One of the best TV shows of the 21st century finds new streaming home

If you've never seen this thriller, it's 'as perfect as TV gets'.

World-weary defence attorney John Stone (John Turturro, Severance) hears of the case and steps in to represent Naz. While the young man battles to survive in jail awaiting trial, Stone tries to mount a defence, despite overwhelming evidence against his client.

A remake of the BBC series Criminal Justice, The Night Of is as perfect as TV gets. Shot with cinematic flair by Steven Zaillian (Ripley), who also penned its episodes with acclaimed crime writer Richard Price (Clockers), the show works on so many levels.

Why is The Night Of so great?

Yes, The Night Of is a gripping whodunnit about who killed Andrea. Yes, it's an underdog legal drama about a streetwise, ambulance-chasing lawyer taking on the biggest court case of his career, one where the odds are firmly against him and his client.

More importantly, it's a fascinating top-down look at how the US criminal justice system works, also focusing on the cops, prosecutors, and the pre-trial detainees.

As the series continues, it becomes a searing indictment of the system. We watch Naz being pressured into taking a plea deal and jailed while awaiting trial at Rikers Island.

Housed alongside already convicted, violent offenders, despite being technically innocent, Naz is forced to do drastic things to survive in the unfamiliar and unforgiving prison environment.

The Night Of boasts terrific performances, particularly Ahmed in a breakout role, and Turturro, whose closing argument at the trial is some of the best acting we've ever seen.

It's fascinating to think that The Sopranos' James Gandolfini was initially set to play John Stone. After he died in 2013, the role was recast with Turturro, though Gandolfini retained a posthumous producer credit on the project.

How to watch and where is it streaming?

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The Night Of is streaming on Prime Video, as well as the service NOW, in Ireland and the UK.