Stephen Graham's 'Accused' Is a Hidden Gem: Why This Crime Anthology Demands Your Attention

There are some TV shows that slip under the radar, only to be rediscovered years later as masterpieces. Accused—the BBC anthology series penned by legendary writer Jimmy McGovern—is exactly that. Now streaming on ITVX, this hauntingly brilliant collection of standalone episodes has been quietly racking up a cult following, and for good reason. The series features an electrifying cast that includes Stephen Graham, Olivia Colman, Sean Bean, and Christopher Eccleston, delivering performances so raw they linger long after the credits roll.

A Masterclass in Standalone Storytelling

What sets Accused apart is its structure. Each of the 10 episodes—spread across two series (2010 and 2012)—is a self-contained drama focusing on a different defendant standing trial. McGovern peels back the layers of the crime, revealing the emotional, social, and psychological turmoil leading up to the accusation. The result is less a whodunit and more a why-did-it-happen, a visceral exploration of ordinary lives shattered by extraordinary circumstances.

The Premise: Courtroom Tableaus That Cut Deep

The courtroom framing device is just the starting point. Through flashbacks and intimate character studies, each episode builds a powerful narrative about justice, guilt, and the fragile line between victim and perpetrator. The show doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths—domestic abuse, addiction, institutional failure—making it essential viewing for fans of prestige TV like True Detective or Broadchurch.

The Stellar Cast: A Who’s Who of British Talent

The first series (2010) boasted an ensemble that reads like a British acting royalty roll call:

• Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who) delivers a gut-wrenching turn as a man pushed to the edge.
• Mackenzie Crook (The Office) sheds his comedic skin for a role of devastating vulnerability.
• Peter Capaldi (The Thick of It) and Naomie Harris (Moonlight) bring layered, nuanced performances.
• Tina O’Brien (Coronation Street) showcases her dramatic range in a story that leaves audiences breathless.

Series two (2012) raised the stakes even higher:

• Stephen Graham (This Is England, Boardwalk Empire) anchors an episode with his trademark intensity—a performance that has drawn comparisons to his finest work.
• Olivia Colman (The Crown, Fleabag) earned a BAFTA for her role as a woman grappling with a harrowing secret.
• Sean Bean (Game of Thrones) took home an International Emmy for Best Actor, proving his range beyond Ned Stark.
• Sheridan Smith and Anna Maxwell Martin add further emotional depth to an already formidable lineup.

Critical Acclaim and Award Recognition

Jimmy McGovern’s scripted anthology didn’t just impress audiences—it conquered awards season. In 2011, Accused earned a BAFTA TV nomination for Best Drama Series, with Juliet Stevenson also nominated for her performance. Two years later, Olivia Colman swept the BAFTA and Royal Television Society awards for Best Supporting Actress, while Sean Bean’s International Emmy win cemented the show’s global reputation.

Fan Reactions: Emotional, Unforgettable, Essential

Viewers who have discovered the series on streaming platforms are echoing the same sentiment: why did it take me so long to watch this? One fan wrote, “Blown away. I can’t believe it took me so long to find this series. This is what happens when top writers and some of Britain’s most impressive actors emotionally involve themselves in making great drama.”

Another called it “one of the best dramas to date—on paper, through the courts, there is simply a charge and a decision, without the truth behind the whos, whats, whens, and whys.” Many have pointed out that the show is “difficult to watch because of how real it seems,” calling the acting and writing “incredible” and “disturbing in the best way.”

Where to Watch and Why It’s a Must-See

All episodes of Accused are now available to stream on ITVX. Whether you’re a completist tracing Jimmy McGovern’s career—from Time to The Street—or simply looking for a crime drama that prioritises humanity over whodunit puzzles, this series delivers. The 7.9 IMDb rating doesn’t do it justice; this is one of those rare shows where the acting elevates already superb writing into something transcendent.

Stephen Graham’s episode—titled “Tracie’s Story”—is particularly devastating. He plays a transgender woman fighting for custody of her son, a role that was groundbreaking for 2012 and remains powerfully resonant today. Graham disappears into the character with such commitment that you forget you’re watching a performance. It’s a testament to McGovern’s ability to tap into social issues without ever losing sight of the individual at the heart of the story.

In an era where prestige TV is dominated by multi-season epics, Accused stands as a refreshing throwback to the power of the one-hour drama. Each episode is a complete movie in miniature—tightly plotted, emotionally charged, and brilliantly acted. If you’ve been craving something that feels less like binge-watching and more like immersive theatre, this is your next obsession.

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