Ripper Street (2012)
A brooding Victorian crime drama set in the shadow of Jack the Ripper, following Whitechapel's H Division detectives through London's darkest streets.
Ripper Street - Series Information
- Original Title: Ripper Street
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Created by: Richard Warlow
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, English
- First Air Date: December 30, 2012 (United States - TV-MA), December 30, 2012 (United Kingdom - 15), December 30, 2012 (Germany - 18), December 30, 2012 (France - 10), December 30, 2012 (Australia - MA 15+), December 30, 2012 (Spain - 18), December 30, 2012 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: BBC One, Prime Video
- Production Companies: Tiger Aspect, Lookout Point, Element Pictures
- Production Countries: Ireland, United Kingdom
Ripper Street - Plot
A drama set in the East End of London in 1889, during the aftermath of the "Ripper" murders. The action centres around the notorious H Division – the police precinct from hell – which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel. Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the Ripper's legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their lives, but the very fabric of their city. At the drama's heart our detectives try to bring a little light into the dark world they inhabit.
Ripper Street - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the atmospheric world of Victorian Whitechapel come to life:
The law for the lawless.
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Ripper Street - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Richard Warlow
Main Cast
- Matthew Macfadyen
- Adam Rothenberg
- MyAnna Buring
- Charlene McKenna
- Jerome Flynn
- David Wilmot
- David Dawson
- Anna Burnett
- Clive Russell
- Matthew Lewis
Writers
- Richard Warlow
- Toby Finlay
- Rachel Bennette
- Julie Rutterford
- Thomas Martin
Executive Producers
- Will Gould
- Ed Guiney
- Andrew Lowe
Ripper Street - FAQs
Where can you stream Ripper Street online?
Ripper Street is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel, BritBox Apple TV Channel, and Peacock Premium. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free streaming is available on Hoopla and Fawesome.
Is Ripper Street based on real historical events?
Ripper Street is a fictional drama, though it draws heavily on real Victorian history. It is set in the actual Whitechapel district of East London in 1889, in the aftermath of the genuine Jack the Ripper murders. Real historical figures such as Chief Inspector Fred Abberline appear as characters alongside fictional protagonists.
Who are the main actors in Ripper Street?
The series stars Matthew Macfadyen as Inspector Edmund Reid, Adam Rothenberg as the American surgeon Homer Jackson, and Jerome Flynn as Sergeant Bennet Drake. MyAnna Buring, Charlene McKenna, David Wilmot, David Dawson, Anna Burnett, Clive Russell, and Matthew Lewis round out the principal cast.
How many seasons and episodes does Ripper Street have?
Ripper Street ran for five seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 36 episodes. Seasons 1 through 3 each contain 8 episodes, while Seasons 4 and 5 each contain 6 episodes. The series also includes 3 special episodes grouped as Season 0.
Why was Ripper Street cancelled and then revived?
BBC One cancelled Ripper Street after Season 2 in 2013 due to declining ratings. A fan campaign and strong Amazon Prime Video interest led to its revival; Amazon co-produced Seasons 3 through 5, allowing the show to conclude on its own terms. The series ultimately ended in 2016 after five seasons.
What is Ripper Street about?
Set in 1889 Whitechapel, Ripper Street follows the detectives of H Division as they police London's most volatile district in the shadow of the Jack the Ripper killings. The show blends procedural crime storytelling with rich Victorian atmosphere, exploring how violence and trauma reshape both individuals and communities.
What is the content rating for Ripper Street?
Ripper Street is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. The series contains strong violence, adult themes, and period-accurate depictions of crime and social hardship. Viewer discretion is advised for younger audiences.
How was Ripper Street received by critics?
Ripper Street earned broadly positive reviews throughout its run. Critics praised its atmospheric production design, strong ensemble performances — particularly Matthew Macfadyen's commanding lead — and its willingness to engage with the moral complexity of Victorian society. It was widely regarded as one of the more ambitious British period dramas of the 2010s.
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