Viewers across the UK looking for a new series to devour have just been handed a perfect option. A critically acclaimed BBC psychological thriller from 2017, starring a beloved actor from Line of Duty, has now landed on Netflix, making it instantly available for a gripping binge-watching session.
A Psychological Thriller Praised by Fans
The three-part series, which originally aired on the BBC, has accumulated a wealth of positive reviews from audiences on platforms like IMDb. One viewer awarded it a flawless 10/10, describing it as a "delicious thriller" with a "perfect cast" and calling it a "very satisfying psychological thriller".
Another highly-rated review confessed to being on the "edge of my seat", loving the programme so much that the final episode had them "screaming at the TV". They praised it as a "great drama from the BBC" and expressed a desire for a sequel.
A third review highlighted how the show "came from nowhere and grabs peoples attention" back in 2017. They commended its "good premise" and familiar cast, noting it "brightened up dreary spring evenings with its quick turns and obsession based plot".
Further praise came from a reviewer who rated it 8/10, calling it a "smart, gripping three part drama". They enjoyed its development and "dramatic, albeit unusual conclusion", while also applauding the lead actors for "bouncing off one another brilliantly". Another 7/10 review was headlined "Gripping, twists and turns, bingeworthy", thanking other reviewers for recommending they ignore negative critiques.
The Plot and Stellar Cast
The Replacement is set within a Glasgow architecture practice. It follows expectant mother Ellen, portrayed by Morven Christie, as she prepares for maternity leave. Vicky McClure plays Paula, the seemingly ideal temporary cover brought in to fill Ellen's role.
The narrative takes a dark turn as Ellen's suspicions grow. She finds herself increasingly sidelined at work, and Paula's presence shifts from that of an ally to a formidable professional threat. The escalating conflict between the two women drives the plot through numerous unexpected twists, keeping audiences thoroughly captivated.
The series marked a significant departure for Vicky McClure, who is cherished by fans for her role as the tenacious undercover AC-12 detective Kate Fleming in Line of Duty.
The drama boasts a stellar supporting cast including Hollywood actor Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible 2), Richard Rankin (Outlander), Navin Chowdhry (EastEnders), and Siobhan Redmond (Between the Lines), among others.
Behind the Scenes of the Hit Drama
The series was both written and directed by Joe Ahearne, known for his work on Doctor Who and This Life. Speaking to the BBC Writers Room, Ahearne revealed the inspiration came from a conversation about maternity cover with a producer friend.
"Any writer will recognise a great story when it falls into their lap," Ahearne said. "We both soon realised it was a drama." He added that the perspective of the woman being replaced, rather than the replacement, felt more compelling, drawing inspiration from Hitchcockian tales of paranoia.
The Replacement is available to stream on Netflix now.
