7 Best Martin Compston Dramas to Watch Now (2026)

Better than Line of Duty: 7 “Exceptional” Martin Compston Dramas to Watch Now

While we all know him as the waistcoated DI Steve Arnott in Line of Duty, Martin Compston has built a filmography that proves he is one of the most versatile actors in British television. If you are tired of waiting for the next AC-12 update, there is a wealth of "bent copper"-free drama to sink your teeth into.

From claustrophobic thrillers to emotional family sagas, here are seven exceptional Martin Compston performances you can stream right now.

1. Red Eye (ITVX)

Recently returning for a high-octane second series in early 2026, Red Eye sees Compston as Clay Brody, the head of security at the US Embassy. This series is a masterclass in tension, moving from a dead courier at Heathrow to a massive international conspiracy. Critics have hailed it as a "brainless, far-fetched, and utterly addictive" ride that rivals the intensity of early Line of Duty.

2. The Rig (Prime Video)

If you prefer your thrillers with a side of supernatural mystery, The Rig is essential viewing. Set on the Kinloch Bravo oil rig off the Scottish coast, Compston plays Communications Officer Fulmer Hamilton.When a mysterious fog cuts the crew off from the outside world, the show evolves from a corporate drama into a fight for survival against a force beyond human comprehension.

3. Fear (Prime Video)

A more recent addition to his portfolio, Fear is a psychological thriller that will leave you triple-checking your front door locks.Compston stars as Martyn, a father who moves his family from London to Glasgow for a fresh start, only to find himself embroiled in a terrifying neighbor dispute that spirals into a life-or-death confrontation.

4. The Nest (BBC iPlayer / Disney+)

For those who want a break from crime-solving, The Nest is an emotional powerhouse.Compston plays Dan, a wealthy businessman who—along with his wife (Sophie Rundle)—is desperate for a child.When they meet a 18-year-old girl who offers to be their surrogate, a complex web of secrets and class dynamics begins to unravel.

5. Vigil (BBC iPlayer)

While Compston’s screen time in the first series of Vigil is famously brief, his character, CPO Craig Burke, is the catalyst for the entire show. Set aboard a nuclear submarine, this "locked-room" mystery is produced by the same team behind Line of Duty and carries that same DNA of high-stakes investigative tension.

6. The Revenge Club (Paramount+)

A departure from his usual grit, The Revenge Club follows a group of divorcees who decide to get even with their exes. Compston plays Calum, a man whose heartbreak turns into a "wickedly fun" pursuit of retribution. It’s a darker, more cynical comedy-thriller that shows off Compston's range beyond the police procedural.

7. In Plain Sight (ITVX)

In one of his most chilling roles, Compston portrays real-life serial killer Peter Manuel.Set in 1950s Lanarkshire, this three-part miniseries follows the "Beast of Birkenshaw" as he plays a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the police. It is a stark, haunting performance that is miles away from the heroic Steve Arnott.

Source - https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/lifestyle/a69977448/best-martin-compston-dramas/

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