River: Season 1

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Universal acclaim based on 38 Ratings

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8.4

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8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 38 Ratings

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River

Now Playing: River

Season Details & Credits

BBC | Netflix | BBC One | Season Premiere Date: November 18, 2015

Starring: Sorcha Cusack, Owen Teale, Lesley Manville

Summary: The British crime drama series from Abi Morgan focuses on Detective Inspector John River (Stellan Skarsgård) who is haunted by the murder of his partner Detective Sergeant Jackie "Stevie" Stevenson (Nicola Walker).

Creator: Abi Morgan

Genre(s): Drama

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Season 1 Episodes

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S1:E6. Episode 6
Air Date: November 17, 2015
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S1:E5. Episode 5
Air Date: November 10, 2015
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S1:E4. Episode 4
Air Date: November 3, 2015

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

John Doyle

Jan 8, 2017

It is simply astonishing to find the police procedural as cleverly reinvented as it is in River, and with such wry, poignant force. It is brilliantly done, a little masterpiece of entertainment raised to the level of grave, heartbreaking storytelling. Read full review

Nov 23, 2015

If you’re looking for a crime drama with elegantly plotted twists and turns, excitedly charging towards resolution, River probably will not fill that void. However, for those interested in jumping inside the mind of a tormented man? Go right on in... River is waiting to speak to you. Read full review

Neil Genzlinger

Jan 4, 2016

The show’s premise could easily have made this a silly enterprise, but with Mr. Skarsgard’s tight performance anchoring things, it instead is a first-rate psychological study. Read full review

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User Reviews

brianme

Feb 22, 2016

Magnificent, just magnificent! Easily one of the best dramas I've ever seen on television and very likely the best. First, the script is brilliantly written with intelligence, beauty, and a true literary sense. The actors, beginning with Stellan and all the others play their roles withMagnificent, just magnificent! Easily one of the best dramas I've ever seen on television and very likely the best. First, the script is brilliantly written with intelligence, beauty, and a true literary sense. The actors, beginning with Stellan and all the others play their roles with commitment and great skill. Direction is obviously strong and the visuals are complimentary.

Normally I grouse about something, but will not this time as I find River to have been an unparalleled effort in my history of watching since the dawn of television. Enjoy!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Cappy329

Jan 10, 2016

My wife at first did not want to continue with this series as she feared it was too slow. But God am I happy I convinced her to stay with me as I was captivated. Soon, she fell into the web of hypnotic beauty that is River.
I cannot remember since the beginning of all Television where IMy wife at first did not want to continue with this series as she feared it was too slow. But God am I happy I convinced her to stay with me as I was captivated. Soon, she fell into the web of hypnotic beauty that is River.
I cannot remember since the beginning of all Television where I fell so deeply in love with a tv show.
The music choices were Perfect! The short performances of Eddie Marsan were brilliant. Stellan and Nicola were Perfect together. We have to have more....Please!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

NorthVanDMo

Jan 19, 2016

Better described as a top notch, engrossing, 6 hour movie than a tv show. I had a bit of difficulty with the first episode (why would an officer pursuing a fleeing suspect be accused, by the media and by fellow officers, of "chasing that suspect to death"?). I am very happy that we returnedBetter described as a top notch, engrossing, 6 hour movie than a tv show. I had a bit of difficulty with the first episode (why would an officer pursuing a fleeing suspect be accused, by the media and by fellow officers, of "chasing that suspect to death"?). I am very happy that we returned to watch the second episode. Stellan Skarskaard's performance is unparalleled. He can say more than any other actor I can think of without uttering a word. The supporting actors are also first rate, especially Leslie Manville as River's supervisor, friend and supporter. To top off a compelling story, the music and photography are cinematic. A great show!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

robin19759

Dec 13, 2015

A series that gets stronger and stronger. An important attempt to give perspective on living with and self-managing mental illness in the context of a demanding job. Abi Morgan presents a nuanced characterisation of the lead, and there is a wonderful performance by Stellan Skarsgård. TakeA series that gets stronger and stronger. An important attempt to give perspective on living with and self-managing mental illness in the context of a demanding job. Abi Morgan presents a nuanced characterisation of the lead, and there is a wonderful performance by Stellan Skarsgård. Take time to let this settle – don't watch it in a hurry and you may well find it one of the most rewarding TV series you have seen in a while… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

keithglyn

Jan 12, 2016

Just another staggering piece of TV Drama, this truly is the Golden Age! The writing and acting are just off the charts brilliant, wonderful stuff. It is slow, but only by US TV Network standards. If your used to the more adult pacing of Euro TV you won't have any issues here. It's also aJust another staggering piece of TV Drama, this truly is the Golden Age! The writing and acting are just off the charts brilliant, wonderful stuff. It is slow, but only by US TV Network standards. If your used to the more adult pacing of Euro TV you won't have any issues here. It's also a show with many themes, one of which is people who are "different" having to conform to what society deems "normal". Stellan Skarskaard does an amazing job of conveying this, just incredible acting. Again, amazing writing, top class acting, what more could any viewer want?… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

foxgrove

Nov 25, 2015

A series that improves as it goes on by tantalisingly weaving a mysterious web that draws you in despite an absurd and unsatisfactory plot device. Stellan Skarskaard is good in the title role of the troubled detective and Lesley Manville is as brilliant as always. Only Nicola Walker andA series that improves as it goes on by tantalisingly weaving a mysterious web that draws you in despite an absurd and unsatisfactory plot device. Stellan Skarskaard is good in the title role of the troubled detective and Lesley Manville is as brilliant as always. Only Nicola Walker and Eddie Marsan annoy, but that is due to the nature of the aforementioned device which doesn't work. The last episode which wraps it all up does win you over and solidifies the feeling that the series has been worth the highs and lows.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Broyax

Jan 11, 2017

Stellan Skarsgård joue habituellement les seconds ou troisièmes couteaux dans nombre de productions hollywoodiennes mais il brille ici au tout premier plan dans cette série anglaise et le rôle de cet inspecteur qui se tient au bord du précipice de la folie. Il fait partie sans doute de ceuxStellan Skarsgård joue habituellement les seconds ou troisièmes couteaux dans nombre de productions hollywoodiennes mais il brille ici au tout premier plan dans cette série anglaise et le rôle de cet inspecteur qui se tient au bord du précipice de la folie. Il fait partie sans doute de ceux que l'on nomme les "borderline", un psychotique non finalisé qui entend des voix et qui voit les morts et entretient de longues conversations avec ces chers disparus...

La mise en scène exploite à fond son délire, alternant l'humour du vieux timbré avec ses moments de détresse et d'abattement, car ce sont également ses vieux démons qui lui parlent et le persécutent de temps à autre : il n'est pas rare de le voir balancer des chaises dans le vide comme un détraqué tout en criant devant tout le monde, perdu dans son monde intérieur.

Le noeud du problème est bien entendu sa collègue assassinée sur laquelle il mène l'enquête tentant de démêler l'écheveau d'une intrigue ô combien tarabiscotée, tirée par les cheveux et finalement aussi délirante que peut l'être son propre délire. Malgré seulement ses 6 épisodes, la série réussit le tour de force de se traîner comme une pauvre limace neurasthénique, ne dévoilant que pas à pas les tenants et aboutissants aberrants emballés à la hâte dans une guimauve aussi exagérée que maladroite.

Malgré ce sujet au potentiel éminemment intéressant, malgré la sacrée performance de l'acteur suédois, River est une occasion gâchée et une opportunité manquée, poussive et quasi caricaturale dans son développement. Dommage.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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Seasons & Episodes

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Series Overview
Season 1

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- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: November 18, 2015
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  S1:E6. Episode 6
  Air Date: November 17, 2015
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  S1:E5. Episode 5
  Air Date: November 10, 2015
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  S1:E4. Episode 4
  Air Date: November 3, 2015
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  S1:E3. Episode 3
  Air Date: October 27, 2015
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  S1:E2. Episode 2
  Air Date: October 20, 2015
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  S1:E1. Episode 1
  Air Date: October 13, 2015