Tennison, a British crime-drama television series, has taken the world by storm ever since it first debuted in 2017. Set in the 1970s, the show follows the life of a young Jane Tennison, a rookie police officer trying to make her mark in a male-dominated world. The show isn’t just your typical crime procedural, it’s a powerful story of a woman’s struggle against misogyny, corruption, and personal demons, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. And with the series having a loyal fanbase, the question on everyone’s mind is, how many seasons of Tennison are there?
Well, if you’re a Tennison fan, you’ll be pleased to know that the show has continued to air to this day. As of 2021, there are three seasons of the critically acclaimed crime drama, with each season being praised for its gripping storytelling, strong performances, and period-accurate production design. And with the announcement of the fourth season in the works, fans of the show can’t wait to see what’s in store for Jane Tennison.
But what makes Tennison so special? For starters, the show is anchored by a powerhouse performance from the lead actor, Stefanie Martini, whose portrayal of Jane Tennison has won the hearts of fans around the world. And with incredible writing from Lynda La Plante, who created the original Prime Suspect series which Tennison is a prequel of, the show delivers a fresh perspective on the character’s early career. With all that in mind, it’s no surprise that Tennison has become one of the most-watched British dramas of the last few years.
Tennison TV Series Overview
Tennison is a British crime television series produced and created by Lynda La Plante. The show follows the early career of the young Jane Tennison. Tennison is a prequel to the award-winning series Prime Suspect, which began in 1991 and starred Helen Mirren. The show premiered on ITV in the UK and on PBS in the US. The series has received critical acclaim for its strong performances, writing, and direction, capturing the gritty realism of crime investigation in the 1970s.
Number of Seasons
- Tennison only has one season which consists of four episodes.
Main Characters
The main character is Jane Tennison (played by Stefanie Martini), who is a young and ambitious police recruit in the 1970s. Tennison works under the supervision of Detective Inspector Len Bradfield (played by Sam Reid). In the series, viewers also get to meet Jane’s family, which includes her father, Frank (played by Alun Armstrong), and her mother, Joyce (played by Ruth Sheen).
Reception
Tennison has been well-received by both critics and audiences for its depiction of the challenges faced by female police officers at the time. It also explores themes of sexism, misogyny, and prejudice within the police force. The show offers a fresh perspective on the iconic character of Jane Tennison, revealing the backstory of one of the most innovative and respected detectives in British television history.
| Critics | Audience |
|---|---|
| 100% on Rotten Tomatoes | 8.0/10 on IMDb |
The show’s success has prompted a possible second season, although no official announcement has been made yet. Fans of Tennison eagerly await any news regarding the show’s future.
Main Characters of Tennison
As one of the most well-known female detectives in crime fiction, Detective Jane Tennison of the Metropolitan Police has been portrayed by multiple actresses in various adaptations. However, in the television series “Prime Suspect” and its prequel “Tennison,” only two actresses have portrayed the young and older versions of Tennison.
- Young Tennison (1973) – Played by Stefanie Martini, who perfectly captured the character’s mix of vulnerability and determination as she navigates a male-dominated workplace during the early stages of her career.
- Older Tennison (1990s) – Played by Helen Mirren, who won critical acclaim and awards for her portrayal of Tennison in the original series. Mirren’s performance expertly showcased Tennison’s complex personality and struggles as she tries to balance her personal and professional life.
Aside from Tennison herself, there are other important characters in the series who contribute to the complex plotlines and character development. Some of the main supporting characters include:
- Peter Rawlins, Tennison’s love interest and fellow detective
- Dennis Hedges, Tennison’s mentor and supervisor
- DCI Jane Tennison’s colleagues, including DS Richard Haskons and DC Lorraine Bullard
- Various suspects and victims over the course of the series
The relationships between these characters and their interactions with Tennison all play a crucial role in shaping her character and the overall plot. Together, they create a rich and complex world that has captivated audiences for multiple seasons in various adaptations.
| Actress | Portrayal of Tennison | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Stefanie Martini | Young Tennison | Tennison (2017) |
| Helen Mirren | Older Tennison | Prime Suspect (1991-2006) |
Overall, the characters of Tennison contribute to making the series a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, as they expertly balance complex interpersonal relationships with the gritty and sometimes violent cases that Tennison investigates.
Plot Summary of Tennison
Tennison is a British TV series that follows the early years of Detective Jane Tennison’s career in the Metropolitan Police. The show is set in the 1970s, a time when the police force was predominantly male-dominated and rife with corruption.
- In season one, we see a young Jane Tennison as she begins her career in the police force. She is assigned to a murder investigation, which quickly becomes a high-profile case. Jane faces many challenges as a woman in a male-dominated profession and must navigate the politics and corruption of the police department.
- Season two follows Jane as she investigates the murder of a young child. She works tirelessly to uncover the truth, even when it leads her to some unexpected places. This season also sees Jane deal with personal issues, including her alcoholism and troubled past.
- The third and final season of Tennison sees Jane investigating the death of a teenage girl. This case brings up painful memories for Jane, and she is forced to confront her past once again. The season also highlights the societal issues of the time, including poverty and racism.
This thrilling crime drama features a strong female lead and provides an intriguing glimpse into the early years of a renowned detective’s career. Tennison is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone interested in the struggles faced by women in male-dominated professions.
| Season | Number of Episodes | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | 2017 |
| Season 2 | 4 | 2017 |
| Season 3 | 4 | 2020 |
Tennison features 14 episodes in total, spread across three seasons. The show has received critical acclaim for its compelling storylines, strong characterization, and excellent performances by the cast.
Critical Reception of Tennison
Tennison is a British police procedural drama television series that debuted in 2017, and it is a prequel of the series Prime Suspect. The show follows the early days of Detective Jane Tennison’s career, as she navigates the male-dominated world of policing in the 1970s.
- The show has a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating generally positive reviews from critics.
- One reviewer for The Guardian called it “a gripping, grisly, feminist police procedural.”
- Other reviewers praised the performances of the cast, particularly lead actress Stefanie Martini, who plays a young Jane Tennison.
In addition to critical acclaim, the show has been praised for its attention to historical detail, accurately portraying the societal norms and issues of the era in which it is set.
Despite the positive reviews, Tennison was cancelled after just one season, leaving fans disappointed with the abrupt ending to Jane Tennison’s story.
| Critic | Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|
| The Guardian | 4/5 | “A gripping, grisly, feminist police procedural.” |
| Radio Times | 4/5 | “Martini is excellent as the young Jane Tennison” |
| Empire | 3/5 | “Despite some strong performances, Tennison ultimately fails to distinguish itself from other police dramas.” |
Overall, Tennison was generally well-received by critics for its attention to historical detail, strong performances, and feminist themes. However, the show’s cancellation after only one season left fans disappointed and wanting more of Jane Tennison’s story.
The Making of Tennison
As with any successful television show, the making of Tennison was a collaborative effort that involved many talented individuals. From the writers and producers to the cast and crew, each played an important role in bringing this crime drama series to life.
Seasons of Tennison
- Tennison premiered in 2017 and featured one season of six episodes.
- A second season was released in 2020 with four episodes.
Tennison’s Cast and Crew
The cast of Tennison included the talented Stefanie Martini who played a young Jane Tennison, the iconic character made famous by Dame Helen Mirren in the original Prime Suspect series. Martini was joined by a diverse cast of talented actors including Sam Reid, Blake Harrison, and Alun Armstrong.
Behind the scenes, Tennison was produced by ITV Studios and was written by Glen Laker and by Prime Suspect creator Lynda La Plante. David Caffrey directed the first season while Andy Wilson took over for the second season.
Design and Production for Tennison
The design and production of Tennison was also an important part of the show’s success. The series was set and filmed in London during the 1970s, and the production team worked hard to make sure the sets, costumes, and overall visual style were authentic to the time period.
| Design and Production Elements | Description |
|---|---|
| Costumes | The wardrobe department created outfits that were reminiscent of 1970s London, including bell-bottoms, leather jackets, and platform shoes. |
| Set Design | The production team designed sets that were true to the period, including the police station and the houses where the characters lived. |
| Cinematography | The show was shot in a gritty, documentary-style, which added to the show’s realism and authenticity. |
Overall, the making of Tennison was a complex and collaborative process that involved many talented people working together to create an engaging and authentic crime drama series.
Future of Tennison TV series
The popular British drama series, “Tennison,” has captured the attention of viewers since its inception in 2017. With six seasons already released, fans are hoping for more. Here’s what we know about the future of the “Tennison” TV series.
Possible Seventh Season of Tennison
- There has been no official announcement regarding the renewal or cancellation of “Tennison” for a seventh season.
- Many fans are speculating that the show’s low ratings could lead to its cancellation, but it is important to remember that the show has a loyal fan base.
- It is also possible that the show’s creators may choose to wrap up the series after six seasons, leaving a satisfying ending for viewers.
Spin-Offs or Prequels to Tennison
Although the future of the “Tennison” TV series is uncertain, it is possible that spin-offs or prequels could be in the works.
In the past, popular TV shows, such as “Breaking Bad” and “The Walking Dead,” have spawned successful spin-offs. Perhaps, a spin-off show featuring a supporting character from “Tennison” or a prequel showcasing the early career of Jane Tennison could be in the works.
Tennison’s Success and Impact
The “Tennison” TV series has been well-received by both critics and audiences, despite its lower ratings. Many believe that the show’s success is due to its strong female lead character, Jane Tennison, who is portrayed by actress Stefanie Martini.
The show’s creators have highlighted that the “Tennison” series shines a light on the gender inequalities during the 1970s, showcasing just how far society has come, but also highlighting how far there is still to go.
“Tennison” TV series ratings
| Season | Average rating | Viewership (in millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 7.0 | 3.3 |
| Season 2 | 7.3 | 3.2 |
| Season 3 | 6.8 | 3.1 |
| Season 4 | 6.6 | 3.0 |
| Season 5 | 6.3 | 2.9 |
| Season 6 | 6.2 | 2.8 |
The ratings for “Tennison” have steadily declined since the first season, which could be a contributing factor in the show’s uncertain future. However, it is important to remember that ratings do not always reflect the quality of a show, especially when it comes to streaming services and online viewership.
Tennison vs Prime Suspect comparison
When it comes to British crime dramas, “Prime Suspect” has been a household name for over three decades. Created by Lynda La Plante, the series made a significant impact on the genre with its realistic portrayal of a female detective navigating a male-dominated police force. In 2017, the prequel “Tennison” was launched, portraying Jane Tennison as a young probationary officer in the early 1970s before she became the formidable detective we know from “Prime Suspect.” In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences and similarities between the two series.
Number of Seasons
- “Prime Suspect”: The original series ran for seven seasons from 1991 to 2006, with each season consisting of anywhere between two to four episodes.
- “Tennison”: As of 2021, “Tennison” has only had one season with four episodes.
While “Prime Suspect” had a more extended run, “Tennison” was structured as a miniseries and only intended to provide a glimpse into Jane Tennison’s early years as a detective. While the number of seasons may differ, the two shows share some common themes, and they both showcase the same tough, tenacious lead character, Jane Tennison.
How Many Seasons of Tennison are There?
Q: How many seasons of “Tennison” are there?
A: “Tennison” is a British television crime drama series that aired on ITV from June 2017 to July 2017, and it only ran for one season.
Q: How many episodes are in the first season of “Tennison”?
A: The first season of “Tennison” consists of three episodes with a runtime of approximately 45 minutes each.
Q: What is the show “Tennison” about?
A: “Tennison” is a prequel to the famous crime drama “Prime Suspect” and follows the early years of Detective Jane Tennison as she fights to rise through the ranks in a male-dominated police force.
Q: Is “Tennison” available on any streaming platforms?
A: “Tennison” is currently available on Amazon Prime Video, BritBox, and Acorn TV.
Q: Who stars in “Tennison”?
A: Stefanie Martini plays the lead role of Jane Tennison in “Tennison,” and the show also stars Sam Reid, Blake Harrison, and Alun Armstrong.
Q: Will there be more seasons of “Tennison” in the future?
A: As of now, there are no plans to make another season of “Tennison,” and it remains a standalone prequel to “Prime Suspect.”
Closing Thoughts
And there you have it, the answer to the question of how many seasons of “Tennison” are there. With only one season and three episodes, this crime drama prequel follows the early career of Detective Jane Tennison as she fights to succeed in a male-dominated police force. If you’re looking for a new mystery to unravel on your favorite streaming platform, “Tennison” may be the perfect choice for you. Thank you for reading, and come back soon for more entertainment news and reviews!