ITV viewers have criticized the broadcaster’s new crime drama, Winter, following an October 7 episode that many labeled predictable and heavily reliant on genre clichés. The series stars Richard Armitage as the eccentric forensic pathologist Dr. Ethan Winter and has struggled to win over audiences looking for original storytelling.
The October 7 episode centered on Dr. Winter investigating the mutilated remains of a man discovered at a construction site. Viewers soon learned the deceased man had long concealed a dark secret from his current wife: he previously caused the deaths of several children on a school bus while driving intoxicated. While police initially suspected a revenge plot by bereaved parents, investigators ultimately discovered a closer-to-home reality.
The case concluded when the victim’s daughter from his first marriage encountered him with his new family. When he failed to recognize her and sought her assistance during an altercation, the daughter flew into a rage and murdered him. The episode culminated in a high-stakes standoff as Dr. Winter and DI Lauren Bell (Annabel Scholey) pursued the suspect, who held the detective at knifepoint before fatally stabbing herself to avoid capture.
Audience Backlash and Complaints of Predictability
Despite the high drama, social media platforms filled with disappointed reactions from viewers who felt the series offered nothing new. Many pointed out that the show borrows heavily from established tropes without injecting innovative energy.
Writing on X, one dissatisfied viewer remarked: "Winter on ITV is a bit far-fetched tonight."
Another audience member criticized the show’s derivative nature: "So far, this is the same as a million other super clever pathologist/detective dramas. Predictable."
A third viewer added: "I’m at the end of episode 3 and thinking of giving up altogether. I was so looking forward to this as well."
Viewers and critics highlighted recurring elements that make the show feel formulaic, including moody family dynamics, an intense maverick protagonist who spends too much time out of the lab, and a frosty relationship between the lead detective and her eccentric medical partner.
The Premise of ITV’s Winter
Adapted from the French series Balthazar, Winter follows Dr. Ethan Winter as he collaborates with DI Lauren Bell and DS Ellis Daldry (Jamie Kenna) to solve disturbing cases around Bristol. Alongside standalone weekly mysteries, the series carries an overarching narrative thread involving Dr. Winter’s deceased fiancée, Simone (Carlotta Banat), who appears to him as a vision inside his home.
While some television critics noted that this format offers the comfortable appeal of a classic whodunnit alongside ongoing personal trauma arcs, others argued the execution feels stilted. Reviewers drew comparisons to long-running staples like the BBC’s Silent Witness, stating that Winter aims for solid, undemanding middle-tier television rather than trying to elevate the genre.
Despite the mixed reception and complaints regarding predictable crime plots, Winter remains available for catch-up streaming via ITVX for audiences wishing to follow Dr. Winter’s ongoing investigations and personal mysteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ITV’s Winter about?
Winter is an ITV crime drama starring Richard Armitage as Dr. Ethan Winter, an unconventional forensic pathologist who solves complex murder cases while dealing with the ghostly apparitions of his murdered fiancée.
Which show is ITV’s Winter based on?
The series is based on the popular French television thriller series titled Balthazar.
Why did ITV viewers criticize the October 7 episode?
Viewers criticized the episode for relying heavily on predictable crime drama clichés, far-fetched plot developments, and formulaic character tropes that mirrored many other detective procedurals.
Who stars in ITV’s Winter?
The series stars Richard Armitage as Dr. Ethan Winter, Annabel Scholey as DI Lauren Bell, and Jamie Kenna as DS Ellis Daldry, alongside Carlotta Banat as Simone.
Where can I watch Winter?
The series is available to watch and stream on ITVX.
