Watch Scott & Bailey

Scott & Bailey is a gripping British police drama that originally aired on BBC One from 2011 to 2016. This critically acclaimed show follows the lives and careers of Detective Constable Janet Scott (Lesley Sharp) and Detective Constable Rachel Bailey (Suranne Jones), two female detectives working for the Greater Manchester Police force.

The series begins with Janet and Rachel working on a high-profile murder case involving a businessman who was found dead in his own home. They soon find themselves facing a number of challenges as they try to solve the case, including dealing with their own personal struggles and the pressures of working in a male-dominated field.

Throughout the series, Janet and Rachel become close friends and colleagues, supporting each other through the highs and lows of their professional and personal lives. Along the way, they are joined by a team of other detectives, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Vincent Regan plays DCI Gill Murray, the head of the Major Incident Team and Janet and Rachel's boss. Pippa Haywood plays their supportive and compassionate departmental superintendent, Julie Dodson. Danny Miller plays the young and eager DS Rob Waddington, who joins the team in the later seasons. Nicholas Gleaves plays Rachel's estranged husband, Nick Savage, who is also a detective. Lesley Sharp plays Janet's best friend, colleague and drinking buddy, DCS Julie Dodson. Amelia Bullmore plays the hard-nosed prosecuting attorney, Caroline Price, who is often tangled up in the detectives’ cases.

The dynamic between the characters is one of the show's greatest strengths. The chemistry between Sharp and Jones is particularly strong, and their characters' friendship is at the core of the show. Despite their differences, they always have each other's backs and are willing to go to great lengths to protect their partnership.

One of the show's major themes is the fight against sexism in the workplace. Janet and Rachel are both strong, ambitious women who face constant discrimination and bias in their jobs. They are often underestimated and undervalued because of their gender, but they continue to prove themselves through their dedication and hard work.

In addition to the show's engaging characters and themes, the writing is also top-notch. The show is known for its well-crafted and intricate storylines, which keep the viewer on the edge of their seat from episode to episode. Each season features a number of different cases, with both standalone episodes and longer, serialized story arcs.

Overall, Scott & Bailey is an excellent police procedural that deftly balances engaging crime stories with moving character drama. The show has a great cast, strong writing, and a clear voice that sets it apart from other shows in its genre. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves a good police drama.

Scott & Bailey is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (33 episodes). The series first aired on May 29, 2011.