ITV viewers have rushed to binge on the new British series "Protection," touted as one of the greatest crime dramas to emerge in years. Premiering on March 16, 2025, the much-anticipated six-part series stars Siobhan Finneran, known for her roles in "Benidorm," "Downton Abbey," and "Happy Valley," as DI Liz Nyles, tasked with the challenging job of ensuring the safety of witnesses, including the gangster-turned-informant Jimmy McLennan, and his family. The plot thickens when McLennan and his wife are brutally murdered at their secure location, posing significant challenges for Liz as both her professional and personal dilemmas dramatically intertwine.
"Protection" is not just another crime thriller but delves deep beneath the surface of witness protection systems, raising moral questions about integrity, loyalty, and justice. Created by Kris Mrksa, the writer behind the acclaimed series "White House Farm" and "No Escape," this show blends intense narration with real-life inspiration from actual witness protection officers, promising gripping twists and underlying conspiracies. Liz, portrayed as a single mother facing her own tumultuous life, including divorce and caring for her sick father, finds herself at the heart of professional corruption within her unit, prompting her to act outside the confines of the law.
Filming for the series took place from July to September 2023, primarily around the Liverpool City region, encompassing locations rich with character including Olive Mount Community Centre, Edgewell Drive, Score Lane, and Cressington. Other notable sites featured include Wavertree Police Station and Delamere Forest, which add authenticity to the gripping narrative.
Finneran, who relished working on the series, noted, "I loved filming in Liverpool; it's a great place to potter about and look at buildings." The vibrant backdrop of Liverpool not only enhances the storyline but offers viewers vivid imagery associated with the plot’s central themes.
Alongside Finneran, the cast features familiar faces like Barry Ward (known from "Bad Sisters"), Katherine Kelly ("Mr Bates vs The Post Office," "The Long Shadow"), and Chaneil Kular from "Sex Education." Their performances add complexity and relatability to the ensemble cast, making each character’s challenges feel more real.
Critics have showered the series with praise, calling it refreshingly original, as it navigates through the myriad emotions and ethical dilemmas faced by those within the witness protection program. The realism it conveys, coupled with its deep ethical undertones, resonates with audiences, prompting discussions on the system's reliability and the personal sacrifices officers make daily.
Every episode dives deep, pushing the boundaries of Liz's character as she battles external pressures and internal turmoil. The relentless pursuit of protecting the witnesses and safeguarding her family creates tension, as viewers are left questioning whether the ends justify the means.
The show continues to gain traction, attracting viewers already captivated by its plot twists and dramatic executions. It airs on ITV1 every week, adding to the collective anticipation surrounding each episode as fans remain eager to see how Liz will navigate her treacherous path.
The series offers not only entertainment but also introspection about society's darker sides and the lengths individuals will go to protect their loved ones. Many viewers are already expressing hope for future seasons, as the characters and storylines tug at their heartstrings.
For those who enjoy fast-paced crime dramas embedded with rich storytelling and character development, "Protection" is the new must-watch series. It encapsulates the essence of crime and the moral gray areas often overlooked, challenging audiences to reflect on justice's true definition, especially for those tasked with enforcing it.
"Protection" presented many possibilities for character and story development, promising to keep viewers on the edge of their seats and discussing its themes long after the credits roll. This series is set to become part of the lexicon of British crime drama, admired for its authenticity and emotional depth.
With its mix of suspense, drama, and real-world inspiration, "Protection" establishes itself as not just another television series, but as a significant cultural commentary on the nature of safety, protection, and sacrifice. Whether it manages to maintain its momentum remains to be seen, but for now, audiences are gripped.
Don't miss your chance to follow Liz's increasingly perilous situation week by week; the next episode airs tonight at 9 PM on ITV1. The show’s careful balance of personal stakes and broader systemic issues keeps viewers invested, ensuring its place as one of the standout crime dramas of the year.
