Period and detective dramas are two of the most popular genres on TV, with titles like Ripper Street, Grantchester, Sherlock and Miss Scarlet forever proving a hit with audiences.
If you’ve already binge-watched those and are looking for another to pique your interest, there’s a hidden gem pick that has just found its way onto streamer U and is also available to watch on Channel 4.
Copper is a New York-based series set during the 1860s amid the American Civil War. First airing in 2012 and 2013, the drama follows Irish-American copper Kevin “Corky” Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones), who patrols the streets of the Five Points neighbourhood while also searching for his missing wife and daughter.
Created by Tom Fontana and Will Rokos, the series has 23 bingeable episodes and features Hollywood actress Tessa Thompson, who recently starred in Netflix’s His & Hers, in a supporting role as Sara Freeman.
The series first aired in 2012
Who stars in Copper?
The cast is led by Tom Weston-Jones (Dickensian), who is joined by Kyle Schmid (NCIS: Origins) as Robert Morehouse, Ato Essandoh (The Diplomat) as Matthew Freeman and Donal Logue (The Intruders) as Brendan Donovan.
Tessa Thompson plays Sara Freeman
Rounding out the cast are Tessa Thompson (His & Hers) as Sara Freeman, Franka Potente (The Bourne Identity) as Eva Heissen and Anastasia Griffith (Trauma) as Elizabeth Haverford.
Anastasia Griffith is Elizabeth Haverford
What have critics said about Copper?
The series proved a hit with critics despite being cancelled after two seasons, which concluded in 2013. With a combined Rotten Tomatoes score of 81%, the second season currently holds a 100% rating based on six reviews.
“As with the first season, Corcoran remains at the heart of the show, and Weston-Jones’ portrayal makes the detective a new TV hero worth rooting for,” wrote one viewer, while another said: “It’s February 5, 1865. Five Points, New York is every bit as seamy and depraved as we left it, and Copper wastes no time in throwing us back to the wolves.”
Donal Logue plays Brendan Donovan alongside Tom
Meanwhile, Copper also holds a 7.5 rating on IMDb, with many viewers praising the lead performances and the historical context in which it is set.
“I absolutely love this show,” penned one viewer. “The characters are so well written and really pull you into their world. I really love shows that don’t throw any punches about the subject matter of the time they are showing. The dirty and grittiness of the sets make you feel like your really there.”
Both seasons of Copper are available to watch on U and Channel 4.
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