Luther

2010 • TMDB 7.8 • 5 seasons • 20 episodes • Crime, Drama, Mystery • BBC One

Where to Watch

In the US, Luther streams on Hulu, BritBox, Acorn TV, AMC+, and Philo, with 5 seasons, and is available to buy on Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, and Fandango At Home. Availability checked against US listings on October 29, 2026.

Overview

John Luther is a brilliant London detective whose greatest asset is also his greatest risk: he understands killers because he can think like them, and that understanding keeps pulling him toward the line he is sworn not to cross. Created by Neil Cross, the series follows Luther through cases that are as much about conscience as evidence, from serial killers who enjoy the game to colleagues whose secrets threaten to destroy him. Idris Elba gives the role a brooding, physical intensity, making Luther both intimidating and unexpectedly tender, especially in his dangerous, fascinating bond with Alice Morgan, a killer he cannot quite bring himself to treat as only a criminal. The show is lean and cinematic, with short seasons that waste no time and endings that land like a blow. For viewers who like crime drama that is dark, intelligent, and morally unsettling, Luther remains one of the finest British thrillers of its era.

Creator and Main Cast

Luther was created by Neil Cross. The main cast includes:

• Idris Elba as John Luther (20 episodes)
• Dermot Crowley as Martin Schenk (17 episodes)
• Michael Smiley as Benny Silver (17 episodes)
• Warren Brown as Justin Ripley (15 episodes)
• Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan (13 episodes)
• Paul McGann as Mark North (10 episodes)
• Nikki Amuka-Bird as Erin Gray (8 episodes)

Seasons Snapshot

• Season 1 — 6 episodes (2010)
• Season 2 — 4 episodes (2011)
• Season 3 — 4 episodes (2013)
• Season 4 — 2 episodes (2015)
• Season 5 — 4 episodes (2019)

Why Watch Luther?

• Idris Elba’s commanding performance as John Luther.
• Psychological crime stories that test conscience, not just clues.
• The unforgettable Luther and Alice Morgan dynamic.
• Short, cinematic seasons with no wasted episodes.
• A dark London atmosphere that stays with you after each case.

Trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube: LUTHER Series 5 | OFFICIAL TRAILER – BBC (BBC)