Three decades after its initial broadcast, a classic ITV crime drama starring the late Harry Potter legend Robbie Coltrane is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with devoted fans declaring it among the "best ever" television series produced in the UK.
The Unforgettable Performance of Robbie Coltrane
The series in question is Cracker, which first aired on ITV in 1993 and ran for three critically acclaimed series. Coltrane, beloved globally for his portrayal of Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, delivered what many consider his career-defining television performance as Dr Edward 'Fitz' Fitzgerald, a criminal psychologist with a deeply flawed personal life.
Fitz is portrayed as a chain-smoking, alcoholic, and gambling-obsessed individual whose personal demons contrast sharply with his exceptional professional abilities. This complex character allowed Coltrane to showcase a dramatic range far removed from his most famous family-friendly role, applying sharp psychological insight to help police forces solve intricate criminal cases.
Award-Winning Excellence and Stellar Cast
The drama's quality was recognised with multiple prestigious awards during its original run. Cracker won BAFTA TV Awards for Best Drama Series in both 1995 and 1996, while Coltrane himself secured the BAFTA for Best Actor for three consecutive years, a remarkable achievement that underscores the power of his performance.
The series featured an exceptional ensemble cast that included Christopher Eccleston, Ricky Tomlinson, Geraldine Somerville, Lorcan Cranitch, and Barbara Flynn. This talented supporting cast provided depth and authenticity to the gritty police procedural elements of the show, creating a rich tapestry of characters that complemented Coltrane's central performance.
Contemporary Rediscovery and Fan Acclaim
In recent discussions among television enthusiasts, particularly those who have enjoyed modern crime dramas like Nicola Walker's Unforgotten, Cracker has been consistently recommended as essential viewing. Fans returning to the series after many years are expressing astonishment at how well it has aged and how its quality surpasses much contemporary television.
One viewer remarked: "Just rewatched this after three decades. I was expecting an aged series. What I got was a reminder of what good writing, directing, and acting are all about. Superb cast and the part that Robbie Coltrane was born to play."
Another fan described the series as "British television at its best," adding that "today's society needs more of this genius television making." This sentiment reflects a growing appreciation for the series' psychological depth and character complexity, elements that some feel are sometimes lacking in more modern productions.
The Enduring Legacy of a Television Masterpiece
Despite its age, Cracker continues to find new audiences through streaming services. The complete series is currently available to watch on ITVX, allowing a new generation of viewers to discover what original fans have known for thirty years.
Multiple fans have described the series as "underrated" and "unappreciated," with one commenting: "I'm surprised this TV series isn't better known. Cracker is immensely UNDERRATED." Another viewer noted: "It was huge in its day but is largely forgotten now. The best ever UK crime series in my opinion."
The psychological complexity of Coltrane's Fitz character, combined with tightly plotted criminal investigations and exceptional supporting performances, has created a television experience that continues to resonate deeply with viewers. As one fan simply stated after revisiting the series: "It still blows me away how good it is."
This renewed appreciation for Cracker serves as a testament to the enduring power of quality television drama, demonstrating how exceptional writing, directing, and acting can create works that remain compelling and relevant decades after their initial creation.
