A gripping true crime series, hailed as 'gritty' and 'captivating,' is now available to watch for free. Steeltown Murders originally aired on the BBC in 2023 and focuses on three unsolved murders from over 50 years ago. Set in both 1973 and the early 2000s, the four-part drama follows the hunt for a serial killer in the Port Talbot area of Wales. In a groundbreaking case, the mystery was solved three decades after the deaths using advanced forensic analysis and modern DNA investigations.
Real-Life Tragedy
The factual drama stars Philip Glenister and Steffan Rhodri as detectives investigating the real-life murders committed by Joseph Kappen in South Wales. The victims—Sandra Newton, Geraldine Hughes, and Pauline Floyd—were killed in the 1970s, leaving their families and community shaken for decades. The BBC synopsis teases: 'Three murders—unsolved but never forgotten. Thirty years on, can DCI Bethall find the serial killer who terrorised 1970s Port Talbot? True life drama of a cold case that made history.'
Critical Acclaim
Viewers have praised the series, calling it an 'outstanding multidimensional true crime' drama. One viewer described it as a 'gritty Welsh true crime drama that excels in all departments,' while another called it 'a thoughtful, emotional true crime drama.' A fan noted, 'Writer Ed Whitmore has a couple of decades of experience with crime stories, including penning many of the best episodes of Silent Witness. One of the best UK dramas of 2023, highly recommended.'
Behind the Scenes
Steffan Rhodri, who plays DC Phil 'Bach' Rees, told press that the case highlights the diligence of police work. As per Radio Times, he said: 'The story is about the diligence of the police work, rather than the heroics. It becomes heroic because of the diligence, but it's not swashbuckling police work. It's about just quite boring, diligent work, sitting there poring through lots of detail.'
More Welsh Crime Drama
Following Steeltown Murders, Rhodri stars in another Welsh crime series, Old Town Murders, alongside Mark Lewis Jones. The BBC describes it as 'witty, twisty,' exploring 'finding meaning, purpose, and hope later in life through friendship and solving crime.' The series follows two detectives finding new purpose as they solve murders in the seaside town of Tenby.
Steeltown Murders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
