A gripping crime drama set around the famous story of one of history’s most infamous killers is coming to Netflix next month.
Ripper Street (2012–2016), the critically acclaimed British mystery series starring Matthew Macfadyen, is set to land on the streaming giant on April 4, offering audiences another chance to dive into the underworld of Victorian London.
Set in the late 19th century, Ripper Street takes viewers deep into the chaotic streets of Whitechapel, where the notorious Jack the Ripper once stalked his victims.
The series begins in 1889, just months after the Ripper’s last known murder, with London’s H Division police force still struggling to maintain control over a crime-ridden district.
At the centre of the drama is Detective Inspector Edmund Reid, played by Matthew Macfadyen, a brilliant but haunted investigator determined to bring order to the chaos. He is joined by Detective Sergeant Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn) and Captain Homer Jackson (Adam Rothenberg), a former US Army surgeon with a forensic background.
While Jack the Ripper himself remains an abstract presence rather than an active character, his crimes set the scene as the police force tackle new threats in Victorian East London.
Throughout its five-season run, the show delves into real historical events, such as the matchgirls’ strike of 1888, the Cleveland Street Scandal, and even Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man.
As the show progresses, the characters also navigate problems in their personal lives and struggles with morality while balancing their humanity and their professional selves.
Upon its debut on BBC One in 2012, Ripper Street was met with widespread praise. Critics lauded the show’s authenticity, writing, and performances, with particular praise for Macfadyen’s nuanced portrayal of Inspector Reid. Jerome Flynn’s turn as the gruff but loyal Sergeant Drake was also a highlight, earning him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTA TV Awards.
It holds an 89% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising its “gritty atmosphere, strong performances, and gripping storytelling.”
Catch the arrival of Ripper Street to Netflix on April 4.