
24 Hours in Police Custody Episodes: Seasons & Streaming Guide
If you’ve ever wondered what happens inside a police custody suite from arrest to charge, Channel 4’s 24 Hours in Police Custody pulls you right into the middle of it. The documentary series has been following Bedfordshire Police at Luton Police Station since 2014, and its unflinching lens on real criminal investigations keeps drawing viewers back season after season.
First Aired: 2014 · Network: Channel 4 · Key Platforms: Channel 4, IMDb, YouTube, Prime Video · Sample Episode: The Conspiracy to Murder
Quick snapshot
- Series premiered 2014 on Channel 4 (Wikipedia episode table)
- Season 1 episodes listed on IMDb and Prime Video (TheTVDB episode index)
- Series 14 Episode 6 ‘Zombie Knives’ reportedly scheduled for 20 January 2026 (EpisodeDate schedule tracker)
- Exact number of completed seasons as of 2025
- Whether Season 12 ever aired or entered production
- Official Channel 4 confirmation of 2026 episode schedule
- Series 1 Episode 1 ‘The Conspiracy to Murder’ aired 29 September 2014 (Wikipedia broadcast records)
- Series 10 began broadcasting 22 March 2021 (Wikipedia episode table)
- Series 14 episodes reportedly scheduled for January–April 2026 (EpisodeDate broadcast schedule)
- Episodes ‘Zombie Knives’ and ‘Burying Horror’ reportedly coming to Channel 4 in early 2026
- No Season 12 confirmed in any broadcaster database as of search date
- Active YouTube playlists maintained by Channel 4 offer free episode access
The table below consolidates key facts about the series’ broadcast history and streaming availability.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Premiere Episode | The Conspiracy to Murder (29 September 2014) |
| Network | Channel 4 |
| Years Active | 2014–present |
| Format | Documentary following police custody |
| Top Platforms | Channel 4, IMDb, YouTube |
Where are all episodes of 24 Hours in Police Custody?
Four platforms host the series across free, subscription, and purchase models. TheTVDB’s database (a cross-verified episode index) and Wikipedia’s episode table together cover every aired season from Series 1 through the most recent broadcasts, making them the most complete reference for titles and air dates.
Channel 4 Streaming
Channel 4 operates the official UK broadcaster stream, where recent episodes like The Cold Case Murder appear shortly after broadcast. The catch: the availability window is limited, so older seasons may not remain indefinitely accessible. Channel 4’s on-demand service requires no subscription for UK viewers with a TV licence.
IMDb Episode List
IMDb maintains a structured episode list broken down by season. The database covers Series 1 Episode 1 ‘The Conspiracy to Murder’ (aired 29 September 2014) through episodes in later seasons, with each entry showing title, original air date, and episode number. IMDb serves as the definitive reference for episode numbering and cross-season consistency.
YouTube Playlists
Channel 4’s official YouTube presence hosts documentary playlists including full episodes and clips. Two active playlists capture what Channel 4 describes as “real life drama at its most intense.” YouTube offers free viewing of selected content without registration, making it the most accessible option for international audiences.
“Watch the landmark documentary series that captures real life drama at its most intense, following police detectives around the clock as they investigate major crimes.”
— Channel 4 YouTube official playlist description
For UK viewers wanting the latest episodes, Channel 4’s on-demand service is the official first stop. For anyone outside the UK or seeking free archival access, YouTube’s Channel 4 playlists remain the most reliable alternative.
Prime Video Availability
Season 1 of 24 Hours in Police Custody is available on Prime Video, including episodes like ‘Love Hurts.’ The platform typically offers purchase or rental options for individual episodes or full seasons beyond the included subscription tier. Prime Video represents the most straightforward streaming option for viewers already paying for an Amazon subscription in markets where Channel 4’s direct service is geo-restricted.
How many series are there of 24 Hours in Police Custody?
The documentary has aired continuously since 2014, with at least 14 seasons documented across broadcaster and episode database records. Wikipedia’s comprehensive episode table traces the series from its premiere through Series 10 (broadcast beginning 22 March 2021), and third-party episode databases indicate subsequent seasons up to Series 14. Viewership peaked at 2.36 million for Series 3 Episode 8 ‘In Plain Sight’ (aired 8 June 2016), according to Wikipedia’s broadcast data.
Season Breakdown
- Series 1 (2014): Seven episodes including ‘The Conspiracy to Murder’ (29 September 2014), ‘The Confession of a Paedophile’ (13 October 2014), and ‘Drug Drop’ (20 October 2014)
- Series 2 (2015): Episodes such as ‘Partners in Crime’ (10 August 2015) and ‘Mother’s Pride’ (17 August 2015)
- Series 3 (2016): ‘One Punch’ (12 May 2016) drew 2.30 million viewers; ‘The Black Balaclava’ (19 May 2016) resulted in convictions of 7 and 12 years
- Series 10 (2021): Resumed broadcasting 22 March 2021 after an extended production gap
- Series 14 (2026): Scheduled episodes include ‘Zombie Knives’ (20 January 2026) and ‘Burying Horror’ (27 January 2026)
Total Episodes Overview
With a footprint spanning more than a decade and at least 14 seasons, the series has produced well over 80 individual episodes. Filming primarily takes place at Luton Police Station in Bedfordshire, with some episodes covering operations in Cambridgeshire and other parts of Bedfordshire, according to Wikipedia. The Garden, the production company behind Channel 4’s 24 Hours in A&E, produces the series using over 80 cameras installed throughout the custody suite.
“Cameras follow Bedfordshire Police over a 24 hour period as they respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, arrest suspects and battle against the clock.”
— TV Guide series summary
Is there a season 11 of 24 Hours in Police Custody?
Season 11 appears in TV Guide database listings and broadcaster scheduling records. Episode databases and TV Guide’s listings include references to Season 11 episodes alongside the main series index, indicating active production and broadcast scheduling through this season number. The Channel 4 episode catalogue and third-party databases both track Season 11 within their season-by-season breakdown.
Season 11 Episodes
Channel 4 and IMDb listings include Season 11 episodes within their structured episode tables. The specific episode titles and air dates for Season 11 appear in broadcaster database records alongside the established pattern from earlier seasons. Episode schedules reflect the continuing pattern of custody cases followed within the 24-hour police investigation window that defines the series format.
Availability Check
Season 11 episodes are accessible through Channel 4’s on-demand streaming platform for UK viewers, with YouTube playlists providing supplementary access to clips and selected full episodes. IMDb’s episode database maintains the complete Season 11 entry list for reference. No paywall restrictions beyond standard Channel 4 platform access apply for UK audiences watching on the broadcaster’s own service.
TV Guide’s inclusion of Season 11 in their current listings confirms the series was actively broadcasting as recently as their search date. For viewers tracking continuity, Season 11 represents a confirmed broadcast window between the Series 10 return (2021) and the reported Series 14 airings (2026).
Is there a season 12 of 24 Hours in Police Custody?
No Season 12 appears in any confirmed broadcaster database, official Channel 4 episode list, or established episode-tracking platform as of the current search date. The query volume around Season 12 indicates audience awareness of the series’ longevity and anticipation for continued production, but verified sources—IMDb, TV Guide, Channel 4’s own catalogue—show no Season 12 entry alongside their Season 11 or Series 14 records.
Current Status
EpisodeDate and Next-Episode.net both list Series 14 episodes scheduled for early 2026, with ‘Zombie Knives’ (S14E06) on 20 January 2026 and ‘Burying Horror’ (S14E07) on 27 January 2026. This scheduling pattern suggests the series is actively in production at Series 14, making Season 12 either unreleased or absorbed into a multi-season production block that skips sequential numbering in database records.
Future Seasons
The trajectory from Series 10 (2021) through Series 14 (2026) suggests consistent annual or bi-annual production cycles. Given the series’ decade-long run and Channel 4’s continued commitment to the format, continued seasons appear likely. However, confirmed broadcaster announcements for Season 12 or beyond have not surfaced in searchable public records.
Third-party scheduling sites list Series 14 dates, but Channel 4 has not issued an official press release confirming the 2026 schedule. Viewers relying on broadcast dates from aggregators should verify through Channel 4’s own listings within a week of the anticipated air date.
What is the newest series of 24 Hours in Police Custody?
Series 14 represents the most recent documented production cycle, with multiple episode databases scheduling entries through April 2026. The genre classification (Crime, Educational, Documentary) and the production company’s track record with similarly structured series suggest Series 14 is not the endpoint. The pattern of 2026 scheduling in third-party databases reflects active episode production rather than historical archive processing.
Latest Seasons
Series 14 episodes ‘Zombie Knives’ (20 January 2026) and ‘Burying Horror’ (27 January 2026) appear on EpisodeDate and Next-Episode.net, both tracking Channel 4 broadcast schedules. The follow-on episode (Series 14 Episode 8) reportedly scheduled for 13 April 2026 indicates a mid-season break within the series run. These dates originate from third-party scheduling databases rather than direct Channel 4 announcements, so the confirmed availability window remains subject to broadcaster revision.
Recent Episodes
Episode themes for recent and upcoming Series 14 entries focus on themes including knife crime (‘Zombie Knives’) and serious criminal investigation (‘Burying Horror’). These topics align with the series’ established pattern of covering high-stakes cases within Bedfordshire Police’s custody and investigation jurisdiction. Channel 4’s YouTube presence continues to curate playlists capturing the series’ coverage of what their official description frames as “real life drama at its most intense.”
For viewers in the UK, Channel 4’s on-demand service offers the most complete access to the full episode catalogue. International audiences can rely on Channel 4’s official YouTube playlists for free clips and selected full episodes. Season 1 is available on Prime Video, and IMDb provides the most comprehensive episode reference regardless of streaming availability. The series has produced at least 14 seasons since 2014, with Season 11 confirmed in broadcaster databases and Series 14 reportedly scheduled through April 2026.
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Tracking episodes often reveals a fragmented landscape, but dedicated episodes and streaming directory offers a thorough guide to seasons and platforms like Channel 4 and Prime Video.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch 24 Hours in Police Custody?
Channel 4’s on-demand service hosts recent episodes for UK viewers, with YouTube playlists providing free international access to selected content. Prime Video carries Season 1 for purchase or rental, and IMDb maintains a complete episode database for reference even without direct streaming.
Is 24 Hours in Police Custody available on YouTube?
Yes. Channel 4 maintains two official YouTube playlists with documentary clips and full episodes. YouTube offers the most accessible option for viewers outside the UK.
What is the first episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody?
Series 1 Episode 1 ‘The Conspiracy to Murder’ premiered on 29 September 2014 on Channel 4, drawing 2.05 million viewers according to Wikipedia’s broadcast records. The episode is available on Prime Video (Season 1) and referenced in IMDb’s episode list.
How to watch 24 Hours in Police Custody on Channel 4?
Visit Channel 4’s on-demand streaming platform and search for the series title. Episodes air on the main Channel 4 channel and become available on-demand shortly after broadcast. UK viewers with a TV licence can access the full catalogue without additional subscription cost.
Are there episodes of 24 Hours in Police Custody on Prime Video?
Season 1 is available on Prime Video, including episodes like ‘Love Hurts.’ Prime Video typically offers purchase or rental options for individual episodes or complete seasons beyond what is included in the base subscription tier.
What Channel 4 episodes of 24 Hours in Police Custody are free?
UK viewers can access full episodes on Channel 4’s on-demand service at no additional cost (beyond the TV licence requirement). Selected clips and documentary previews are freely available on Channel 4’s official YouTube playlists to international audiences without geo-restriction.
Does 24 Hours in Police Custody have new episodes?
Series 14 episodes are reportedly scheduled for 2026 according to third-party scheduling databases. No official Channel 4 press release has confirmed these dates, but the production company’s consistent output since 2014 suggests continued episode production is likely.