State of Play
Created by Paul Abbott
A taut political thriller that sustains conspiracy-driven tension across six episodes, built on institutional corruption and journalistic investigation rather than episodic reset.
The murder of Sonia Baker, a young political researcher, leads journalist Cal McCaffrey to uncover complex links between government and big business.
Where to watch
Not available in United States — it streams in other countries.
Questions people ask
Is State of Play one of a kind? Barely. Less singular than 88% of series.
Is State of Play easy watching? Barely. Less comforting than 75% of series.
Is State of Play scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 73% of series.
Does State of Play leave you hopeful? Not especially. Less hopeful than 73% of series.
Is State of Play sad? Somewhat. More sad than 66% of series.
Is State of Play violent? Somewhat. More violent than 64% of series.
These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.
Written about
- The Shows That Know They EndFinding
Cinnamon Score
How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.
You have seen this shape before.
How unlike any other series this one feels
How much more it delivers than it promises
How much audiences actually like it
Ensemble
Everything like State of Play, and what each one shares →
Like State of Play
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as State of Play
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like State of Play, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like State of Play, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like State of Play, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
