Karen Pirie Star’s Compelling Mystery Drama Is Available to Stream on BBC iPlayer

Missed The Ridge when it first arrived on the BBC? Lauren Lyle’s gripping Scottish drama is well worth adding to your watchlist.

Nearly a year after its debut, The Ridge remains a compelling choice for viewers who enjoy atmospheric crime dramas, unsettling mysteries and complicated characters. Led by Lauren Lyle, known for her roles in Karen Pirie and The Bombing of Pan Am 103, the series combines a mysterious death with family tensions, addiction and an attraction that threatens to complicate an already difficult situation.

The story centres on Mia, a woman whose life is in turmoil as she struggles with addiction and the collapse of her career. Hoping to attend her estranged sister’s wedding, she travels to New Zealand, expecting a family occasion. Instead, she arrives to discover that her sister has died.

As Mia attempts to make sense of what happened, she begins to suspect that the people around her are hiding something. The locals appear increasingly suspicious, leaving her uncertain about whom she can trust. Matters become even more complicated when she develops feelings for her late sister’s widow.

With its remote setting, troubled protagonist and growing sense of paranoia, The Ridge builds an atmosphere in which almost anyone could be concealing a secret.

Critics Praise the Drama’s Tense Atmosphere

When The Ridge premiered, it attracted praise from several critics for its writing, performances and distinctive setting.

Digital Spy described the series as “a moody crime series not to miss”, highlighting its appeal to fans of darker, character-driven mysteries.

The Times was similarly enthusiastic, calling it a “sure-footed, compelling show” that “could well have you on the ridge of your seat”. The review praised the series for maintaining the tension expected of a gripping thriller.

The Herald Scotland also gave the drama a positive assessment, noting that the story “rattles along at a good lick”. The publication singled out the spectacular New Zealand landscape and Douglas Mackinnon’s direction, which gives the series an unusual and unsettling atmosphere.

As the review observed, the setting creates the impression that anything could happen. It also praised Lauren Lyle’s performance, particularly the way she portrays Mia without falling back on familiar stereotypes about people struggling with addiction.

That balance between psychological tension and character development is central to the show’s appeal. Rather than relying solely on the mystery surrounding Mia’s sister, the drama also explores the emotional difficulties that shape Mia’s decisions and influence how she sees the people around her.

Lauren Lyle’s Performance Makes Mia Believable

The strength of The Ridge also lies in its central performance. Mia is far from a conventional crime drama protagonist, and her personal struggles make her an unpredictable presence as the mystery unfolds.

The Mail highlighted this aspect of the series in its review, arguing that the drama could easily have become implausible with the wrong casting. However, the publication praised Lyle for making the character convincing, describing her portrayal as filled with anxiety and paranoia that helps ground the surrounding drama.

Mia’s vulnerability adds another dimension to the story. As she searches for answers, viewers must consider not only the secrets surrounding her sister’s death but also how Mia’s own circumstances affect her understanding of events.

This makes the series as much a character study as a murder mystery, with its central figure navigating grief, suspicion and complicated personal relationships.

What Did Viewers Think of The Ridge?

Although critics were largely positive, audience reactions were more divided, according to user reviews on IMDb.

Many viewers appreciated Mia as an unconventional, anti-heroine lead. Her flaws and emotional struggles offer a different perspective from the more straightforward investigators often found in crime dramas.

However, the camera work proved a sticking point for some viewers, with complaints about its occasionally “wobbly” presentation. The mixed response suggests that while the performances and atmosphere appealed to many, the show’s stylistic choices were not universally well received.

Even so, the combination of Lauren Lyle’s lead performance, the isolated setting and the mystery at the heart of the story gives the series plenty to explore for viewers willing to embrace its particular style.

Another BBC Drama to Look Forward To

For anyone in the mood for more crime drama set in the southern hemisphere, there is another BBC series to keep an eye on.

The third season of Return to Paradise is on the way, and a trailer has recently been released, offering an early look at the show’s upcoming return.

In the meantime, The Ridge offers an alternative for viewers looking for a mystery with a darker psychological edge. Its blend of family secrets, suspicion and emotional conflict makes it a worthwhile option for anyone searching for their next drama to binge.

All episodes of The Ridge are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.