The hit TV series won legions of fans with its fierce courtroom clashes and messy family drama — but viewers are now raving about three other BBC legal thrillers they insist are even better. From jaw-dropping verdicts to behind-the-scenes power plays, these shows are being branded “more gripping”, “more intense”, and, in some cases, “far superior” to the beloved divorce drama.
While The Split built its reputation on emotional fireworks and razor-sharp dialogue, fans say these rival series crank the tension up even further — delivering darker twists, higher stakes and performances that leave you genuinely shaken. If you’re mourning the end of one of the BBC’s most talked-about dramas, you might not need to for long. Because according to viewers, there are three legal dramas ready to take its crown — and you won’t want to miss them.
If you’re craving courtroom tension done properly, Silk is the one that still packs a punch. Starring Maxine Peake as fiercely ambitious barrister Martha Costello, the BBC One drama dives headfirst into the ruthless politics of chambers life, where reputations are made – and destroyed – in seconds.
With razor-sharp scripts, morally murky cases, and powerhouse performances, it became a firm fan favourite during its run. Critics praised its authenticity and grit, while viewers were hooked on the brutal twists and turns. Years on, it remains one of the BBC’s most compelling legal dramas.
Showtrial returned to BBC One for a second outing — and if anything, it’s sharper, darker and even more addictive than before. The legal thriller once again plunges viewers into a high-profile murder case, where every witness has an agenda and nothing is quite what it seems.
Packed with courtroom clashes, media frenzy and twist after twist, it’s the kind of drama that demands to be binged. Critics have praised its “gripping” pace and gritty storytelling, with fans hooked on its ability to keep them guessing right up until the final moments.
If you prefer your legal dramas with a darker edge, The Escape Artist is a must. Starring David Tennant as a brilliant barrister known for getting even the most hopeless clients acquitted, the three-part BBC thriller quickly spirals into something far more sinister.
After defending a man accused of a brutal crime, Tennant’s character finds himself dragged into a terrifying game of cat and mouse that blurs the line between justice and morality. Unsettling and packed with twists, it’s less courtroom comfort and more psychological showdown — and viewers have hailed it as gripping from start to finish.
