Netflix’s new mind-bending TV show is going to be your next crime thriller obsession

One body, four detectives, and a 150-year-old mystery in the making

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The first trailer for new Netflix crime dramaBodieshas arrived, and it looks like a mind-bending detective drama I can get behind.

Based on Si Spencer’s mind-boggling graphic novel of the same name,Bodiesis a thriller-based miniseries that’ll aim to reinvent the crime genre when it arrives on the world’sbest streaming servicelater this year. Before we explain what it’s actually about, why don’t you take a look at theNetflixshow’s first, dramatically slow-burning teaser below?

I think you’ll agree, it’s an interesting premise for a series to have. Well, based on what it shows anyway. For a more detailed explanation as to whatBodies' story is about, read the official plot synopsis, courtesy of a Netflix press release.

“Four detectives. Four timelines. One body,” the logline reads. “Based on the mind-bending graphic novel by Si Spencer,Bodiesis a police procedural with a twist.

“When a body – thesamebody – is found on Longharvest Lane in London’s East End in 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053, one detective from each period must investigate. As connections are drawn across the decades, the detectives soon discover their investigations are linked, and an enigmatic political leader – Elias Mannix – becomes increasingly central. Did he have a part to play in the murder? Or is something far more sinister at play? To solve the mystery, our four detectives must somehow collaborate and uncover a conspiracy spanning over 150 years.”

Paul Tomalin, the brainchild behindNo OffenceandDoctor Whospin-off seriesTorchwood, isBodies' showrunner and co-lead writer. Danusia Samal, who penned the scripts forThe Great, one of thebest Hulu showsaround, joins Tomalin as co-lead on Netflix’s live-action adaptation. Marco Kreuzpainter (Beat, The Lazarus Project) is on lead directorial duties, with Haolu Wang (Doctor Who) tackling some of the series' episodes.

Bodies' cast is one not to be sniffed at, either.Andor’s Kyle Soller,TimeandBoiling Pointstar Stephen Graham, andThe Sandman’s Amaka Okafor are arguably its most notable cast members. Joining the trio on the main cast roster areStar WarsandThe Greatalumnus Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, as well as Shtisel’s Shira Haas, who’ll be joining theMarvelCinematic Universe for Phase 5 movieCaptain America: Brave New World.

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Bodieswill launch exclusively on Netflix on Friday, October 19, with all eight, 60-minute long episodes landing on the platform on the same date.

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As TechRadar’s senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You’ll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as thisMoon Knight TV spot.

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