With its all-star cast of crime drama favourites, don’t miss this superb BBC series—now streaming on Netflix! Accused is not just a courtroom / crime drama, but a series of deeply human, morally complex stories that will draw you in. Both season 1 and 2 of Accused are available on Netflix. Below are a few standout episodes and actors to watch out for (spoiler‑lite).

Standout episodes

Season 1, Episode 1 – “Willy Houlihan”
This is the pilot that sets the show’s tone. Played by Christopher Eccleston, Willy is a plumber who faces financial pressures and a personal crisis. When he finds a large sum of money, he convinces himself it might solve everything — but the consequences spiral. 
The story shows how desperation, secrets, and the weight of choices can lead a “normal” person down a dark path.

Season 2, Episode 1 – “Simon / Tracie’s Story”
In this episode, brilliantly acted by Sean Bean as Simon, an English teacher by day who leads a more hidden life at night as Tracie (a transvestite identity). His world collides with Stephen Graham’s character Tony, in events that spiral into violence and betrayal. It’s one of the show’s most emotionally raw episodes, exploring identity, acceptance, and violence.

Other Notable Appearances

• Olivia Colman appears in one episode as Sue Brown, giving weight to a supporting but pivotal role. 
• Juliet Stevenson, Anne-Marie Duff, Anna Maxwell Martin, and Sheridan Smith also deliver strong performances in separate episodes. 
• Robert Sheehan and Thomas Brodie‑Sangster show up in multiple episodes, adding younger perspectives and varied dynamics. 

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