Protection OTT release: When to watch, what to expect from scandal-filled crime fest on BBC player starring Siobhan Finneran

Crime drama lovers, assemble—because Protection has finally hit OTT and it is giving full-body chills. The ITV thriller that had UK viewers glued to their screens is now streaming on BBC iPlayer—yes, all episodes, all the drama, all at once. If you missed it on ITV1 or ITVX, or if you just don't have access to them, here is your redemption arc. Grab that popcorn and settle in, because this crime series is anything but basic.

ITV’s Protection OTT release: When to watch, what to expect | Credit: X

ITV’s Protection OTT release: Siobhan Finneran and Katherine Kelly starrer is now available on BBC

Starring the absolute legends Siobhan Finneran and Katherine Kelly, Protection plunges deep into the underworld of witness protection—and let’s just say, no one is safe. Based on the real-life chaos of a seasoned witness protection officer, the show unpacks what happens when loyalty cracks, secrets spill, and the very system meant to keep people safe becomes the biggest threat.

Protection’s plot

The plot? Buckle up. Detective Inspector Liz Nyles (played by Finneran, and yes, she is on fire) finds herself entangled in a dirty scandal that could destroy her career, her relationship and the safety of her witnesses. She is trying to juggle her messy love life, her fractured family and a workplace dripping with corruption. Basically, it is giving emotional damage and plot twists per minute.

ITV’s Protection OTT release: When to watch, what to expect from scandal-filled crime fest on BBC player | Credit: X

But it is not just about Liz. The series flexes a power-packed cast including Nadine Marshall, Barry Ward, Chaneil Kular, David Hayman, Nichola Burley and Akiya Henry—a dream team of intense performances and magnetic screen presence.

Protection release date

The show dropped on Sunday, 16th March on ITV1 and ITVX, but if you are outside the UK or just missed the hype, the OTT gods have blessed us with its release on BBC iPlayer. Yes, it is officially binge time.

Also, can we talk about that trailer? It dropped on 15th February and served major gritty tension with a side of emotional chaos. And the full series delivers just that—and more. Expect betrayal, undercover missions, moral grey zones and one hell of a heroine trying to hold it all together.

So, if your current watchlist needs some spice, drama and ethical dilemmas, Protection is the binge-worthy show you have been waiting for. Go watch it, like, now.