Michelle Keegan's The Blame breaks viewing record for ITV

Since leaving Coronation Street, Michelle Keegan has firmly established herself as a drama favourite, starring in hits such as Our Girl, Tina and Bobby, and most recently, Harlan Coben's Netflix sensation Fool Me Once.

After giving birth to her daughter Palma in 2025, Michelle returned to work for a brand new ITV/STV drama called The Blame, which concluded on ITV/STV on Monday night (5th October).

Now all episodes have dropped, it looks like the drama has been very successful for ITV/STV. Based on 14 days of viewing, The Blame is tracking as the year's biggest new drama launch, according to figures shared by the broadcaster.

In a post on Instagram by production company Quay Street Productions, the statement read: 'WE HAVE SOME NEWS!!!! The Blame is tracking as the UK's biggest new drama across any channel or streaming platform in 2026, based on 14 days of viewing and with an average of 6.6 million viewers so far for the launch episode'.

TV fans have expressed their love for the drama, with many admitting they'd binged the entire series on ITVX/STV Player in a matter of days.

One wrote: 'Binged watched the whole thing today, it’s epic! As expected 😜 So many great twists and turns, wow moments and exceptional acting. Congrats on this series @michkeegan, what a triumph 🙌'. (sic)

Another wrote: 'Addicted already 😍', with a third adding: 'Bingedddd and completedddd, soooo good 🤣'. (sic) Somebody else commented: 'Loved it! Watched it all today 🙌'. (sic)

Another added: 'Best thing I’ve ever watched on episode 6 now complete binge!!!!'. (sic)

What is The Blame about?

The Blame is centred around DI Emma Crane and DI Tom Radley investigating a tragic murder in the fictional town of Wakestead. They quickly identify their main suspect, but as the case progresses, an unexpected lead comes to light. As Emma and Tom dig deeper, they uncover web of lies, institutional cover ups and moral compromise, which forces Emma to question the people closest to her.

ITV/STV say of The Blame: 'The drama dives into secrets, suspicion and systemic corruption - all under the surface of this seemingly quiet town.

'The series begins when the body of teenage figure skater Sophie Madsen is discovered, sending shockwaves through the town of Wakestead. As DI Crane (Michelle Keegan) and DI Radley (Douglas Booth) dig deeper, what starts as a tragic death, spirals into a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups, and moral compromise. As the clock ticks and trust fractures, Crane must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team.'

Is there a trailer?

The first trailer was released on Friday 12th June, alongside the caption: 'When a teenager is found dead, a web of corruption begins to unravel. The Blame, starring Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth. Coming soon to ITV'. (sic)

Check it out below:

A second trailer was then released on 23rd August, showing Michelle in action as DI Emma Crane.

Check it out below:

READ MORE: Michelle Keegan is teaming up with Harlan Coben for a new Netflix drama

When was it on TV?

The new series started at 9pm on Sunday 20th September. Episodes aired every Sunday and Monday night, with the series finale airing on Monday 5th October.

You can binge the series in full on ITVX and STV Player now.

Who is the writer?

The Blame was written and developed for television and executive produced by Megan Gallagher.

Megan said: “The Blame is such an important and urgent story to tell; I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring Charlotte Langley’s world and characters to life on screen. It’s my second collaboration with Quay Street Productions, and it’s great to be working with the team again - I’m truly in the best hands.”

ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, will oversee production of The Blame. She added: “The Blame is a brilliant new crime thriller full of surprising twists and a compelling investigation that also cleverly tackles police corruption, exploitation and misogyny as the thriller unravels. Megan is such a wonderful and clever writer, and with Michelle Keegan in the lead and Nicola Shindler at the helm, this is going to be an unmissable drama and one I’m very proud to have on ITV.”

Is it a book?

Yes! The Blame is based on the debut novel of the same name by Charlotte Langley, which was published in 2023.

What channel is it on?

It aired on ITV1/STV1 and ITVX and STV Player.

Who is in the cast?

Brassic and Fool Me Once actress Michelle Keegan leads the cast, playing the role of DI Emma Crane. She is joined by The Sandman actor Douglas Booth, who plays the role of DI Tom Radley.

Mr Bates vs. The Post Office star Ian Hart plays DCI Kenneth Walker. Other names that appear in the new drama include Nathan Mensah, Nigel Boyle and Matilda Freeman.

Check out the full cast list below:

Michelle Keegan as DI Emma Crane

Douglas Booth as DI Tom Radley

Nathan Mensah as DC Lewis

Nigel Boyle as Brett Shergill, digital forensic technician

Joe Armstrong as Kyle Frasier, ice-skating coach

Matilda Freeman as Sophie Madsen

Gavin Spokes as DC Joel Stevens

Josh Bolt as DC Douglas James

Ceallach Spellman as PC Callum Drummond

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about popular actress Michelle Keegan

How many episodes?

The Blame is made up of six episodes.

Check out stills from The Blame below:

Author: Alex Ross

Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.