The Responder (2022)
A raw, unflinching British crime drama following a fractured Liverpool night-shift officer and his rookie partner on the edge of collapse.
The Responder - Series Information
- Original Title: The Responder
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2024
- Created by: Tony Schumacher
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (58 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 24, 2022 (United States - TV-MA), January 24, 2022 (United Kingdom - 15), January 24, 2022 (Australia - MA15+), January 24, 2022 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: Responder BBC (US)
- Production Companies: Dancing Ledge Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Responder - Plot
Under pressure, fraying at the edges. In relentless night-time Liverpool, copper Chris is paired with a rookie. Will they save or destroy each other?
The Responder - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits on the streets of Liverpool:
Where to Watch The Responder
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The Responder - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tony Schumacher
Main Cast
- Martin Freeman
- Adelayo Adedayo
- Emily Fairn
- Romi Hyland-Rylands
- Josh Finan
- Mark Womack
- Warren Brown
- MyAnna Buring
- Faye McKeever
- Amaka Okafor
Writers
- Tony Schumacher
Executive Producers
- Martin Freeman
- Mona Qureshi
The Responder - FAQs
Is The Responder based on a true story?
The Responder draws heavily from creator Tony Schumacher's own experiences as a Liverpool police officer. While not a direct retelling of real events, the series is deeply autobiographical — Schumacher channelled his personal struggles with mental health, addiction, and the moral weight of frontline policing into Chris Carson's story.
Where can you stream The Responder?
The Responder is available to stream on BritBox, including via the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. Check JustWatch for the most current availability in your region.
What is Martin Freeman's role in The Responder?
Martin Freeman plays Chris Carson, a deeply troubled Liverpool night-shift police officer battling anxiety, depression, and moral compromise. The role is widely considered one of Freeman's finest performances — raw, unglamorous, and emotionally devastating. He also served as an executive producer on the series.
Why was The Responder cancelled after two seasons?
BBC One confirmed The Responder would not return after its second series. Creator Tony Schumacher indicated the story he set out to tell had reached its natural conclusion, suggesting the cancellation was partly a creative decision rather than purely a ratings-driven one. Both seasons received strong critical praise.
How many episodes does The Responder have?
The Responder ran for two seasons and 10 episodes in total. Season 1 (Series 1) comprised 5 episodes, as did Season 2 (Series 2). Each episode runs approximately 58 minutes, making the complete series a compact but intensely rewarding watch.
Is The Responder worth watching?
Absolutely. The Responder earned widespread critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of mental health, addiction, and police corruption on the streets of Liverpool. Martin Freeman delivers a career-best performance, and Tony Schumacher's writing crackles with authenticity. It's one of the most compelling British crime dramas in recent memory.
Who are the main cast members of The Responder?
The series stars Martin Freeman as Chris Carson and Adelayo Adedayo as his rookie partner Rachel Hargreaves. The supporting cast includes Emily Fairn, MyAnna Buring, Josh Finan, Mark Womack, Warren Brown, Faye McKeever, Romi Hyland-Rylands, and Amaka Okafor.
What are shows similar to The Responder?
If The Responder hooked you, try Des (2020), The Stranger (2020), or We Own This City (2022) for similarly gripping crime drama. Grace (2021) and The Tower (2021) offer comparable British police procedural intensity, while Lupin (2021) and Interior Chinatown (2024) bring fresh genre twists to the mix.
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