Forgotten ITV Police Drama Returns With All 35 Episodes

A British police drama that tackled institutional prejudice, misconduct and political interference more than 30 years ago is returning to ITV, with all five series of The Chief arriving on ITVX on Thursday 26 November 2026.

Originally broadcast between 1990 and 1995, the drama follows senior officers attempting to reform the fictional Eastland Constabulary, often finding that resistance within their own ranks presents as many difficulties as the criminals they are trying to catch.

Tim Pigott-Smith initially stars as Chief Constable John Stafford, a determined officer whose efforts to modernise policing provoke hostility from colleagues unwilling to abandon established practices.

His decision to appoint Anne Stewart, played by Karen Archer, as deputy chief constable exposes institutional prejudice and creates further divisions within the force.

In later series, Martin Shaw takes over as Chief Constable Alan Cade, who must balance the demands of frontline policing against increasing pressure from the Home Office and local government agencies.

Unlike traditional detective dramas centred on solving individual crimes, The Chief explores the decisions made at the highest levels of policing and the consequences for officers and the communities they serve.

Across its 35 episodes, the programme tackles controversial subjects including vigilante violence, bombings, extreme activism, witness intimidation, migrant worker exploitation and deaths in the line of duty.

Although produced during the 1990s, its examination of police accountability, institutional attitudes and political influence remains relevant to debates surrounding British policing today.

The ITVX acquisition offers viewers an opportunity to revisit a drama that explored the difficult relationship between police leadership, public confidence and the realities of enforcing the law.

All 35 episodes of The Chief will be available to stream free on ITVX from Thursday 26 November 2026.