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Blue Lights viewers blast bosses for 'ripping off' rival BBC crime drama

07 May 2024 , 10:12
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The programmes depict policing in different cities - but fans can
The programmes depict policing in different cities - but fans can't help but draw similarities

BLUE Lights viewers were furious after tuning into the latest episode on Monday evening.

Fans complained they were getting ‘mixed up’ with a fellow BBC crime drama, The Responder.

Former Sherlock actress Siân Brooke stars in Blue Lights qhidquihxiquqprw
Former Sherlock actress Siân Brooke stars in Blue LightsCredit: BBC
The second series began airing in April
The second series began airing in AprilCredit: BBC

Blue Lights premiered in March 2023 and takes place in Belfast.

Series one followed three probationary police officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as well as the experienced officers mentoring them.

Series two, which began on April 15, follows the same characters a year later in their attempt to solve a loyalist feud in the city.

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Viewers believed Blue Lights and The Responder had similar storylines such as police officers and detectives carrying out policing in their home cities.

However while Blue Lights takes place in Belfast, The Responder is set in Liverpool.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), one disgruntled viewer complained: "#BlueLights now I'm getting mixed up between the plots of this and #TheResponder." 

A second commented: “They're the same except we've Frank Mitchell #TheResponder #bluelights."

Meanwhile, a third user shared: "Getting deja vu with Blue Lights and The Responder both on lol."

Although some viewers grumbled about the shows being too similar, others shared their appreciation of both series.

One fan wrote on X: "Finished #BlueLights last night. Just outstanding! Up there with Happy Valley and Responder."

A second added: "Got to say the #BBC are making some great dramas at the moment #TheResponder #BlueLights."

Someone else added: “If you thought #Responder was good get on #BlueLights… it’s even better."

It comes as Blue Lights viewers were left ‘screaming’ at the screens as the second series kicked off last month.

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Andi Osho (Sandra Cliff) and Joanne Crawford (Helen McNally) are part of the ensemble cast
Andi Osho (Sandra Cliff) and Joanne Crawford (Helen McNally) are part of the ensemble castCredit: BBC

While tackling a drug-fuelled crime gang, the team found themselves in a loyalist estate.

Additionally, the explosive episode saw a clash between Grace (Siân Brooke) and Stevie (Martin McCann).

Fans were gripped by the episode although some were left ‘screaming’ at their televisions.

One shared: "Seriously. Blue Lights is EXCEPTIONAL television, screaming at the scenes."

Another penned: “Tense complicated relationships, great plotting, nice pacing, wicked dialogue and clearly defined characters - Blue Lights has it all."

Conor O'Brien

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