SimilarScreen
State of Play

State of Play

20037.41 Season6 EpisodesEnded

Overview

The murder of Sonia Baker, a young political researcher, leads journalist Cal McCaffrey to uncover complex links between government and big business.

Created by Susie Conklin
Written by Susie Conklin
Produced by Hilary Bevan Jones
NetworksBBC OneBBC Four

Top Cast

Bill Nighy

Bill Nighy

Cameron Foster

David Morrissey

David Morrissey

Stephen Collins

Kelly Macdonald

Kelly Macdonald

Della Smith

John Simm

John Simm

Cal McAffrey

Polly Walker

Polly Walker

Anne Collins

Philip Glenister

Philip Glenister

DCI William Bell

James McAvoy

James McAvoy

Dan Foster

Michael Feast

Michael Feast

Andrew Wilson

Amelia Bullmore

Amelia Bullmore

Helen Preger

Marc Warren

Marc Warren

Dominic Foy

Themes & Keywords

london, englandjournalistmurderconspiracypolitical thriller

About State of Play

State of Play is a mystery, drama, crime series that first aired in 2003 exploring themes of london, england, journalist, murder, conspiracy, political thriller. Created by Susie Conklin, it stars Bill Nighy, David Morrissey, Kelly Macdonald. The murder of Sonia Baker, a young political researcher, leads journalist Cal McCaffrey to uncover complex links between government and big business.

Shows Similar to State of Play

Discover shows like State of Play — ranked by similarity and community votes

We found 15 shows similar to State of Play

If you enjoyed State of Play, you'll love these handpicked recommendations. Each title below shares similar themes, tone, and storytelling style. Our algorithm analyzes genres, keywords, creator filmography, and cast connections to find the closest matches. Whether you're looking for the same emotional depth, narrative structure, or visual style, these picks are curated to deliver the best viewing experience for fans of State of Play.

Collateral
38% Match

Collateral(2018)

TV Show6.4/10

When a pizza delivery driver is shot dead in south London, a tenacious detective goes after the people traffickers behind his murder and unravels a conspiracy that goes to the top.

Luther
35% Match

Luther(2010)

TV Show7.9/10

A dark psychological crime drama starring Idris Elba as Luther, a man struggling with his own terrible demons, who might be as dangerous as the depraved murderers he hunts.

The Assassin
33% Match

The Assassin(2025)

TV Show6.7/10

Secluded on a remote Greek island, retired assassin Julie has a somewhat thorny reunion with her estranged son, Edward, visiting from England. Armed with questions around new information on his paternity, Edward battles to find the right time to speak to his frustratingly distant mother. But, when the moment finally presents itself, things take a deadly turn as Julie’s dangerous past catches up with her and they are forced to flee the island and go on the run together.

Unforgotten
32% Match

Unforgotten(2015)

TV Show7.5/10

London police detectives Cassie Stuart and Sunny Khan investigate historic cold cases involving missing persons, murder and long-hidden secrets.

Midsomer Murders
30% Match

The peacefulness of the Midsomer community is shattered by violent crimes, suspects are placed under suspicion, and it is up to a veteran DCI and his young sergeant to calmly and diligently eliminate the innocent and ruthlessly pursue the guilty.

Lewis
29% Match

Lewis(2007)

TV Show7.6/10

Inspector Robert Lewis and Sergeant James Hathaway solve the tough cases that the learned inhabitants of Oxford throw at them.

Scream: The TV Series
26% Match

What starts as a YouTube video going viral, soon leads to problems for the teenagers of Lakewood and serves as the catalyst for a murder that opens up a window to the town's troubled past. Everyone has secrets. Everyone tells lies. Everyone is fair game.

Damages
26% Match

Damages(2007)

TV Show7.4/10

Damages is an American legal thriller television series created by the writing and production trio of Daniel Zelman and brothers Glenn and Todd A. Kessler. The plot revolves around the brilliant, ruthless lawyer Patty Hewes and her protégée, recent law school graduate Ellen Parsons. Each season features a major case that Hewes and her firm take on, while also examining a chapter of the complicated relationship between Ellen and Patty. The first two seasons center around the law firm Hewes & Associates. Later seasons center more on Patty and Ellen's relationship as Ellen begins to distance herself from Hewes & Associates and begins an independent career.

Strike
25% Match

Strike(2017)

TV Show7.2/10

A war veteran turned private detective operates out of a tiny office in London’s Denmark Street. Although wounded both physically and psychologically, his unique insight and background as a military police investigator prove crucial in solving complex crimes that have baffled the police. Based on the bestselling novels written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

New Blood
25% Match

New Blood(2016)

TV Show7.0/10

Two junior investigators come together against a new breed of criminal, the uber rich and powerful corporations, individuals and governments who hide behind legitimate facades.