Watch C.B. Strike

C.B. Strike is a British crime drama television series based on the Cormoran Strike detective novels written by the renowned author J.K. Rowling. The show first premiered on BBC One in the UK on August 27, 2017, and later in the year, it made its debut in the US on Cinemax. The show features Elarica Johnson as Lorelei Bevan, Amber Anderson as Ciara Porter, and Kadiff Kirwan as Guy Some.

The series revolves around the complicated life of the protagonist, Cormoran Strike, who is played by Tom Burke. Strike is a former Army Investigator and a private detective who heads a business called "Strike Detective Agency" in London. His life is in disarray after he lost his leg in Afghanistan, his love life is a mess, and he is struggling to pay his bills. Strike gets a reprieve when he receives some high-profile cases, which leads him to cross paths with his assistant, Robin Ellacott (Holliday Grainger), who ends up playing a significant role in the unraveling of the puzzles.

C.B. Strike begins with a storyline that sees Strike investigating the mysterious death of a famous supermodel named Lula Landry. Lula falls from her balcony on a snowy night, and the evidence suggests that it was suicide. However, Lula's brother John Bristow believes that it was murder, and he hires Strike to find out the truth. As Strike delves deeper into Lula's life, he discovers that the case is more complex than he ever could have imagined.

The show's episodic structure is similar to a case-of-the-week procedural drama, but what sets it apart is the complexity of the mysteries and their impact on the characters involved. The narrative explores some of the darkest corners of the human mind and soul, and it does so with a deft hand that never condescends the audience or the characters. It's all about the shades of gray, and how one person's truth may not be the same as another's.

While the show's main focus is on the cases Strike takes, it also gives equal if not more attention to the personal lives of everyone involved. Strike's personal life is as troubled as his professional one, and each of the cases he handles only adds to the chaos. Robin is a breath of fresh air for Strike, but as their relationship evolves, it also adds a new set of complications to his life. The supporting cast provides excellent support, with each character having their own unique quirks and backstories.

The show's production values are top-notch, with sleek cinematography that captures the atmosphere of London perfectly. The show's score is hauntingly beautiful, with a melody that suits the mood of the narrative. The show's costumes, makeup, and overall aesthetics are also commendable, with excellent attention to detail.

Overall, C.B. Strike is an engaging, well-written, and well-acted show that showcases the best aspects of crime dramas. Its central character is a flawed but fascinating protagonist, and the narrative keeps the audience enthralled with each new case he takes. It's a series that is well worth watching if you're a fan of the genre, or if you enjoy character-driven dramas.

C.B. Strike is a series that ran for 4 seasons (17 episodes) between May 25, 2018 and on Cinemax