"Gripping" new drama branded 'one of the best crime thrillers of the year' is one not to be missed

If you want something to watch and haven't already started Last Seen, then what are you waiting for? Starring Maxine Peake, the Australian thriller has been acclaimed by critics following its premiere earlier this month.

The series is based on Ryan David Jahn's 2011 novel The Dispatcher, and follows former police officer Ian Ridley (Patrick Brammall). He now works as an emergency dispatcher, and has turned to alcohol following the disappearance of his daughter.

During work, he receives a distress call from a girl he believes to be his missing daughter, and sets about to find her. He soon comes across Henry (Brendan Cowell) and Jenna Reid (Peake), a strange couple who seem to be hiding something.

Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 – including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV

Created by Kris Mrksa, the thriller series premiered on Apple TV with its first two episodes on Wednesday (9 September), with further instalments dropping weekly before the finale on 7 October.

Featuring Daniel Henshall and Zahra Newman in supporting roles, Last Seen has been praised by critics since it premiered, with Rotten Tomatoes currently reporting an impressive approval rating of 88% from 17 reviews.

"I felt deeply invested from the start and by the third episode I was totally hooked. Getting between me and the screen would have been like trying to take a steak away from a dog," noted The Guardian, while Mamamia dubbed it a "great thriller".

"Last Seen is a moving and gripping thriller that earns its praise through emotion and strong performances. The series works because of its characters and the atmosphere it manages to build, with a touch of mystery woven throughout," noted The Times of India.

Related: First look at Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor in new Manchester-set detective drama away from Netflix

"If Last Seen is about as cheerful as Wallander with a hangover, it really is gripping too: a study in parental protective instincts twisted out of shape," wrote The Times, while Radio Times called it "one of the best crime thrillers of the year".

Despite being set in Australia, Peake utilises her traditional British accent in the series, with the actor recalling that she was told to "stick to what you know" by producers ahead of filming.

Last Seen is streaming now on Apple TV, with new episodes dropping on Wednesdays.

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page all-colour celebration of Ariana Grande, is here! Buy Ariana Grande in newsagents or online.

Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media.  His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.