The City and the City
On BBC Two
A densely conceptual neo-noir mystery built on the surreal premise of two cities occupying the same space, where the detective's investigation becomes an interrogation of reality itself.
When the body of a foreign student is discovered in the streets of the down-at-heel city of Besźel, it’s just another day’s work for Inspector Tyador Borlú of the Extreme Crime Squad. But he uncovers evidence that the murdered girl came from Ul Qoma, a city that shares a dangerous and volatile relationship with Besźel, and this case will challenge everything Borlú holds dear.
Questions people ask
Is The City and the City scary? Yes, very. More frightening than 97% of series.
Is The City and the City sad? Yes, very. More sad than 91% of series.
Does The City and the City leave you hopeful? Barely. Less hopeful than 88% of series.
Is The City and the City easy watching? Barely. Less comforting than 75% of series.
Is The City and the City violent? Somewhat. More violent than 71% 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.
Cinnamon Score
How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.
Familiar shape, done well.
How unlike any other series this one feels
How much more it delivers than it promises
How much audiences actually like it
Ensemble
Like The City and the City
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as The City and the City
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like The City and the City, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like The City and the City, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like The City and the City, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
