Netflix's 'Masterpiece' Crime Drama Featuring Shetland and Downton Abbey Stars Gets Major Update

📺 Netflix’s ‘Masterpiece’ Crime Drama Featuring Shetland & Downton Abbey Stars Gets Major Update

Netflix’s highly anticipated British crime drama, described by insiders as a “masterpiece in the making,” has officially moved into its next phase of production. Featuring a cast that includes notable stars from Shetland and Downton Abbey, the series is expected to make a big impact in the crime thriller genre when it releases later this year.

The streaming giant confirmed this week that filming has wrapped, and the show is now in post-production — a key milestone before its worldwide premiere on Netflix.

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🎭 Star-Studded Cast

The untitled series (working title: Cold Mercy) features a blend of popular British TV veterans:

• Douglas Henshall (Shetland)

• Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey)

• Adeel Akhtar (Sherwood)

• Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders)

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This ensemble is expected to bring emotional depth and thrilling suspense to a story rooted in murder, corruption, and long-buried secrets in a fictional coastal town.

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📝 Storyline Sneak Peek

The drama follows a disillusioned detective returning to his hometown to solve a chilling double homicide that echoes a similar unsolved case from his past. As he dives deeper, secrets from the town — and his own life — begin to unravel.

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📅 Release Date & Platform

• Streaming on: Netflix (globally)

• Expected Release Date: Late 2025 (Q4)

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🎬 Behind the Scenes'

Produced by Left Bank Pictures (known for The Crown), the series is helmed by BAFTA-winning director Marc Munden. The writing team includes crime novelist Ann Cleeves, creator of the original Shetland novels.

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📢 What Netflix Said

Netflix released a teaser quote:

“This drama blends noir intensity with British storytelling excellence — a gripping tale that will keep audiences hooked till the very end.”

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❓FAQs – Netflix's Masterpiece Crime Drama

Q1. What is the new Netflix crime drama featuring Shetland and Downton Abbey stars?
🅰️ It's an upcoming British crime series (working title: Cold Mercy) with a cast from Shetland, Downton Abbey, and Peaky Blinders.

Q2. Who are the lead actors?
🅰️ Douglas Henshall, Penelope Wilton, Adeel Akhtar, and Sophie Rundle are among the main cast.

Q3. When will the series be released?
🅰️ The show is currently in post-production and is expected to release in late 2025.

Q4. Is this a limited series or ongoing?
🅰️ Season 1 is a limited series, but sources suggest a potential continuation depending on its success.

Q5. What genre does the show fall under?
🅰️ It's a British crime thriller with mystery and psychological drama elements.

Reported by Benny on May 8, 2025.