Des

7.2
202048m

Production

Logo for New Pictures

The story of one of the most infamous cases in UK criminal history, that of serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Told through the prism of three men, the series explores the personal and professional consequences of coming into contact with a man like Nilsen.

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: Official Stan Trailer

Official Stan Trailer

Thumbnail for video: Des | This September | ITV

Des | This September | ITV

Thumbnail for video: The Making Of Des | Behind The Scenes with David Tennant, Daniel Mays & Jason Watkins | ITV

The Making Of Des | Behind The Scenes with David Tennant, Daniel Mays & Jason Watkins | ITV

Seasons

3 Episodes • Premiered 2020

Still image for Des season 1 episode 1: Episode 1

1. Episode 1

7.7

On 9 February 1983, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay discovers a drain clogged with rotting flesh and bones. The culprit, Dennis Nilsen, freely admits to the police that it's not just one or two bodies, but "15 or 16, I think".

Still image for Des season 1 episode 2: Episode 2

2. Episode 2

7.7

With limited resources, Jay and the police continue to dig into Nilsen's memories in an effort to convict him for the murder of every one of his victims. But when Des withdraws his cooperation and stops talking, Jay fears justice will be lost.

Still image for Des season 1 episode 3: Episode 3

3. Episode 3

8.1

Reeling from Des' change in plea, Jay and the police throw themselves into proving premeditation. If they can show the court that Des was undoubtedly of sound mind when he committed his crimes, he will go down and never be released.

Cast

Photo of David Tennant

David Tennant

Dennis Nilsen

Photo of Daniel Mays

Daniel Mays

DCI Peter Jay

Photo of Jason Watkins

Jason Watkins

Brian Masters

Photo of Ron Cook

Ron Cook

DSI Chambers

Photo of Faye McKeever

Faye McKeever

Linda Jay

Photo of Barry Ward

Barry Ward

DI Steve McCusker

Photo of Ben Bailey Smith

Ben Bailey Smith

DC Brian Lodge

Photo of Jay Simpson

Jay Simpson

DS Chris Healey

Photo of Bronagh Waugh

Bronagh Waugh

Charlotte Proctor

Photo of Joel Morris

Joel Morris

Tim Wells

Photo of Laurie Kynaston

Laurie Kynaston

Carl Stottor

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Reviews

T

Timefox881

1/10

David Tennant is insufferable.

It seems that all he has to do is show up in something and Brits go arse over teakettle about how amazing it is. He could read the ingredients on the back of a can of beets and the crowd would go wild.

He seems to have never said no to a role in his life, either. An extensive career in mediocre television movies, comic book pap and cartoon animal voices. There's not a bar too low, if the pay is right.

I'm sorry, I just don't see it. Simply playing Dr. Who and constantly reminding the public that you act "on stage" doesn't warrant a lifetime supply of groveling reviews.

In point of fact, I find him to be an over-actor who, through endless "bits of business", attempts to draw focus away from his co-stars and monopolize the attention of a scene.

Tennant is an egotist in the real world. And this informs most of his performances. So I have no doubt playing this self-obsessed narcissist came very naturally to him.

One needs to do more than a silly accent to get glowing accolades from me.

You've reached the end.