Stream on Apple TV
Based on 2 seasons, 16 episodes · through June 10, 2026
Criminal Record is a British crime show about two police officers fighting over an old murder case. The story shows a young Black female detective trying to correct a past mistake made by a senior white male officer. It focuses heavily on themes of police corruption and systemic bias. These social issues are highly visible to viewers from the very beginning.
Why 84%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Criminal Record.
Woke representation / casting
June Lenker is a brilliant Black female detective who represents the modern, diverse face of the police. Her character is highly competent compared to the corrupt, older white officers around her. Supporting roles also emphasize diverse casting to highlight identity. This category gets an extra boost of 25 points because Season 2 introduces a confirmed, though minor, gay police officer character.
55%
Woke political dialogue
Characters frequently argue about systemic racism, unconscious bias, and institutional failure. In Season 1, June's colleagues make subtle remarks that highlight workplace bias. The dialogue directly addresses the modern culture of the police force and challenges how the justice system treats minority groups. Season 2 continues these discussions during the investigation of far-right extremists.
Production
65%
Identity-driven story themes
The main plot of Season 1 is driven by a Black man being wrongly convicted of murder due to systemic bias. The older white officers are depicted as protecting their legacy rather than seeking the truth. In Season 2, the primary threat comes from a far-right, white supremacist group planning a terror attack. These themes make identity politics a central driver of the narrative across both seasons.
70%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show acts as a highly visible critique of the Metropolitan Police and the British justice system. It presents these Western institutions as corrupt, sexist, and systemically racist. The older white male officers represent a toxic old-school culture that covers up crimes to protect themselves. Traditional hierarchies and systemic power dynamics are shown as deeply flawed and harmful to minorities.
75%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There were noticeable complaints from viewers who felt the show pushed a political agenda. Some users on Metacritic and Reddit called the series preachy and complained about its heavy-handed focus on systemic racism. Critics of the show pointed out that almost all the white male police characters were shown as corrupt, evil, or incompetent, while minority characters were depicted as victims or heroic.
45%
Creator track record context
The core creative team has a mixed history of political and social advocacy. Lead actress and executive producer Cush Jumbo has a strong record of calling for more diversity on television. Director Joelle Mae David is also highly active in diversity campaigns. However, other major creators, such as Paul Rutman and Jim Loach, have historically focused on more traditional, non-activist drama projects.
35%
