like Better (2023)

Andrew Buchan and Leila Farzad in Better (2023)

6.5 / 10 (based on 1584 reviews)

A corrupt police detective has a painful moral awakening and decides to put right 20 years of wrongdoing.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Main Cast: Andrew Buchan, Samuel Edward-Cook, Suanne Braun, Charley Webb
Creators: Jonathan Brackley, Sam Vincent
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1 season, 5 episodes, 59-minute runtime

Shows Most Like Better (2023)

The Gold (2023)

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7.5 / 10 (based on 3368 reviews)

Drama series inspired by true events surrounding the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery, and the remarkable story that followed.

Genre: Crime, Drama, History

Main Cast:
Creators: Neil Forsyth
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1 season, 6 episodes, 58.0-minute runtime

Desperate Measures (2022)

Desperate Measures (2022)

6.4 / 10 (based on 280 reviews)

Rowan’s life spirals when Finn is coerced into a botched drug deal by a local gang. With Finn’s life on the line and a violent gang leader encroaching on her life, Rowan is faced with recuperating the money that Finn lost.

Genre: Drama

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1 season, 4 episodes

North Sea Connection (2022)

North Sea Connection (2022)

6.6 / 10 (based on 480 reviews)

The stunning scenery of Ireland’s west coast conceals a dark secret in ‘North Sea Connection’, in which Ciara must confront the dramatic consequences of her brother Aidan’s decision to transport drugs at sea.

Genre: Thriller

Main Cast: Sinéad Cusack, Kerr Logan, Lydia McGuinness, Lynn Rafferty
Creators: Josie Burke
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1 season, 6 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime

Funny Woman (2022)

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7.4 / 10 (based on 1036 reviews)

The life and journey of Barbara Parker, London’s force behind 1960’s cultural explosion.

Genre: Comedy

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1 season, 6 episodes

Happy Valley (2014)

Happy Valley (2014)

8.5 / 10 (based on 52976 reviews)

Yorkshire-based crime drama centering on the personal and professional life of Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Main Cast: Sarah Lancashire, Siobhan Finneran, Charlie Murphy, James Norton
Creators: Sally Wainwright
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3 seasons, 18 episodes, 58.0-minute runtime

Maternal (2023)

Parminder Nagra, Lara Pulver, and Lisa McGrillis in Maternal (2023)

7.7 / 10 (based on 519 reviews)

Drama about three doctors returning to post-pandemic frontline medicine after maternity leave.

Genre: Drama

Main Cast:
Creators: Jacqui Honess-Martin
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1 season, 6 episodes, 46.0-minute runtime

The Diplomat (2023)

The Diplomat (2023)

6.5 / 10 (based on 330 reviews)

The six-part series follows Laura Simmonds and her Barcelona Consul colleague and friend Alba Ortiz as they fight to protect British nationals who find themselves in trouble in the Catalan city.

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Main Cast:
Creators: Ben Richards
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1 season, 6 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime

Unforgotten (2015)

Unforgotten (2015)

8.3 / 10 (based on 25060 reviews)

London detectives investigate crimes from the past, unravelling secrets left buried for years.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Sanjeev Bhaskar, Jordan Long, Lewis Reeves, Nicola Walker
Creators: Chris Lang
Directors:
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5 seasons, 30 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime


In 2023, the TV landscape saw the arrival of a show that quickly made waves for its unique storytelling and compelling characters: “Better.” This show, without beating around the bush, is a masterclass in narrative construction and character development. It’s a fresh breath of air in a medium that often feels saturated with repetitive themes and predictable plots. Let’s get into what makes “Better” stand out, who’s behind it, and why it’s worth your time.

The Premise

At its core, “Better” is a crime drama, but to box it into just that category would be doing it a disservice. The show follows the life of a detective who, after years of working on the right side of the law, finds herself tangled in a web of criminal activities. But here’s the twist – it’s all in a bid to protect her family. This setup provides a fertile ground for exploring themes of morality, loyalty, and the often-blurry line between right and wrong.

The Cast and Crew

What makes “Better” particularly compelling is its stellar cast, led by a protagonist portrayed with such depth and nuance that you can’t help but root for her, even when her choices are morally ambiguous. The supporting cast, too, is nothing short of remarkable, bringing to life a world that’s as complex as it is captivating.

Behind the scenes, the show is helmed by a team of writers and directors who understand the importance of subtlety. In a TV landscape where shows often rely on shock value, “Better” stands out for its restraint. The storytelling is tight, with each episode peeling back layers to reveal more about the characters and their motivations.

Why It Stands Out

Realistic Characters

One of the show’s strongest suits is its commitment to character realism. The characters in “Better” are flawed, multi-dimensional, and, most importantly, relatable. They make mistakes, they struggle with their choices, and they face consequences. This realism extends to the portrayal of the criminal underworld, which is depicted not as a realm of constant action and glamour but as a complex, often mundane network of relationships and obligations.

Moral Complexity

“Better” excels in presenting moral dilemmas in a way that feels genuine. The show doesn’t shy away from asking hard questions about what people are willing to do for their loved ones, and it doesn’t offer easy answers. This moral complexity is a breath of fresh air, encouraging viewers to engage with the show on a deeper level.

Cinematography and Soundtrack

It’s not just the storytelling and characters that set “Better” apart; the show also boasts exceptional cinematography and a memorable soundtrack. The visual style of “Better” is both striking and understated, using color and composition to enhance the narrative without overwhelming it. Meanwhile, the soundtrack perfectly complements the mood of the show, adding an additional layer of emotional depth.

Reception and Impact

Since its debut, “Better” has received critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and overall production quality. Viewers have praised the show for its engaging plot and complex characters, and it has quickly garnered a dedicated fan base. In a television landscape filled with formulaic crime dramas, “Better” has managed to stand out, not just as a great crime show, but as a compelling drama in its own right.

Conclusion

In an era where TV shows often come and go without making much of an impact, “Better” has carved out a niche for itself as a thoughtful, engaging, and beautifully crafted series. It’s a show that doesn’t just entertain but also challenges its audience to think about the choices they make and the lines they’re willing to cross.

For anyone tired of the same old crime dramas, “Better” offers something different. It’s a show that proves the power of good storytelling and character development, reminding us that, at its best, television can be both profoundly moving and thoroughly entertaining.

Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or just looking for your next binge-worthy show, “Better” is definitely worth checking out. It’s a testament to what television can achieve when it dares to ask more of its audience and its creators. So, if you’re ready for a show that offers more than just surface-level thrills, give “Better” a chance. It just might surprise you how much it has to offer.

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