Channel 5 thriller series: our guiltiest TV pleasure

Channel 5 has really amped up its game in the world of TV dramas over the past few years. Gone are the days of tuning in for documentaries and reality shows; now, you’re more likely to find yourself glued to the screen watching a wild and addictive thriller starring some familiar British faces.

Take “The Feud,” for example. This six-part series starring Jill Halfpenny is a rollercoaster ride of secrets, betrayal, and suspicious neighbors. While the plot may sound like a soap opera on steroids, it’s exactly this mix of the banal and the bonkers that makes Channel 5 thrillers so compelling.

The network has certainly come a long way from its factual programming roots. Remember the cosy vet novels of “All Creatures Great and Small” or the gripping detective dramas? And let’s not forget Paul Mescal’s post-“Normal People” role in “The Deceived.” Channel 5 has truly found its niche in the domestic thriller genre, churning out mind-bending dramas that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The familiar faces of British soap stars like Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones only add to the allure of these shows. And the repertory feel, with actors popping up in multiple series, gives these dramas a distinct Netflix-Harlan Coben mystery vibe.

So, if you find yourself sucked into the world of Channel 5 thrillers, don’t worry – you’re not alone. The mix of twisted plots, familiar faces, and mind-boggling twists is enough to keep anyone coming back for more. So grab a glass of wine, settle in, and prepare to be hooked on the addictive drama that Channel 5 has perfected.