'10/10' BBC thriller based on top-selling novel has fans crying 'True masterpiece'

BBC fans have gone wild over a thriller series they have dubbed as "10/10". Virdee was released on BBC One in early 2025 and is based the best-selling crime novels by author AA Dhand. The six-part drama introduces Detective Harry Virdee, a police officer in Bradford who is disowned by his Sikh family for marrying Saima, who is Muslim. Struggling with the abandonment, Virdee constantly attempts to build bridges with his family. While his personal life is in chaos, Virdee is tasking with tracking down a killer who is targeting the Asian community.

When the ruthless killer kidnaps the daughter of a local MP in Bradford and holds the city hostage, Virdee knows he can't face the threat alone. Desperate, he turns to his brother-in-law Riaz - one of the most powerful drug lords who runs the largest cartel in the county. Forced into a dangerous alliance that could destroy them both, Harry is forced to make impossible choice - protect his family or save the city.

Staz Nair stars as DCI Harry Virdee, while Aysha Kala takes on the role of his wife Saima Hyatt-Virdee. The cast also includes Nina Singh, Manjinder Virk, Vikash Bhai, Kulvinder Ghir, Sudha Buchar and Elizabeth Berrington.

Critics lauded the show's cultural authenticity and compelling lead performance by Nair, which is widely considered a standout aspect of the series.

Dhand's first novel in the series, Streets of Darkness, was released in 2016 and he has gone on to publish six more. His most recent book, The Chemist, was released in 2025 and follows Virdee as he's forced to confront a new threat in Bradford's criminal landscape.

Explaining more about the titular character, Dhand said: "Like me, DCI Harry Virdee is a proud Brit who dreams big and whilst he is passionate about his heritage, it is not something which solely defines him. He refuses to be shackled by the past and believes in merging worlds, cultures and identities; no matter the cost. Hey, aim big or go home - this is Yorkshire."

Fans have been raving about the series online, with one writing: "I'm watching Virdee on @BBC. I'm 14 minutes into Series 1 and it has me crying. This is Britain at its best. Diverse. Loving. Determined. Forgiving. Centered in Bradford, the most Asian-British city in Britain."

Another shared: "A Gritty, Gripping Crime Thriller - 10/10. Virdee is an absolute triumph. From the moment it begins, this series pulls you into the dark underbelly of Bradford, blending intense crime storytelling with deep cultural and family dynamics. Virdee isn't just another crime drama-it's a bold, emotional, and unapologetically real series that deserves all the praise it's getting."

A third echoed: "Superb intense suspense building storyline based in my hometown of Bradford. From intriguing to addictive! Absolutely love it."

Someone else chimed in: "There is something really refreshing about Virdee. It's interesting and fast paced and has to be the best program I have seen in a long time. A true masterpiece."