On May 29, Netflix released the crime series Dept. Q. The project immediately caught the attention of industry watchers: on Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds an 82% critic score and a 94% audience score.
Dept. Q: Plot and Creators
The main character of the series is Carl Mørck, a brash and reclusive detective who struggles to get along with colleagues but solves even the most hopeless cases. He is assigned to lead a new department dedicated to 'cold cases' — crimes whose investigations were abandoned long ago. Carl Mørck is played by Matthew Goode (Watchmen), and the showrunner is Scott Frank, known for the hit miniseries The Queen's Gambit.
Dept. Q: What the Critics Say
Critics highlight the complex and tense storyline, intricate plotlines, and well-crafted suspense. Many compare the series to the best of Scandinavian noir.
Here’s what they’re saying:
"Dept. Q leans heavily into Nordic noir influences (bleak landscapes and secrets buried under polite silences) but adds a distinctly Scottish flavour."
"There’s no shortcutting with expositional magic or handwaving: just file-reading, interviews, and follow-ups until the pieces start to fall into place. That makes the resolution deeply satisfying because it’s earned."
Dept. Q: Ratings and Viewer Feedback
The series has earned a strong IMDb rating of 8.3. Audience reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the plot, atmosphere, and performances.
"I'm not ashamed to say that I binge watched this in just 2 days."
"Can't wait for S2! I've watched maybe most of crime/detective series and this one is capturing you from the start till the end. Not many connects the spectator to the characters and the subject as this one."
Who Should Watch Dept. Q
Dept. Q will appeal to anyone who enjoys atmospheric, psychologically rich detective dramas with noir elements. If you liked True Detective, The Killing, or The Bridge, this series deserves a spot on your watchlist.
