Blue Lights (2023 TV series)
Updated: 5/24/2026, 7:03:09 PM Wikipedia source
Blue Lights is a Northern Irish police procedural television drama series set in the present day and based at the fictional Blackthorn police station in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Created and written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the series was filmed in Belfast and directed by Gilles Bannier. It began broadcasting on BBC One on 27 March 2023. The first series followed three probationary police officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the experienced officers who train, mentor, and work with them. The second followed the same characters a year later as they tried to quell a loyalist feud in the city. Both series received critical praise and high viewership. A third series aired on 29 September 2025, and a fourth series has been commissioned by the BBC.
Infobox
Genre
Police procedural Crime drama
Created by
Declan Lawn Adam Patterson
Written by
Declan Lawn Adam Patterson Fran Harris
Directed by
Gilles Bannier
Starring
Siân Brooke Katherine Devlin Nathan Braniff Martin McCann Richard Dormer
Theme music composer
Eoin O'Callaghan Elma Orkestra
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Original language
English
No. of series
3
No. of episodes
18
Executive producers
Stephen Wright Louise Gallagher Tommy Bulfin Declan Lawn Adam Patterson Gilles Bannier
Producer
Carol Moorhead
Production location
Northern Ireland
Cinematography
Stephen Murphy Angus Mitchell
Running time
60 minutes
Production companies
Two Cities Television Gallagher Films HotSauce Pictures (series 2) BBC Studios
Network
BBC One
Release
27 March 2023 (2023-03-27) – present
Tables
First released
First released
Series
First released
Episodes
Last released
1
1
Series
1
Episodes
6
Episodes
27 March 2023 (2023-03-27)
Originally released
1 May 2023 (2023-05-01)
Originally released
4
2
2
Series
2
Episodes
6
Episodes
15 April 2024 (2024-04-15)
Originally released
20 May 2024 (2024-05-20)
Originally released
4
3
3
Series
3
Episodes
6
Episodes
29 September 2025 (2025-09-29)
Originally released
3 November 2025 (2025-11-03)
Originally released
4
| Series | Episodes | Originally released | Average viewership (millions) | ||
| First released | Last released | ||||
| 1 | 6 | 27 March 2023 (2023-03-27) | 1 May 2023 (2023-05-01) | 4 | |
| 2 | 6 | 15 April 2024 (2024-04-15) | 20 May 2024 (2024-05-20) | 4 | |
| 3 | 6 | 29 September 2025 (2025-09-29) | 3 November 2025 (2025-11-03) | 4 | |
· Episodes › Series 1 (2023)
1
1
No.
overall
1
No. in
season
1
Title
"The Code"
Directed by
Gilles Bannier
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
27 March 2023 (2023-03-27)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
New constables Grace, Annie and Tommy struggle with the demands of police work. The police clash with MI5 agents and associates of gangster James McIntyre.
New constables Grace, Annie and Tommy struggle with the demands of police work. The police clash with MI5 agents and associates of gangster James McIntyre.
No.
overall
New constables Grace, Annie and Tommy struggle with the demands of police work. The police clash with MI5 agents and associates of gangster James McIntyre.
2
2
No.
overall
2
No. in
season
2
Title
"Bad Batch"
Directed by
Gilles Bannier
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
3 April 2023 (2023-04-03)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
A poisonous batch of drugs turns up across Belfast. Annie wonders whom she can trust.
A poisonous batch of drugs turns up across Belfast. Annie wonders whom she can trust.
No.
overall
A poisonous batch of drugs turns up across Belfast. Annie wonders whom she can trust.
3
3
No.
overall
3
No. in
season
3
Title
"The Fear"
Directed by
Gilles Bannier
Written by
Fran Harris
Original release date
10 April 2023 (2023-04-10)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
A paramilitary-style assault case has Grace determined to bring the McIntyres to their knees. Meanwhile, Angela becomes increasingly desperate.
A paramilitary-style assault case has Grace determined to bring the McIntyres to their knees. Meanwhile, Angela becomes increasingly desperate.
No.
overall
A paramilitary-style assault case has Grace determined to bring the McIntyres to their knees. Meanwhile, Angela becomes increasingly desperate.
4
4
No.
overall
4
No. in
season
4
Title
"Full Moon Fever"
Directed by
Gilles Bannier
Written by
Fran Harris
Original release date
17 April 2023 (2023-04-17)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
The team attempt to cover for each other during a busy night shift.
The team attempt to cover for each other during a busy night shift.
No.
overall
The team attempt to cover for each other during a busy night shift.
5
5
No.
overall
5
No. in
season
5
Title
"The Q Word"
Directed by
Gilles Bannier
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
24 April 2023 (2023-04-24)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
Mo risks his relationship with his father, and Tommy is put to the test.
Mo risks his relationship with his father, and Tommy is put to the test.
No.
overall
Mo risks his relationship with his father, and Tommy is put to the test.
6
6
No.
overall
6
No. in
season
6
Title
"Love the One You're With"
Directed by
Gilles Bannier
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
1 May 2023 (2023-05-01)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
Truths are revealed as the team works together in the aftermath of the arms deal.
Truths are revealed as the team works together in the aftermath of the arms deal.
No.
overall
Truths are revealed as the team works together in the aftermath of the arms deal.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | UK viewers (millions) | |
| 1 | 1 | "The Code" | Gilles Bannier | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 27 March 2023 (2023-03-27) | 4 | |
| New constables Grace, Annie and Tommy struggle with the demands of police work. The police clash with MI5 agents and associates of gangster James McIntyre. | |||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Bad Batch" | Gilles Bannier | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 3 April 2023 (2023-04-03) | 4 | |
| A poisonous batch of drugs turns up across Belfast. Annie wonders whom she can trust. | |||||||
| 3 | 3 | "The Fear" | Gilles Bannier | Fran Harris | 10 April 2023 (2023-04-10) | 4 | |
| A paramilitary-style assault case has Grace determined to bring the McIntyres to their knees. Meanwhile, Angela becomes increasingly desperate. | |||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Full Moon Fever" | Gilles Bannier | Fran Harris | 17 April 2023 (2023-04-17) | 4 | |
| The team attempt to cover for each other during a busy night shift. | |||||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Q Word" | Gilles Bannier | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 24 April 2023 (2023-04-24) | 4 | |
| Mo risks his relationship with his father, and Tommy is put to the test. | |||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Love the One You're With" | Gilles Bannier | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 1 May 2023 (2023-05-01) | 4 | |
| Truths are revealed as the team works together in the aftermath of the arms deal. | |||||||
· Episodes › Series 2 (2024)
7
7
No.
overall
7
No. in
season
1
Title
"This Too Shall Pass"
Directed by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
15 April 2024 (2024-04-15)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
A year into the job, the team are faced with a drug fuelled crime wave that leads them into a loyalist estate. A violent clash puts Stevie and Grace's working relationship at risk.
A year into the job, the team are faced with a drug fuelled crime wave that leads them into a loyalist estate. A violent clash puts Stevie and Grace's working relationship at risk.
No.
overall
A year into the job, the team are faced with a drug fuelled crime wave that leads them into a loyalist estate. A violent clash puts Stevie and Grace's working relationship at risk.
8
8
No.
overall
8
No. in
season
2
Title
"Iceberg"
Directed by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
22 April 2024 (2024-04-22)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
A loyalist gangland feud turns up the pressure on the section. Annie makes an impetuous decision on a night out.
A loyalist gangland feud turns up the pressure on the section. Annie makes an impetuous decision on a night out.
No.
overall
A loyalist gangland feud turns up the pressure on the section. Annie makes an impetuous decision on a night out.
9
9
No.
overall
9
No. in
season
3
Title
"Love Knows"
Directed by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Written by
Bronagh Taggart
Original release date
29 April 2024 (2024-04-29)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
As tensions grow in Mount Eden, a response call forces Stevie to confront his past. Annie deals with the consequences of an impulsive decision.
As tensions grow in Mount Eden, a response call forces Stevie to confront his past. Annie deals with the consequences of an impulsive decision.
No.
overall
As tensions grow in Mount Eden, a response call forces Stevie to confront his past. Annie deals with the consequences of an impulsive decision.
10
10
No.
overall
10
No. in
season
4
Title
"The Stamp of Nature"
Directed by
Jack Casey
Written by
Noel McCann
Original release date
6 May 2024 (2024-05-06)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
Lee is the new boss in Mount Eden. Under pressure from Canning to get results, Shane leads Tommy into danger.
Lee is the new boss in Mount Eden. Under pressure from Canning to get results, Shane leads Tommy into danger.
No.
overall
Lee is the new boss in Mount Eden. Under pressure from Canning to get results, Shane leads Tommy into danger.
11
11
No.
overall
11
No. in
season
5
Title
"Where I Want To Be"
Directed by
Jack Casey
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
13 May 2024 (2024-05-13)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
Annie's job is on the line. As Lee consolidates power, Stevie and Grace are thrown back together on a response call, with terrible consequences.
Annie's job is on the line. As Lee consolidates power, Stevie and Grace are thrown back together on a response call, with terrible consequences.
No.
overall
Annie's job is on the line. As Lee consolidates power, Stevie and Grace are thrown back together on a response call, with terrible consequences.
12
12
No.
overall
12
No. in
season
6
Title
"The Loyal"
Directed by
Jack Casey
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
20 May 2024 (2024-05-20)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
Mount Eden descends into chaos as Grace tries to get Henry out from under Lee's control. Happy finally learns the truth.
Mount Eden descends into chaos as Grace tries to get Henry out from under Lee's control. Happy finally learns the truth.
No.
overall
Mount Eden descends into chaos as Grace tries to get Henry out from under Lee's control. Happy finally learns the truth.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | UK viewers (millions) | |
| 7 | 1 | "This Too Shall Pass" | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 15 April 2024 (2024-04-15) | 4 | |
| A year into the job, the team are faced with a drug fuelled crime wave that leads them into a loyalist estate. A violent clash puts Stevie and Grace's working relationship at risk. | |||||||
| 8 | 2 | "Iceberg" | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 22 April 2024 (2024-04-22) | 4 | |
| A loyalist gangland feud turns up the pressure on the section. Annie makes an impetuous decision on a night out. | |||||||
| 9 | 3 | "Love Knows" | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | Bronagh Taggart | 29 April 2024 (2024-04-29) | 4 | |
| As tensions grow in Mount Eden, a response call forces Stevie to confront his past. Annie deals with the consequences of an impulsive decision. | |||||||
| 10 | 4 | "The Stamp of Nature" | Jack Casey | Noel McCann | 6 May 2024 (2024-05-06) | 4 | |
| Lee is the new boss in Mount Eden. Under pressure from Canning to get results, Shane leads Tommy into danger. | |||||||
| 11 | 5 | "Where I Want To Be" | Jack Casey | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 13 May 2024 (2024-05-13) | 4 | |
| Annie's job is on the line. As Lee consolidates power, Stevie and Grace are thrown back together on a response call, with terrible consequences. | |||||||
| 12 | 6 | "The Loyal" | Jack Casey | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 20 May 2024 (2024-05-20) | 4 | |
| Mount Eden descends into chaos as Grace tries to get Henry out from under Lee's control. Happy finally learns the truth. | |||||||
· Episodes › Series 3 (2025)
13
13
No.
overall
13
No. in
season
1
Title
"The Party"
Directed by
Jack Casey
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
29 September 2025 (2025-09-29)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
14
14
No.
overall
14
No. in
season
2
Title
"Skipper"
Directed by
Jack Casey
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
6 October 2025 (2025-10-06)
UK viewers
(millions)
3
15
15
No.
overall
15
No. in
season
3
Title
"The Bird"
Directed by
Jack Casey
Written by
Fran Harris
Original release date
13 October 2025 (2025-10-13)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
16
16
No.
overall
16
No. in
season
4
Title
"The Parting Glass"
Directed by
Angela Griffin
Written by
Fran Harris
Original release date
20 October 2025 (2025-10-20)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
17
17
No.
overall
17
No. in
season
5
Title
"Ordo Ab Chao"
Directed by
Angela Griffin
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
27 October 2025 (2025-10-27)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
18
18
No.
overall
18
No. in
season
6
Title
"World of Our Own"
Directed by
Angela Griffin
Written by
Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson
Original release date
3 November 2025 (2025-11-03)
UK viewers
(millions)
4
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | UK viewers (millions) |
| 13 | 1 | "The Party" | Jack Casey | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 29 September 2025 (2025-09-29) | 4 |
| 14 | 2 | "Skipper" | Jack Casey | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 6 October 2025 (2025-10-06) | 3 |
| 15 | 3 | "The Bird" | Jack Casey | Fran Harris | 13 October 2025 (2025-10-13) | 4 |
| 16 | 4 | "The Parting Glass" | Angela Griffin | Fran Harris | 20 October 2025 (2025-10-20) | 4 |
| 17 | 5 | "Ordo Ab Chao" | Angela Griffin | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 27 October 2025 (2025-10-27) | 4 |
| 18 | 6 | "World of Our Own" | Angela Griffin | Declan Lawn & Adam Patterson | 3 November 2025 (2025-11-03) | 4 |
· Reception › Awards and nominations
2023
2023
Year
2023
Award
28th National Television Awards
Category
Best New Drama
Nominee(s)
Blue Lights
Result
Nominated
TV Choice Awards
TV Choice Awards
Year
TV Choice Awards
Award
Best New Drama Series
Category
Nominated
Royal Television Society Craft & Design Awards
Royal Television Society Craft & Design Awards
Year
Royal Television Society Craft & Design Awards
Award
Best Editing – Scripted
Category
Peggy Koretzky
Nominee(s)
Nominated
2024
2024
Year
2024
Award
IFTA Film & Drama Awards
Category
Best Drama
Nominee(s)
Blue Lights
Result
Nominated
Best Script
Best Script
Year
Best Script
Award
Nominated
Best Actor
Best Actor
Year
Best Actor
Award
Martin McCann
Category
Nominated
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Year
Best Supporting Actor
Award
Richard Dormer
Category
Won
2025
2025
Year
2025
Award
Broadcast Awards
Category
Best Drama Series or Serial
Nominee(s)
Blue Lights
Result
Won
British Academy Television Awards
British Academy Television Awards
Year
British Academy Television Awards
Award
Best Drama Series
Category
Won
2026
2026
Year
2026
Award
Royal Television Society Programme Awards
Category
Best Drama Series
Nominee(s)
Won
British Academy Television Awards
British Academy Television Awards
Year
British Academy Television Awards
Award
Best Drama Series
Category
Nominated
Best Actress
Best Actress
Year
Best Actress
Award
Siân Brooke
Category
Nominated
Memorable Moment
Memorable Moment
Year
Memorable Moment
Award
"The police are warned of an ambush to plot to silence a key witness"
Category
Nominated
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
| 2023 | 28th National Television Awards | Best New Drama | Blue Lights | Nominated | |
| TV Choice Awards | Best New Drama Series | Nominated | |||
| Royal Television Society Craft & Design Awards | Best Editing – Scripted | Peggy Koretzky | Nominated | ||
| 2024 | IFTA Film & Drama Awards | Best Drama | Blue Lights | Nominated | |
| Best Script | Nominated | ||||
| Best Actor | Martin McCann | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | Richard Dormer | Won | |||
| 2025 | Broadcast Awards | Best Drama Series or Serial | Blue Lights | Won | |
| British Academy Television Awards | Best Drama Series | Won | |||
| 2026 | Royal Television Society Programme Awards | Best Drama Series | Won | ||
| British Academy Television Awards | Best Drama Series | Nominated | |||
| Best Actress | Siân Brooke | Nominated | |||
| Memorable Moment | "The police are warned of an ambush to plot to silence a key witness" | Nominated |
References
- The Nationalhttps://www.thenational.scot/news/national/uk-today/24219413.bbcs-blue-lights-full-cast-list-tv/
- Television Business Internationalhttps://tbivision.com/2022/10/17/exclusive-blue-lights-creators-on-taking-bbc-police-drama-from-script-to-screen/#close-modal
- Belfast Livehttps://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/tv/bbc-blue-lights-series-3-30955586
- BBC Media Centrehttps://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/mediapacks/blue-lights
- BBC Onehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0f2cxpr/episodes/player
- BARBhttps://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/most-viewed-programmes/
- BBC Onehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0f2cxpr/blue-lights?seriesId=p0f2cxpr-structural-3-m002f1mg
- BBC Media Centrehttps://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/cast-announced-for-bbc-one-drama-blue-lights
- Backstagehttps://www.backstage.com/uk/magazine/article/uk-whats-filming-bbcs-new-crime-drama-blue-lights-74752/
- STV Studioshttps://www.stvstudios.com/production/blue-lights/
- PressPartyhttps://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/BBC1/view/321216/
- Digital Spyhttps://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a43437723/bbc-blue-lights-review-line-of-duty/
- Radio Timeshttps://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-writer-real-tragedy-newsupdate/
- The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/19/brutality-in-bbc-drama-blue-lights-shocked-cast-who-had-not-lived-through-troubles
- BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-68310062
- Digital Spyhttps://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a46812125/blue-lights-season-2-cast-bbc/
- Belfast Telegraphhttps://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/set-pictures-from-series-2-of-bbcs-blue-lights-reveal-possible-new-recruits/a1511634790.html
- Radio Timeshttps://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-season-2-first-look-newsupdate/
- BBC Media Centrehttps://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2024/blue-lights-series-2-trailer
- The Nationalhttps://www.thenational.scot/news/national/uk-today/24219413.bbcs-blue-lights-full-cast-list-tv/