TV series
The Thin Blue Line is a British sitcom starring Rowan Atkinson set in a police station that ran for two series on the BBC from 1995 to 1996. It was written by Ben Elton.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 3, 2026
The Thin Blue Line is available to stream on Britbox, Britbox (Via Amazon Prime), Prime Video, Amazon Freevee, and Tubi in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
The Thin Blue Line is a British sitcom starring Rowan Atkinson set in a police station that ran for two series on the BBC from 1995 to 1996. It was written by Ben Elton.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
It is the tenth anniversary of Fowler and Dawkins' relationship, but Fowler manages to forget, being instead more concerned with the Queen's Official Birthday.
Written by Ben EltonGuest stars Stephen Moore, Joy Brook, Edwina Day, Bohdan Poraj, George Raistrick
Episode 2
Habib falls for a fireman named Gary, much to Goody's jealousy, while Fowler finds himself pestered frequently by a man who claims to have committed impossible, solved or extremely historical crimes, much to DI Grim's amusement, until a terrorist begins making threats that cause Special Branch to become involved.
Written by Ben EltonGuest stars Owen Teale, Bridget Turner, Rupert Vansittart, Joy Brook, Darren Brown, Bill Thomas, Mark Chapman
Episode 3
After Fowler drunkenly admits to having kissed Habib during a pub quiz match, Dawkins begins to suspect the two of having an affair behind her back when Grim enlists Fowler and Habib's help in catching a criminal via entrapment.
Written by Ben EltonGuest stars Stephen Marcus, Joy Brook
Episode 4
It's Rag Week in Gasforth, and Fowler and his men are frequently disturbed by teenagers in scary masks – that is until a bank robbery by three men in rag masks occurs while Dawkins is there, leaving it uncertain whether or not the robbery is genuine.
Written by Ben EltonGuest stars Dicken Ashworth, Walter Sparrow, Jean Ainslie, Joy Brook, Ruth Arnold, Gabrielle Blunt, Lloyd McGuire, Bill Moody
Episode 5
Pestered by his ex-wife, Fowler reluctantly agrees to let his son Bill stay with him and Dawkins for a fortnight. When Dawkins overhears Bill making love to his girlfriend in the bedroom, she becomes envious and attempts to talk Fowler into going to see a sex therapist. Guest appearance by Sheila Gish.
Written by Ben EltonGuest stars Perry Fenwick, Sheila Gish, Tim Matthews, Joy Brook, Laura Brattan, Robert Demeger, Ricci Harnett, Frank Boyce
Episode 6
Fowler and Grim clash over their views of handling juvenile troublemakers so they decide to take them on a retreat. Further tension arises when Goody punches a teenage skinhead for racially abusing Habib and is subsequently charged for assault.
Written by Ben EltonGuest stars Stephen Fry, Nicola Stapleton, Amelda Brown, Alexander Armstrong, Jay Simpson, Joy Brook, Albie Woodington
Episode 7
Goody buys Fowler a puncture repair kit and Habib some lingerie, but accidentally gives them the wrong presents, and matters are made more complicated when Dawkins believes the lingerie is a gift for her from Fowler.
Written by Ben EltonGuest stars Jake Wood, Joy Brook, Geoffrey Chater, Jacqueline Defferary, Ben Elton, Cherith Mellor, Phil Nice
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
Rowan AtkinsonInspector Raymond Fowler
David HaigDetective Inspector Derek Grim
James DreyfusConstable Kevin Goody
Mina AnwarConstable Maggie Habib
Rudolph WalkerConstable Frank Gladstone
Mark AddyDetective Constable Gary Boyle
Kevin AllenDetective Constable Robert Kray
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
BBCUnited Kingdom
Tiger AspectUnited Kingdom
