BBC's forgotten 'masterpiece' series with Hollywood A-lister and Walking Dead star now free to watch

Viewers are urged to rediscover a neglected BBC series that's now completely free to stream online.

This six-part, addictive show debuted prior to the era of streaming services, premiering on the BBC back in 2003.

The political thriller begins with the death of an MP's assistant and the theft of a briefcase, which prompts the bereaved politician to enlist the help of his former campaign strategist and a reporter pal to unravel the murky deaths, reports Surrey Live.

From the get-go, audiences were strapped in for a wild ride as the programme has maintained an impressive 8.3/10 rating on IMDb.

The drama features an impressive lineup including big screen star James McAvoy, David Morrissey from The Walking Dead, Bill Nighy known for Love Actually, Kelly MacDonald of Trainspotting and Boardwalk Empire fame, John Simm who starred in Life on Mars and Doctor Who, and Philip Glenister, also of Life on Mars renown.

Additionally, there were cameos from a pre-Game of Thrones Rory McCann (known better as The Hound), Polly Walker from Bridgerton, Benedict Wong of Marvel cinematic fame, and Tom Burke, who would later headline the detective series Strike.

State of Play made such a splash that it sparked a Hollywood adaptation in 2009 featuring Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Dame Helen Mirren, and Rachel McAdams, though many argue that the film doesn't hold a candle to the original series.

On IMDb, fans have lauded the series, with one user commenting: "This BBC political thriller mini-series is far superior to the American remake.

"If you like newsroom dramas, and films involving investigative journalism then you'll love this."

One ecstatic reviewer gave a 10/10 score, sharing: "What makes a good political thriller? Some things are obvious. Firstly, strong believable characters. Secondly, a fast-paced, complex, dazzling plot.

"But the plot must resolve into something comprehensible - there may appear to be one hundred mysteries, but beneath the smoke and mirrors, there must be one story.

"Anyone can write an infinite collection of coincidences and conspiracies - but a strong story makes simple sense in the end."

Another thrilled viewer exclaimed: "What a trip watching this masterpiece.

"It's a fast moving intelligent thriller that had me glued to the couch... more addictive than Crack!".

"The acting is convincing, the plot is thick, the script is delicious and the characters are vivid."

You can now catch State of Play streaming at no cost whatsoever on the spanking new platform U, which also boasts a reboot of Bergerac, Louis Theroux's L.A. Stories, the stylish Mad Men, crime drama Annika, as well as vintage episodes of EastEnders, The Shield, and Holby City.

This service provides your gateway to UKTV's no-cost channels like UandDave, UandDrama, UandW, and UandYesterday.

Boot up U online by heading over to u.co.uk, sign up without spending a penny, and you're set to bask in thousands of hours of gratis telly. While U doesn't charge a fee, it does feature ads throughout its content.

State of Play is streaming on U now on u.co.uk