In Plain Sight ITV: Where to Watch, Cast, Episodes & True Story
There’s something about a true story that sticks with you long after the credits roll. ITV’s 2016 miniseries In Plain Sight digs into one of Scotland’s most chilling criminal cases—the hunt for serial killer Peter Manuel by Detective William Muncie.
Episodes: 3 ·
Year: 2016 ·
Network: ITV ·
IMDb Rating: 7.2 ·
Based on: Crimes of serial killer Peter Manuel ·
Starring: Douglas Henshall, Martin Compston
Quick snapshot
- Three-part ITV miniseries first broadcast 7 December 2016 (Wikipedia)
- Stars Douglas Henshall as Detective William Muncie (IMDb)
- Martin Compston plays Peter Manuel (Radio Times)
- Distributed worldwide by BBC Worldwide (Wikipedia)
- Streaming availability varies by region on platforms like Netflix and others
- Exact licensing rights in some countries remain unconfirmed
- Check Prime Video and Google Play for current availability
- Explore other ITV true crime dramas like Broadchurch and The Pembrokeshire Murders
Seven key facts at a glance—one pattern: a compact series that packs historical weight into a short runtime.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Full title | In Plain Sight |
| Number of episodes | 3 |
| Original network | ITV |
| Release year | 2016 |
| IMDb rating | 7.2 |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Starring | Douglas Henshall, Martin Compston |
The implication: This is a lean, focused drama—no filler episodes, just a tight retelling of a case that still haunts Scottish legal history.
What is the new serial killer series on ITV?
For British viewers scanning ITV’s lineup, In Plain Sight is the network’s definitive dramatization of Scotland’s first serial killer case—a story most UK crime fans have heard referenced but rarely seen portrayed with this level of historical care.
What is In Plain Sight about?
- The series follows Detective Superintendent William Muncie (Douglas Henshall) as he hunts Peter Manuel (Martin Compston) across 1950s Lanarkshire (Wikipedia).
- Manuel, dubbed the “Beast of Birkenshaw,” was convicted for murdering seven people and is believed to have killed two more (Radio Times (TV listings and reviews)).
- It aired on ITV on Wednesdays at 9pm across three weeks in December 2016 (CultBox (TV episode guides)).
What this means: The series focuses on the cat-and-mouse dynamic between lawman and killer—not gratuitous violence, but the grinding persistence of justice.
Is In Plain Sight based on a true story?
Yes—the script draws from the real case of Peter Manuel, who was hanged in July 1958 at Barlinnie Prison (CultBox). Muncie had first arrested Manuel in 1946 for housebreaking and sexual assaults when Manuel was just 16 (Wikipedia). The drama sticks closely to known facts, with creative license only in dialogue and scene reconstruction.
The pattern: Unlike many true crime adaptations that sensationalize, In Plain Sight treats its source material with a documentary-level respect for the victims and the investigative process.
Henshall’s measured performance as Muncie anchors the series in procedural integrity.
Where can I watch all seasons of In Plain Sight?
Viewers in the UK and US face different streaming realities. For British audiences, Prime Video is the most reliable option; US fans need to check digital rental platforms.
Is In Plain Sight on Netflix?
As of 2025, In Plain Sight is not available on Netflix in the UK or US (Netflix (streaming catalog)). Despite its popularity among true crime fans, the series has not been picked up by the platform’s UK or US libraries.
The trade-off: Netflix carries other ITV crime dramas but has not licensed this miniseries—likely due to its niche appeal and BBC Worldwide distribution model.
Is In Plain Sight on Prime?
Yes—In Plain Sight is available on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and US for purchase or rental (Amazon (digital retail)). It is also offered on Google Play (Google Play (digital storefront)).
Why this matters: For cord-cutters in Britain, Prime Video is the single easiest way to stream the series without needing a live TV subscription.
Other streaming options
- TV Guide lists the series with links to purchase and rental options across platforms (TV Guide (TV listings and streaming links)).
- DVD editions are available through major retailers, though the series has no Blu-ray release in most regions.
The catch: Because BBC Worldwide handles distribution, availability varies by territory—canadian and Australian readers may need to check local outlets.
Prime Video offers the most reliable access for UK viewers seeking Henshall’s understated performance.
How many seasons of In Plain Sight are there?
One season, three episodes, roughly three hours total. This miniseries format means no cliffhanger season finales—just a complete story with a definitive ending.
How many episodes are in In Plain Sight?
- Episode 1: Aired 7 December 2016 at 9pm on ITV
- Episode 2: Aired 14 December 2016 at 9pm on ITV
- Episode 3: Aired 21 December 2016 at 9pm on ITV
Total runtime is approximately 3 hours across all episodes (CultBox). Each episode runs about 60 minutes including commercial breaks during original broadcast.
The implication: This is a binge-friendly length—you can watch the entire series in a single evening, making it perfect for a Sunday night true crime session.
What’s the best true crime series out right now?
“Based on a true story, In Plain Sight is a three-part miniseries about Lanarkshire Detective William Muncie and his quest to bring to justice notorious serial killer Peter Manuel.”
Why In Plain Sight is a top true crime series
- IMDb rating of 7.2 reflects solid reception from viewers and critics alike (IMDb (user ratings database)).
- Douglas Henshall’s performance as Muncie has been widely praised for its restraint and humanity.
- The series is often compared to The Serpent and The Pembrokeshire Murders for its measured approach to true crime (Radio Times).
The pattern: What sets In Plain Sight apart is its focus on the investigator rather than the killer—giving it a procedural gravitas that many flashier series lack.
Other recommended true crime series
If you enjoy In Plain Sight, British viewers often recommend:
- The Pembrokeshire Murders — another ITV miniseries about a cold case investigation
- The Serpent — BBC drama about serial killer Charles Sobhraj
- Broadchurch — ITV’s flagship crime drama set in Dorset
The trade-off: While Broadchurch runs for three seasons, In Plain Sight tells its story in a tight three hours—great for new viewers, but leaves longtime fans wanting more.
Compston’s portrayal of Manuel provides the chilling counterbalance to Henshall’s determined detective.
What are some of the best crime dramas on ITV?
ITV has a reputation for cozy crime dramas like Vera, but In Plain Sight shows the network can deliver hard-edged true crime that holds its own against any streaming competitor.
In Plain Sight among ITV’s best
“Muncie first arrested Manuel in 1946 for housebreaking and sexual assaults when Manuel was 16.”
— Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference)
This early encounter establishes the decades-long connection between the two men—a narrative thread that gives the series its emotional backbone. ITV’s willingness to dramatize this complex relationship shows the network’s commitment to true crime that respects its source material.
Why this matters: For British viewers accustomed to ITV’s lighter fare, In Plain Sight represents a hidden gem that proves the network can compete with HBO and Netflix in the true crime space.
Other ITV crime dramas to watch
- Vera — long-running series starring Brenda Blethyn as Detective Vera Stanhope
- Endeavour — prequel to Inspector Morse, set in the 1960s
- Broadchurch — three-season phenomenon starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman
- The Pembrokeshire Murders — true crime miniseries from 2021
The implication: ITV has quietly built one of the most impressive crime drama catalogues among British broadcasters—In Plain Sight may be its most underrated entry.
Henshall and Compston’s chemistry elevates this compact series above ITV’s usual crime offerings.
Related reading: Cast Of A Confession ? Cast Of Malice (TV Series)
tvguide.com, filmaffinity.com, youtube.com, moviefone.com, youtube.com, kahleencrawford.com, world-productions.com, letterboxd.com
For those interested in the real-life events, the Netflix documentary Abducted in Plain Sight provides a deeper look into the case that inspired this ITV miniseries.
FAQ
Who is the killer in In Plain Sight?
Peter Manuel, played by Martin Compston, was a Scottish serial killer who murdered at least seven people in the 1950s. He was known as the “Beast of Birkenshaw” (Radio Times).
Where was In Plain Sight filmed?
The series was filmed on location in Scotland, primarily in Lanarkshire and Glasgow, to maintain historical accuracy in depicting the 1950s settings.
How long is In Plain Sight?
The miniseries runs approximately 3 hours total across three 60-minute episodes (CultBox).
Is In Plain Sight suitable for children?
The series carries a 15 certificate in the UK due to depictions of violence, murder, and disturbing themes. It is not suitable for younger viewers.
What is the age rating of In Plain Sight?
It is rated 15 by the British Board of Film Classification for strong language and violent scenes.
Is In Plain Sight available on DVD?
Yes, the series is available on DVD through major retailers, though Blu-ray editions are not widely available.
For British true crime fans who missed this gem on its original ITV broadcast, In Plain Sight offers something increasingly rare: a three-hour drama that respects its victims, trusts its audience, and lets its performances carry the weight. Henshall’s understated portrayal of Muncie and Compston’s chilling turn as Manuel ensure this miniseries remains a must-watch for true crime enthusiasts.
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