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Fans of gritty and gripping crime dramas are set for a real treat, as an underrated series is being praised as an 'outstanding and authentic' hidden gem. Better still — it's available to stream completely free on BBC iPlayer.

The 'fantastic' four-part miniseries draws from the real-life murders carried out in South Wales' Port Talbot by Joseph Kappen. Penned and created by Ed Whitmore, with Marc Evans at the helm as director, the crime drama was brought to life for the BBC by Severn Screen.

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The factual drama, Steeltown Murders, first broadcast on BBC One in May 2023, with all four episodes made instantly available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Led by Philip Glenister and Steffan Rhodri as the detectives pursuing the killer, the series also boasts Keith Allen, Sharon Morgan, Karen Paullada, Richard Harrington, and Nia Roberts in supporting roles.

Filming took place on location across South Wales, with production kicking off in November 2022, while Paul Bethell — the actual detective from the original case — was closely involved throughout the show's development, reports Wales Online.

Philip Glenister revealed at the time that he felt it was his "responsibility" to portray the story with complete accuracy for the grieving families affected.

The series' official synopsis reads: "Three murders - unsolved but never forgotten. Thirty years on, can DCI Bethall find the serial killer who terrorised 1970s Port Talbot?"

The 'outstanding' crime series received five BAFTA Cymru Award nominations including Philip Glenister for Best Actor and Marc Evans for Best Director (Fiction). It secured the evening's top accolade, the award for Best Television Drama, alongside the Best Costume Design honour.

Critics offered glowing praise for the series, with one writing: "This is not usually the stuff of crime thrillers, but here it adds up to nerve-wracking moments."

Meanwhile another reviewer said: "It's a moving and engrossing case, and writer Ed Whitmore powerfully evokes both the horror of the crimes and the reluctance of the community to reopen the wounds."

One critic's assessment says: "It's a respectful, even affectionate piece of work that maps the toll of an unsolved murder on the people in pain left behind."

Viewers were similarly impressed, with one audience member posting on IMDB: "This is a fantastic four part series from The BBC, being from the area myself I can confirm that this case did indeed cast a big shadow over the whole area.

"I am a massive fan of writer Ed Whitmore, he has written some great dramas over the years, including the excellent Manhunt series, once again he gets the balance of fact and entertainment spot on."

Another viewer said: "Wonderfully authentic. It makes the viewer sit up and pay attention. Really good performances from everyone especially Glenister and the actor who played his younger character. Watch it. It's a tremendous piece of drama retelling true life events."

While one audience member wrote: "Outstanding multidimensional true crime. This mini-series has extraordinary depth. It shows realistically how the lives of all those affected were, in different ways, unable to move on with their existence. Nobody's story is dismissed without consideration. The writing, the acting and the filming are all on point. This is a real, insightful tour de force."

A devoted fan of the series shared: "Gritty Welsh true crime drama that excels in all departments. Above all it felt totally authentic. One of the best UK dramas of 2023, highly recommended and hats off to all involved, it was obviously a labour of love created by a close team."

Steeltown Murders is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.