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Trailer

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story

2025Show1 season4 episodesTV-MA

CrimeDrama
80
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.0Metacritic779.4Rotten Tomatoes94%–

A deeply moving, relentlessly bleak drama series about history and a real life story, with standout performances and characters.

Good for friends night · binge-friendly · thought-provoking

Skip it if you need an uplifting mood · you want to half-watch while scrolling

Where to watch

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Not for warmth, comfort or laughs.

Shows with

Episodes

1 season · 4 episodes · best: S1E4 "1.4" 7.7

Episodes

7.5

Story

A 1950s true crime drama about Ruth Ellis, the last woman in Britain to be hanged. This startling story reveals hidden truths about Ruth's murder of her lover, the legal case surrounding it and those who were also complicit.

Feels like

  • True Crime Drama
  • 1950s London
  • Legal Thriller
  • Biographical Account
  • Psychological Depth
  • Social Commentary
  • Dark and Bleak
  • Historical Accuracy

Cast

12 of 12 · most episodes first

Crew

Directors
Lee Haven Jones
Written by
Kelly Jones
Produced by
Angie Daniell
Music by
Samuel Sim

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

February 17, 2025 · March 5, 2025 · Ended

First aired
February 17, 2025
Last aired
March 5, 2025
Status
Ended
Length
1 season · 4 episodes
Age rating
TV-MA
Content
Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Disturbing Imagery, Suicide Themes
Genres
Drama, Crime
Original language
English
Made in
United Kingdom
Available in
17 countries

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?"

Questions about A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?

BritboxBritBox

In the United States, A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story streams on Britbox and BritBox. It also streams in 15 other countries.

Is A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story worth watching?

80
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 80 (IMDb 7, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 77).

How long does it take to watch A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?

3 h

About 3 hours: 4 episodes in 1 season of about 45 minutes each, aired from 2025 to 2025.

Will I feel good after watching A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story?

BleakHopeful

Probably not: the title analysis rates it 9 of 10 for bleakness and 8 for melancholy, against 2 for hopefulness.

Is A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story good for date night?

Partner WatchAdultsFriends NightSolo Watch

It suits a quiet night in as a couple: romance is 6 of 10, but the viewing guide doesn't list it for date night.