Silent Witness (1996)
Britain's longest-running forensic crime drama, where elite pathologists and scientists unravel the darkest of crimes across 29 gripping seasons.
Silent Witness - Series Information
- Original Title: Silent Witness
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Nigel McCrery
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 29
- Number of Episodes: 268
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 21, 1996 (United States - TV-14), February 21, 1996 (Canada - 14+), February 21, 1996 (United Kingdom - 15), February 21, 1996 (Germany - 16), February 21, 1996 (France - 10), February 21, 1996 (Australia - MA 15+), February 21, 1996 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: BBC, Cipango Productions Audiovisuelles, BBC Studios Drama Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: Gerichtsmediziner Dr. Leo Dalton (DE), Tause vitner (NO), Tyst vittne (SE), Mrtví svědci (CZ)
Silent Witness - Plot
A team of exceptional forensic pathologists and scientists investigate heinous crimes and use their skills to catch the people responsible.
Silent Witness - Trailer
See the forensic drama unfold in the official Silent Witness trailer below.
Where to Watch Silent Witness
Looking for where to watch Silent Witness?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Silent Witness - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Nigel McCrery
Main Cast
- Emilia Fox
- David Caves
- William Gaminara
- Tom Ward
- Liz Carr
- Richard Lintern
- Amanda Burton
- Alastair Michael
- Aki Omoshaybi
- Nick Reding
Writers
- Tony McHale
- Ed Whitmore
- Ashley Pharoah
- Jeff Povey
- Doug Milburn
Executive Producers
- Phillippa Giles
- Delia Fine
- Emilia Fox
- Laura Mackie
- Jessica Pope
Silent Witness - FAQs
Where can you stream Silent Witness online?
Silent Witness is available to stream on BritBox, Amazon Prime Video, and the BritBox Apple TV Channel and Amazon Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel and Hoopla.
How many seasons does Silent Witness have?
Silent Witness has 29 seasons comprising 268 episodes in total. The show premiered on BBC One in February 1996 and remains in production, making it one of the longest-running crime dramas in British television history.
Is Silent Witness based on a true story?
Silent Witness is not based on a single true story, but creator Nigel McCrery drew on real forensic science and criminal investigation practices. McCrery, a former police officer, grounded the series in authentic procedural detail, and individual episodes are often inspired by real-world forensic cases and techniques.
Who are the main actors in Silent Witness?
The principal cast includes Emilia Fox as Dr. Nikki Alexander, David Caves as Jack Hodgson, and William Gaminara as Leo Dalton. Other notable cast members include Tom Ward, Liz Carr, Richard Lintern, Amanda Burton, Alastair Michael, Aki Omoshaybi, and Nick Reding.
Will Silent Witness return for another season?
Yes, Silent Witness is currently a returning series and remains in active production. Season 29 aired in 2026, and the show continues to be commissioned by BBC One, confirming its status as an ongoing franchise with no announced cancellation.
What is Silent Witness about?
Silent Witness follows a team of elite forensic pathologists and scientists based in a London mortuary who investigate violent and complex crimes. Each story typically unfolds across two episodes, combining post-mortem analysis, scientific investigation, and character-driven drama to uncover the truth behind heinous acts.
When did Silent Witness first air on television?
Silent Witness first aired on February 21, 1996, on BBC One in the United Kingdom. The series was created by Nigel McCrery and originally starred Amanda Burton as forensic pathologist Dr. Sam Ryan, establishing the procedural format that continues to this day.
What is the content rating for Silent Witness?
Silent Witness carries a TV-14 content rating in the United States, indicating it may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series deals with graphic forensic examinations, violent crime scenes, and mature thematic content, reflecting its status as an adult-oriented procedural drama.
More About Silent Witness
Explore further details about Silent Witness on these authoritative reference platforms.