50 Facts About Line Of Duty (TV Series)

Creation and Production

Line of Duty is a gripping British police procedural series that has captivated audiences since its debut. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its creation and production.

1. Jed Mercurio crafted this series, also known for his work on Bodyguard and the novel C4's The Game.

2. The show first aired on BBC Two on June 26, 2012, and quickly became a hit, leading to more seasons.

3. This series falls under the police procedural and serial drama genres, focusing on internal corruption within a fictional police force.

4. The setting is an unnamed British city, with hints suggesting it's in the Midlands, likely Birmingham.

5. Filming began in Birmingham for the first series, but later seasons were shot in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Main Characters and Plot

The series revolves around the Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12), a team tasked with policing the police. Here's a closer look at the main characters and plot.

6. Key characters include DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), and Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar).

7. Each season features a new actor portraying a police officer under investigation by AC-12, such as Lennie James in series one and Keeley Hawes in series two.

8. AC-12 investigates seemingly unrelated cases involving corrupt officers like DCI Tony Gates and DI Lindsay Denton.

9. Line of Duty became the highest-rated drama in the UK since 2002, a remarkable achievement.

10. The series has won numerous awards, including the Royal Television Society Award and the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Drama Series.

Production Team and Filming

The production team behind Line of Duty has played a crucial role in its success. Let's explore some key details.

11. Executive producers include Stephen Wright (BBC), Simon Heath (World Productions), and Jed Mercurio (Series 2–5).

12. The production team features Jed Mercurio as writer, director, producer, and executive producer, with others like Peter Norris and Cait Collins contributing.

13. Several cinematographers have worked on the series, including Ruairi O'Brien and Stephen Murphy.

14. Each episode typically runs between 56 and 58 minutes.

15. Initially airing on BBC Two, the series moved to BBC One starting with the fourth series in 2017.

Series Timeline and Episode Count

Line of Duty has a rich history of episodes and seasons. Here's a breakdown of its timeline and episode count.

16. The first series aired from June 26 to July 24, 2012, with subsequent series following these dates:

• Series 2: February 12 to March 19, 2014
• Series 3: March 24 to April 28, 2016
• Series 4: March 26 to April 30, 2017
• Series 5: March 31 to May 5, 2019
• Series 6: April 21 to May 2, 2021

17. The series consists of 36 episodes across six seasons.

18. Jed Mercurio initially pitched the series to BBC One in 2011 but was directed to BBC Two before eventually transferring back.

19. The show is set within a fictional police force known as Central Police Force (CPF), with AC-12 as the anti-corruption unit.

20. The main cast includes Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar, with notable guest stars like Lennie James and Keeley Hawes.

Character Development and Themes

Line of Duty is known for its complex characters and themes. Let's delve into these aspects.

21. Each series introduces a new main character investigated by AC-12, such as DCI Tony Gates and DI Lindsay Denton.

22. Superintendent Ted Hastings is famous for his Irish catchphrases like "Now we're sucking diesel!" and "Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey!"

23. The police refused to cooperate with the series' producers, leading them to seek advice from retired policemen and anonymous serving officers.

24. Line of Duty was the highest-ranked current series in a list of the best cop shows of all time.

25. The series set viewership records and became the highest-rated drama in the UK since 2002.

Impact and Public Reception

Line of Duty has left a lasting impact on British television and its audience. Here's how it has resonated with viewers.

26. The show has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Royal Television Society Awards.

27. Its impact on British television is significant, influencing how police procedurals are produced and consumed.

28. The series has a dedicated fan base, with fans eagerly anticipating each new series and engaging in discussions about its intricate plotlines.

29. Behind-the-scenes secrets include the fact that series one was shot in a different city from the rest of the show.

30. The show features a long list of notable guest stars, including Lennie James and Keeley Hawes.

Themes and Subplots

Line of Duty explores various themes and subplots, adding depth to its storytelling. Let's take a closer look.

31. The series delves into themes like corruption, loyalty, and the personal costs of being a police officer.

32. AC-12's primary mission is to uncover and expose corruption within the police force, leading to complex investigations.

33. Superintendent Ted Hastings is obsessed with catching the mysterious figure known as "H," or "The Fourth Man."

34. The Organised Crime Group (OCG) within the police force is a clandestine network of institutionalized corruption.

35. The show highlights various investigative techniques used by AC-12, including surveillance and undercover operations.

Cultural Impact and Future Prospects

Line of Duty has had a significant cultural impact and continues to intrigue audiences. Here's what the future might hold.

36. The series provides insight into police culture, highlighting camaraderie and loyalty among officers while exposing corruption.

37. Public reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising its gripping storylines and realistic portrayal of police work.

38. Line of Duty has sparked public interest in police procedures and corruption within law enforcement agencies.

39. Jed Mercurio's vision for the series was to keep viewers guessing until the very end, with each series featuring a new mystery.

40. The script for each series is meticulously developed to ensure every detail is accounted for, making it challenging to predict outcomes.

41. The show focuses on complex dynamics between characters, particularly between Steve Arnott and Kate Fleming.

42. Superintendent Ted Hastings is a strong leader who commands respect from his team, though his leadership style is often questioned.

43. The team's morale is tested by difficult cases, but their camaraderie and shared goal of exposing corruption keep them motivated.

44. The show has sparked discussions about accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies.

45. While there are no plans for a seventh season, Jed Mercurio has expressed interest in continuing the series if new stories can be developed.

The Legacy of Line of Duty

Line of Duty has left a lasting mark on British television, captivating audiences with its gripping tales of police corruption and moral dilemmas. Its intricate plotlines and well-crafted characters have kept viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting each twist and turn. The show's creator, Jed Mercurio, masterfully blends suspense and realism, offering a unique glimpse into the world of anti-corruption investigations. With its record-breaking viewership and numerous awards, the series has become a benchmark for crime dramas. Fans have embraced the show's complex narratives and dynamic character relationships, making it a cultural phenomenon. While there's no official word on a seventh season, the impact of Line of Duty continues to resonate, sparking conversations about justice and accountability. Its legacy as a trailblazer in the genre ensures it will be remembered as a standout in television history.