Copper: The 'Beyond Brilliant' Detective Drama Compared to Sherlock

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Copper, BBC America's first original scripted series, is a gritty period detective drama set in 1860s New York City. The show centers around Irish American detective Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones) as he investigates the disappearance of his wife and the death of his daughter, all while trying to maintain order in the city's notorious Five Points neighborhood. Corcoran is secretly assisted by two Civil War compatriots - a wealthy industrialist's son, Robert Morehouse (Kyle Schmid), and an African American doctor, Matthew Freeman (Ato Essandoh). The series has been praised for its compelling storylines, complex characters, and exploration of themes like race, class, and inequality in post-Civil War America.

Why it matters

Copper is being hailed as a must-watch detective drama that stands alongside some of the greatest shows in the genre, like Sherlock. The series offers a gritty, historical take on crime and justice, tackling important social and cultural issues of the time period. Its arrival on the streaming platform U gives viewers a chance to discover this acclaimed series if they missed it during its original run.

The details

Set in 1860s New York City, Copper follows the story of Detective Kevin Corcoran as he investigates the disappearance of his wife and the death of his daughter. Corcoran is assisted in his personal and professional endeavors by two friends from the Civil War - Robert Morehouse, the wayward son of a wealthy industrialist, and Matthew Freeman, an African American doctor. The series explores the contrasting worlds of elite Fifth Avenue and the emerging African American community in rural northern Manhattan, as well as the political and social upheaval in the city in the aftermath of the Civil War.

• Copper originally aired for two seasons between 2012 and 2013 on BBC America.
• The series is now available to stream on the U platform.