Winter Review: Richard Armitage's Ferociously Watchable Cop Drama 2026

In the new ITV cop drama Winter, Richard Armitage delivers a ferociously watchable performance as Dr. Ethan Winter, a maverick forensic pathologist with a troubled past. The six-part series, which premiered recently, follows Winter as he investigates a murder that may be linked to the death of his fiancée a decade ago. With its over-the-top protagonist and moody atmosphere, Winter is as daft as it is addictive.

Richard Armitage Shines in Winter

Richard Armitage, known for his roles in The Hobbit and Spooks, brings a rugged intensity to Dr. Ethan Winter. His character is a bearded genius who bursts into police interrogations and scowls into the middle distance in his underlit Bristol flat. Armitage's performance is compelling, even when the script veers into absurdity. He makes Winter both infuriating and sympathetic, a lone wolf who won't play by the rules.

The Plot: A Murder Mystery with a Personal Twist

The series kicks off with Winter inserting himself into a murder investigation led by DI Lauren Bell (played by an equally strong supporting cast). As he clashes with the police, we learn that his fiancée's murder, though ostensibly closed, continues to haunt him. The narrative backstory provides the series with its emotional core, even as the present-day case unfolds with plenty of twists.

Winter Review: Ferociously Watchable but Daft

Winter is not a subtle drama. It's a show where the protagonist keeps gruesome autopsy photos on his kitchen table to prompt questions. But that's part of its charm. The series embraces its pulpier instincts, delivering a rollercoaster ride that's hard to resist. Below is a quick comparison of Winter's strengths and weaknesses.

• Strong lead performance: Richard Armitage is magnetic as the troubled pathologist.
• Addictive mystery: The dual timeline keeps you guessing.
• Over-the-top moments: The show often veers into unintentional comedy.
• Pacing issues: Some episodes drag in the middle.

FAQ

Overall, Winter is a guilty pleasure. It may not be the most original or realistic cop drama, but Richard Armitage's performance makes it a compelling watch. For fans of the genre, it's a must-see.

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of motion sensor lights, sound bar polaris ranger, poison raccoons, dry fire training system, and game shears squirrels. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of chip carving knives, roofing knife, above ground resin pools, pool heater, and soft water system arizona. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.