The critically acclaimed gangland drama Kin, available to stream on BBC iPlayer, has captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and earned a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This Irish-made series, which originally aired from 2021 to 2023, continues to attract new fans through its availability on both BBC iPlayer and Netflix, despite comprising only 16 episodes.
A Gritty Tale of Family and Feud
The plot of Kin centres on the Kinsella family, a Dublin criminal clan embroiled in a violent underworld conflict. The drama begins with Michael Kinsella, the family's black sheep, being released from prison. The Kinsellas are under the control of local drugs kingpin Eamon Cunningham, portrayed by Ciarán Hinds, but growing tensions soon escalate into full-scale gang warfare.
The series synopsis encapsulates the core conflict: "A boy is killed, and his family embarks on a gangland war with an international cartel. But the Kinsellas have something the cartel does not, the unbreakable bonds of blood and family."
Stellar Cast and Critical Acclaim
Kin boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Charlie Cox, renowned for his role as Marvel's Daredevil, and Aidan Gillen from Game of Thrones. Their performances, alongside Ciarán Hinds as the rival gang leader, have been widely praised for adding depth and authenticity to the gritty narrative.
The show's first season achieved a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and viewers alike hailing it as a must-watch. One enthusiastic review on the platform stated: "Best series I have seen, could not stop watching it, brilliantly written, acting superb, a must watch for me."
Audience Reactions and Binge-Worthy Appeal
Viewers have expressed overwhelming admiration for Kin, with many binge-watching the series late into the night. One fan shared: "I binge-watched all of Kin series one on Netflix yesterday, didn't finish it until 3am. Really enjoyed it. When will series two be released? I need to do more bingeing into the wee small hours."
Another viewer on IMDb defended the series against negative critiques, noting: "Surprised by the negative reviews because this is an excellent series, with great performances, realistic action and a good plot. None of your Hollywood 10-minute fight scenes; the violence is short, sharp and decisive."
They elaborated on the show's strengths: "The first season held my attention throughout, and I looked forward to every episode, even though I could see the ending coming a mile off. You could look at it as the copying of a great ending to a great movie or just a nod to that movie."
Character-Driven Drama and Comparisons
Fans have highlighted the series' character-driven nature, with one praising: "The series is deeply character-driven, with standout acting, sharp dialogue, and nuanced interactions that will have you on the edge of your seat, hanging on every word when things get real." They concluded: "The action sequences are seamlessly incorporated, as one critic noted. Even as someone who doesn't enjoy drama, I found this a fantastic watch."
Some viewers have drawn comparisons to Love/Hate, the acclaimed Irish crime drama that aired from 2010 to 2014. One fan suggested: "Watch love/hate instead, especially S2 + S3. Up there with the best shows I've ever watched." However, Kin stands out with its unique narrative and contemporary appeal.
Despite its concise run, Kin has left audiences eagerly anticipating more, solidifying its status as a standout entry in the crime drama genre. Its availability on BBC iPlayer ensures that new viewers can discover this gripping series, praised for its compelling plot and exceptional performances.
