Hello, everyone! Hope you’re doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the crime thriller series Dept. Q, which hit Netflix on May 29, 2025, and has quickly become a standout in the detective genre this year.
Debuting on May 29, 2025, this British crime series features six intense hour-long episodes that delve deep into the chilling cold cases of Edinburgh. Developed by Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani (known for The Queen’s Gambit), the series is adapted from the bestselling books by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen, though it moves the setting from Copenhagen to the historic city of Edinburgh.
Featuring Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck, with Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Kelly Macdonald, and Leah Byrne, Dept. Q centers around a talented yet troubled detective leading an unorthodox cold case unit. Filming spanned from February to June 2024 in Edinburgh, capturing a narrative that explores themes of trauma, redemption, and the tireless quest for justice for overlooked victims.
Carl Morck: A Detective Burdened by Past Events
Once a highly respected detective, Carl is tormented by guilt after an incident left his partner paralyzed and another officer dead. Matthew Goode portrays DCI Carl Morck, a sharp-witted detective whose biting sarcasm and harsh demeanor have made him few allies within the force, still recovering from a tragic shooting incident. His new role as the head of Department Q is both a penalty and a possible path to redemption.
Department Q: The Unconventional Cold Case Team
A bold yet brilliant officer becomes the leader of a new police division, heading a team of unlikely misfits to solve Edinburgh’s cold cases. Serving as a repository for supposedly unsolvable cases, Carl and his team tackle each investigation with fresh insights and unique approaches. Their interactions lead to both conflicts and breakthroughs as they address cases that have baffled investigators for years.
Intricate Characters with Depth
Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Kelly Macdonald, and Leah Byrne complete the ensemble, each character bringing distinct abilities and personal issues to Department Q. They act as both colleagues and informal therapists for Carl, creating a familial bond within the procedural narrative. The chemistry among the cast elevates the show beyond standard detective series.
The Investigation Process: Blending Psychological Insight with Procedural Mastery
Each episode centers on cold cases overlooked by the system but never forgotten by the victims’ families. The series skillfully intertwines past and present, illustrating the lasting impact of unresolved crimes on everyone involved. The investigations unveil layers of corruption, concealment, and human suffering that extend beyond simple mystery-solving.
Netflix Triumph: Critical and Viewer Acclaim
Dept. Q debuted on Netflix on May 29, 2025, and the review site Rotten Tomatoes has awarded it an 87% approval rating based on 49 critic evaluations. The series boasts a 94% audience score, along with an 83% “Certified Fresh” critics’ score, establishing it as one of Netflix’s top-rated crime dramas. Crafted by the creators of The Queen’s Gambit, this enthralling new Netflix mystery series set within Edinburgh’s cold case division has swiftly ascended to a streaming sensation, surpassing other popular series to dominate Netflix’s rankings.
For those who enjoy crime dramas rich in psychological depth, with outstanding performances and layered storytelling, Dept. Q is a must-watch on Netflix. The compelling portrayal by Matthew Goode, the atmospheric setting of Edinburgh, and Scott Frank’s exceptional writing create a detective experience that is hard to forget.
A brilliant example of crime television, demonstrating that the finest mysteries are not just about solving cases but about the healing journey for those who refuse to leave justice unserved.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 6 episodes
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-MA / 87% Rotten Tomatoes (83% Critics, 94% Audience) 8.2/IMDb
Genre: Crime Drama, Mystery, Psychological Thriller
Protagonists: Matthew Goode (DCI Carl Morck), Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Kelly Macdonald, Leah Byrne
Antagonist: Unresolved crimes, institutional corruption, and Carl’s own psychological trauma