MLB Trade Rumors: Breaking News, Predictions, and Yankees & Cardinals UpdatesMartin Clunes Manhunt, a gripping true-crime drama based on real UK police cases. Watch on ITVX, BritBox, and Acorn TV. Martin Clunes’ role in Manhunt marked a dramatic transformation from comedy to gripping true crime. Best known for his role in Doc Martin, Clunes surprised viewers with a grounded, serious portrayal of real-life detective Colin Sutton. The ITV series dives into complex UK criminal investigations, presenting them with realism, precision, and emotional integrity.
Unlike fast-paced fictional crime shows, Manhunt focuses on the methodical, detail-driven process of police work. Based on Sutton’s actual case notes, the show respects real victims while educating viewers on what real-life investigations demand.
What Is Martin Clunes Manhunt?
Manhunt is a British police procedural based on actual cases handled by DCI Colin Sutton. Each season reconstructs a major criminal investigation led by Sutton during his tenure at the Metropolitan Police. It blends factual storytelling with dramatic pacing to create a uniquely authentic crime series.
Key Cases Covered:
- Series 1: The murder of Amélie Delagrange, leading to Levi Bellfield’s arrest
- Series 2: The 17-year manhunt for serial rapist Delroy Grant (“The Night Stalker”)
- Series 3: Not confirmed yet, but fans and critics anticipate further cases from Sutton’s files
Drawing directly from Sutton’s personal case journals, Manhunt avoids sensationalism in favor of truth and accuracy.
Martin Clunes as DCI Colin Sutton
Martin Clunes steps into the role of Colin Sutton with restraint and realism. His portrayal shows a detective burdened by responsibility, driven by justice, and grounded in facts. Clunes delivers a powerful performance that shatters expectations for those who knew him from comedic roles.
Why the Performance Worked:
- No overacting or dramatization; subtle and realistic tone
- Honors the emotional pressure of long investigations
- Humanizes the detective experience without glorifying it
This role redefined Clunes’ acting career and was widely praised by critics and audiences.
Who Is the Real Colin Sutton?
Colin Sutton is a retired detective who led over 30 successful murder investigations. His policing career spanned decades, and his reputation for detail and discipline made him a standout figure in British law enforcement.
Major Achievements:
- Solved the Bellfield serial murder case
- Identified and caught Delroy Grant after nearly two decades
- Consulted for Manhunt to ensure accuracy
Sutton now contributes to crime documentaries and has published books about his work, including Manhunt: How I Brought Serial Killer Levi Bellfield to Justice.
Series Breakdown: Every Season of Manhunt
Series 1: The Levi Bellfield Case
- Aired: January 2019
- Episodes: 3
- Case: The murder of Amélie Delagrange, later connected to the deaths of Marsha McDonnell and Milly Dowler
- Result: Arrest and conviction of Levi Bellfield
Clunes’ portrayal of Sutton shows his tactical thinking and reliance on forensic evidence.
Series 2: The Night Stalker
- Aired: September 2021
- Episodes: 4
- Case: Serial rapes by Delroy Grant spanning 1992–2009
- Result: Successful arrest and conviction after reviewing over 30,000 suspects
The season captures the emotional toll of long-term unsolved crimes on both detectives and victims.
Series 3: What We Know
ITV has not confirmed a third series, but Colin Sutton’s memoirs contain additional material suitable for adaptation. Given the success of the first two seasons, there’s widespread expectation that more episodes may be developed.
How Many Episodes Are There?
As of 2025, Manhunt has a total of 7 episodes across two seasons:
- Series 1: 3 episodes
- Series 2: 4 episodes
Each episode is approximately 45 minutes long and follows a linear investigation timeline, highlighting key developments from start to conviction.
Where Was Manhunt Filmed?
Manhunt was filmed primarily in and around London, to reflect the actual locations of the real-life investigations. Filming locations included:
- Kingston upon Thames (Series 1)
- South East London neighborhoods (Series 2)
- Interior police scenes shot on specially constructed sets
The use of authentic locations helped enhance the show’s realism and connection to actual events.
Martin Clunes New Series: What He’s Working on Now
Following the success of Manhunt, Martin Clunes has explored other serious roles and documentaries. He hosted Islands of the Pacific and Martin Clunes: My Travels and Other Animals, showcasing his versatility beyond acting. Clunes continues to balance dramatic acting with factual storytelling, earning praise for his insightful and educational approach.
His next projects are expected to combine travel, history, and real-life social themes, aligning with his post-Manhunt reputation for thoughtful television.
Where to Watch Manhunt
Despite frequent queries like “Manhunt Netflix,” the show is not available on Netflix. Instead, both series can be streamed on:
- BritBox
- ITVX (UK)
- Acorn TV (US, Canada)
- Amazon Prime Video (select regions)
These platforms carry both Series 1 and Series 2 in high definition with subtitles.
Was Manhunt on Channel 4?
No. Manhunt is exclusively produced and broadcast by ITV. Channel 4 is not associated with the production, casting, or syndication of the series. The confusion may stem from similarly titled programs on Channel 4 or general true-crime content.
Why Manhunt (2019 TV Series) Stands Out
Most crime shows use action and suspense as key elements. Manhunt avoids these tropes and focuses instead on the logic, paperwork, and emotional labor of actual police work. It emphasizes collaboration, research, and methodical strategy over thrills.
Key Differentiators:
- Real case files, not fictional plots
- Victim-centric narrative
- Unvarnished view of policing challenges
The show delivers drama without sacrificing its commitment to truth.
Timeline of Events
| Year | Event / Case | Series Depiction |
| 2004 | Murder of Amélie Delagrange | Manhunt Series 1 |
| 2006 | Arrest of Levi Bellfield | Manhunt Series 1 |
| 1992–2009 | Delroy Grant assaults | Manhunt Series 2 |
| 2009 | Arrest of Delroy Grant | Manhunt Series 2 |
| 2019 | Series 1 Premieres | ITV |
| 2021 | Series 2 Premieres | ITV |
Viewer and Critical Reception
Manhunt earned widespread acclaim for its honest portrayal of real-world investigations. It attracted over 8.7 million viewers for its premiere, making it one of ITV’s most-watched new dramas in years.
Review Highlights:
- The Guardian: “Tense, focused, and refreshingly human”
- The Telegraph: “A quietly compelling performance from Clunes”
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92% critic score
Audiences also appreciated the respectful treatment of victims and the emotionally authentic tone.
Educational and Cultural Impact
Beyond entertainment, Manhunt is now used in classrooms and police training as an example of real case progression. It has also reignited public discussion about the role of forensic science and the importance of victim-led narratives.
The show sparked renewed interest in cold cases and ethical policing, especially in the wake of real-world policing controversies.
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FAQs
Is Manhunt based on true stories?
Yes. Each episode is adapted from real investigations by DCI Colin Sutton.
Is Martin Clunes still active in TV?
Yes. He continues to work on documentaries and serious drama projects.
Is Manhunt available on Netflix?
No. It is exclusive to BritBox, ITVX, and Acorn TV.
Is Channel 4 affiliated with Manhunt?
No. It is entirely produced by ITV.
Will there be a third season of Manhunt?
No official announcement yet, but it’s likely given the show’s success.
Conclusion:
Manhunt set a new benchmark for fact-based crime drama in the UK. Its commitment to accuracy, emotional restraint, and respectful storytelling made it stand out in a crowded genre. Martin Clunes’ shift into serious drama was more than a casting surprise; it was a performance that deepened the public’s understanding of modern policing.
Whether you’re drawn to real-life crime stories or intelligent British drama, Martin Clunes Manhunt delivers lasting impact. As audiences await news on Series 3, the show remains one of the most compelling and truthful crime series of the past decade.
