Annika (2021)
A sharp, witty British crime drama following a marine homicide detective who solves brutal waterway murders while navigating family life with disarming candour.
Annika - Series Information
- Original Title: Annika
- First Air Year: 2021
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Created by: Nick Walker
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (48 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, German
- First Air Date: August 17, 2021 (United Kingdom - 15), August 17, 2021 (Germany - 12), August 17, 2021 (France - 12), August 17, 2021 (Australia - MA 15+), August 17, 2021 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: U&Alibi
- Alternative Titles: Annika on Masterpiece (US)
- Production Companies: Black Camel Pictures, Masterpiece
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Annika - Plot
The sharp, witty and enigmatic DI Annika Strandhed, as she heads up a new specialist Marine Homicide Unit (MHU) that is tasked with investigating the unexplained, brutal, and seemingly unfathomable murders.
Annika - Trailer
See the action unfold in the official trailer for this acclaimed British crime drama:
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Annika - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Nick Walker
Main Cast
- Nicola Walker
- Jamie Sives
- Katie Leung
- Silvie Furneaux
- Ukweli Roach
- Kate Dickie
- Paul McGann
- Taylor Goodwin
- Varada Sethu
- Cora Bissett
Writers
- Nick Walker
- Frances Poet
- Lucia Haynes
Executive Producers
- Nicole Fitzpatrick
- Arabella Page Croft
- Jennifer Armitage
- Susanne Simpson
- David Swetman
Annika - FAQs
Is Annika based on a book or true story?
Annika is based on a novel rather than a true story. Creator Nick Walker adapted the series from his own stage play, which was itself inspired by Henrik Ibsen's classic drama Hedda Gabler. The show weaves literary references throughout its episodes, giving it a distinctive, layered quality unusual for crime procedurals.
Why does Annika break the fourth wall in the series?
One of Annika's most distinctive quirks is DI Annika Strandhed directly addressing the camera, sharing her inner thoughts and literary musings with the audience. This technique, borrowed from the show's stage play origins, gives the series a uniquely intimate and witty tone that sets it apart from conventional crime dramas.
Where can you stream Annika?
Annika is available to stream on PBS, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Thirteen, and WETA+. If you prefer to own episodes, they can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is also available on KQED.
Who plays DI Annika Strandhed in the series?
Nicola Walker plays DI Annika Strandhed, the sharp, witty, and enigmatic detective at the heart of the series. Walker brings remarkable depth to the role, balancing Annika's professional brilliance with her complicated personal life, including raising her teenage daughter Morgan while navigating the demands of a high-stakes marine homicide unit.
Was Annika cancelled or did it end naturally?
Annika was cancelled after two seasons, concluding in 2023. Despite a loyal audience and strong critical appreciation for Nicola Walker's performance, the series was not renewed for a third run. Each season comprised six episodes, giving the show a tight, focused structure across its 12-episode run.
How was Annika received by critics?
Annika earned warm critical praise, particularly for Nicola Walker's magnetic central performance and the show's inventive storytelling approach. Critics highlighted its clever blend of procedural crime drama with literary wit and emotional depth. The fourth-wall-breaking narration was widely praised as a refreshing departure from standard detective series conventions.
Where was Annika filmed?
Annika was filmed primarily in Scotland, making full use of the country's dramatic coastal and waterway landscapes. The Scottish setting is integral to the show's atmosphere, with the Marine Homicide Unit's cases unfolding against a backdrop of moody lochs, harbours, and rugged shorelines that give the series its distinctive visual identity.
What shows are similar to Annika?
If you enjoyed Annika, you'll likely appreciate Strike, Vigil, and Fool Me Once — all British crime dramas with strong central characters and atmospheric storytelling. Crime (2021) and Agatha Christie's Marple also share Annika's blend of sharp detective work and compelling character dynamics within the British mystery tradition.
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