'Stellar' World War 2 drama with 96% rating is free to stream on Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime viewers have discovered a “stellar” World War II period drama that is a “must-watch”. Set in 1940 in the heart of Hastings, Sussex, viewers follow Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle (played by Michael Kitchen) as he investigates crimes across the city while avoiding the horrors of war. Many of his cases see criminals take advantage of the chaos of war particularly concerning profiteering, the black market and murder.

Although DSC Foyle comes up against many high-ranking officials in the British military or intelligence services who would prefer that he mind his own business, he seeks justice with a passion. Throughout the series, the leading man is assisted by his driver Sam Stewart (Honeysuckle Weeks) and Detective Sergeant Paul Milner (Anthony Howell).

The ITV show – written by Midsomer Murders screenwriter and author Anthony Horowitz – first hit the airwaves back in 2002 until it was cancelled in 2007. But across those five years, the TV show built up a loyal fanbase who fiercely advocated for it to make a comeback.

Following the removal of ITV director of programmes Simon Shaps in 2007, Peter Fincham revived the show after good ratings for 2008’s fifth series. The first six series are set during the Second World War, but the seventh series picks up after Foyle comes out of retirement for MI5 on Cold War espionage.

Throughout the show’s 10-year reign, the ITV series saw several famous faces step in for special guest appearances including Hollywood favourites such as James McAvoy, Rosamund Pike, and Emily Blunt.

Other familiar faces include Doctor Who stars such as David Tennant and Peter Capaldi as well as TV favourites like Charles Dance and Danny Dyer. At the height of its popularity, Foyle’s War was nominated in the Best Production Design category for the 2003 BAFTA Television Awards and won a Lew Grade Award for Best Entertainment Programme that same year.

The series was also nominated for the 2004 BAFTA for Best Drama Series, with actor Honeysuckle Weeks receiving a nomination for the 10th National Television Awards’ Most Popular Newcomer award. The long-running show also boasts an impressing 96% rating from popular review website Rotten Tomatoes.

The ITV crime drama has received glowing reviews from fans, with one writing: “Foyles is a classic in my opinion. The leading man is so perfect for the role. I wish I could discover it all over again for myself.”

Another agreed: “This is a great show and I enjoy it a lot more than some others. The WW2 setting is great. That slice of the home-front life during ongoing conflict is fantastic.” A third asked: “Why did I sleep on and dismiss this show for so long? I was looking to fill the Morse-shaped hole, and this show is honestly so good. Absolutely stellar cast.”

Awarding the show a five-star rating, a fourth gushed: “Foyle’s War is my new favourite show. It’s chilling to think of what England went through during the Blitz, I love the historical references (like the rescue at Dunkirk), I love the soundtrack and I’ve developed a crush on Christopher Foyle.”

Fans can watch all nine series on Amazon Prime, Acorn or ITVX.