Silent Witness has returned to BBC One with the team, headed by Dr Nikki Alexander (played by Emilia Fox), now based in the West Midlands.

The BBC revealed that series 29 of Silent Witness would feature Nikki confronting some of her "toughest cases yet" alongside Jack Hodgson (David Caves), Harriet Mavern (Maggie Steed) and Kit Brooks (Fran Mills).

The forensic programme was devised by Nigel McCrery, a former murder squad detective from Nottingham, and since its debut in February 1996, over 200 episodes have aired.

The original series' lead character was inspired by Professor Helen Whitwell, a Sheffield-based forensic pathologist, whom McCrery had encountered during his time as a police officer.

The show has since developed in numerous ways and viewers have rated their favourite series thus far - these are the top 10 series according to review aggregator Episode Ninja.

Series seven commenced broadcasting in October 2003 and opened with a suspected terrorist attack triggering an explosion at a hotel hosting a government minister.

During this period, the programme was fronted by Sam Ryan (Amanda Burton), who transferred from Cambridge to London to assume a professorship at a university.

The series also featured William Gaminara as professor Leo Dalton and Tom Ward as pathologist Harry Cunningham.

Remarkably, the programme's inaugural series sits below several of its later instalments. Sam Ryan, Tom Adams (John McGlynn) and Helen Farmer (Clare Higgins) led the opening series, with the debut episode entitled Buried Lies Part 1.

The episode introduced Sam, who investigated the death of a six year old girl discovered floating in a local river. The post-mortem examination revealed the child had endured prior abuse.

Season 25 earns its place in the top 10 thanks to a significant comeback from Sam Ryan, as she enlisted the Lyell team's assistance with a case.

In Liverpool, after Sam launched her new firm, the health secretary was murdered and she approached the team, headed by Nikki, requesting their help, though Nikki questioned whether Sam could be trusted.

Season 25 also began depicting the developing romance between Jack and Nikki as they worked through their emotions towards each other.

Broadcasting in August 2007, series 11 opened with Harry and Nikki examining an RAF helicopter crash at a detention facility for unsuccessful asylum seekers.

According to IMDb, the highest-rated episode of the series was episode eight, where Nikki had a falling out with her father, who manipulated Harry into performing a second post-mortem on his deceased wife.

Season 28 broadcast in January 2025 and represented a significant landmark for the programme with the arrival of two new lead characters - Harriet and Kit. Harriet works as a forensic pathologist, whilst Kit serves as a crime scene analyst, and before their first appearance, actress Steed remarked: "I was delighted to be asked to join Silent Witness.

"I've enjoyed it many times over the years and it's always been the most intriguing and entertaining series going, so it's been a thrill to join."

Broadcasting in January 2015, the opening of season 18 centred on DCI Jane De Freitas's (Zoe Telford) private conflict with her superior and partner Chief Superintendent Robert Drake (Steve Wall).

Following a triple shooting at a petrol station, Jane faced more pressing concerns whilst Nikki and Jack examined the victims more closely as Jane expanded the investigation.

Season 13 commenced in January 2010 and witnessed a substantial rise in audience numbers from the preceding season, with 7.46 million viewers watching compared to the earlier 6.32 million.

On Rotten Tomatoes, viewer Dave C described it as "slightly bumbling, though with more redeeming features than the previous season".

The season delivered several major revelations, as Leo Dalton came under investigation for fraud when an insurance investigator alleged he had falsified a post-mortem report.

Meanwhile, Harry became romantically involved with an appealing former colleague.

Season 16 represented a significant watershed moment for the programme when it broadcast in January 2013, featuring Leo's departure. William Gaminara departed Silent Witness following 11 series as he believed the timing was right to pursue different projects.

His character made a dramatic exit when Leo gave his life to protect others during a terrorist bombing in Afghanistan.

Season 21 broadcast in January 2018 and represented a challenging period for Nikki, who remained troubled by her distressing ordeal in Mexico.

She found it difficult to readjust to life at home when she was compelled to confront the vanishing of her friend Sally.

The emotionally charged series remained memorable for audiences who empathised with Nikki's difficulties.

The highest-rated series of Silent Witness is season 20, which represented a significant achievement for the programme as it celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Before the series premiered in January 2017, actress Fox explained to Digital Spy how each episode presented fresh obstacles: "I never feel like I know everything about the show or the characters, because new things come up all the time.

"I've certainly been massively challenged by the last story in this series and have done things that I've never ever done before on Silent Witness, or any other show."

The anniversary series showcased Nikki's transformative experience in Mexico, which would lead to a traumatic period ahead.

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