BBC’s 'Virdee' Redefines the Detective Drama with Family and Cultural Depth

The new series combines a gripping crime thriller with an intimate exploration of family dynamics and societal issues in Bradford.

Virdee, based on AA Dhand's novel 'City of Sinners,' follows DCI Harry Virdee as he navigates a gang turf war and a serial killer in Bradford while grappling with his own complex family tensions.
The series highlights interfaith marriage and prejudice, with Harry, a Sikh, estranged from his orthodox father due to his marriage to Saima, a Muslim woman.
Staz Nair stars as Harry Virdee, with a South Asian-led cast that includes Aysha Kala, Kulvinder Ghir, and Vikash Bhai, adding cultural authenticity to the narrative.
Virdee intertwines action-packed crime storytelling with a deeply personal family drama, offering a fresh take on the detective genre by giving equal weight to the protagonist's professional and personal lives.
Set against the backdrop of Bradford’s cultural and political complexities, the series reflects on societal issues such as racism, far-right extremism, and intergenerational conflict.