DCI Banks (2011)
A gripping British crime drama following the tenacious Chief Inspector Alan Banks and his sharp partner DS Annie Cabbot through the darkest corners of Yorkshire.
DCI Banks - Series Information
- Original Title: DCI Banks
- First Air Year: 2011
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 16, 2011 (United States - TV-14), September 16, 2011 (United Kingdom - 15), September 16, 2011 (Germany - 16), September 16, 2011 (France - 16), September 16, 2011 (Australia - MA 15+), September 16, 2011 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: ITV1
- Alternative Titles: Kommissarie Banks (SE)
- Production Companies: Left Bank Pictures
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
DCI Banks - Plot
A thrilling drama based on the novels by Peter Robinson. Stephen Tompkinson and Andrea Lowe star as the tenacious and stubborn Chief Inspector Alan Banks and the feisty and headstrong Detective Sergeant Annie Cabbot.
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DCI Banks - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Stephen Tompkinson
- Andrea Lowe
- Jack Deam
- Caroline Catz
- Lorraine Burroughs
- Danny Rahim
- Samuel Anderson
- Badria Timimi
- Charlie Heaton
- Charlotte Riley
Writers
- Robert Murphy
- Nicholas Hicks-Beach
- Rob Williams
- Andrew Payne
- Laurence Davey
Executive Producers
- Andy Harries
- Gabriel Silver
- Robert Murphy
DCI Banks - FAQs
Is DCI Banks based on a true story?
DCI Banks is not based on a true story, but it draws from a very real literary world. The series is adapted from Peter Robinson's acclaimed Inspector Banks novels, a long-running British crime fiction series set in the Yorkshire Dales. Robinson's richly detailed storytelling gives the show a grounded, authentic feel despite being fictional.
Who plays DCI Banks in the series?
Stephen Tompkinson plays Chief Inspector Alan Banks, bringing a brooding intensity and quiet stubbornness to the role. Alongside him, Andrea Lowe portrays Detective Sergeant Annie Cabbot, his sharp and fiercely independent partner. Their compelling dynamic is one of the show's most praised elements across its five-series run.
Is DCI Banks worth watching for crime drama fans?
Absolutely. DCI Banks delivers atmospheric Yorkshire settings, layered mysteries, and strong performances from Stephen Tompkinson and Andrea Lowe. Fans of intelligent British procedurals will find it consistently engaging, with morally complex cases and a lead character who is as flawed as he is compelling. It ran for five well-regarded series on ITV1.
Where can you stream DCI Banks online?
DCI Banks is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox via Apple TV Channel, and BritBox via Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own episodes, they can be purchased on Google Play Movies and Fandango At Home. Free viewing is also available through Hoopla, making it accessible across a range of platforms.
What happened between Banks and Annie Cabbot?
The relationship between Alan Banks and Annie Cabbot is one of the series' most compelling threads. Their partnership begins as a professional pairing marked by friction and mutual respect, but emotional tension simmers throughout. The show deliberately keeps their dynamic ambiguous, balancing professional boundaries with undeniable personal chemistry across the five series.
How many series does DCI Banks have?
DCI Banks ran for five series on ITV1 between 2011 and 2016, with each series comprising six episodes. There is also a specials season with two additional episodes, bringing the total to 30 episodes. The show concluded in 2016 after a well-received run adapting Peter Robinson's beloved novels.
Did DCI Banks win any awards or critical recognition?
DCI Banks earned solid critical praise during its run, particularly for Stephen Tompkinson's lead performance and its faithful adaptation of Peter Robinson's source material. The series was recognised for its atmospheric production and strong ensemble cast, cementing its reputation as one of ITV's more dependable and quality-driven crime dramas of the 2010s.
What shows are similar to DCI Banks?
If you enjoy DCI Banks, you'll likely appreciate other British detective dramas like Inspector Morse, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Dalgliesh, and Grace. These series share the same blend of literary source material, atmospheric British settings, and morally complex investigators that make DCI Banks such a satisfying watch for crime drama enthusiasts.
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