CI5: The New Professionals

CI5: The New Professionals is a British television drama series that serves as a modern revival of the original 1970s show, The Professionals. Premiered in 1999, the series stars Edward Woodward and follows an elite government agency known as CI5, which tackles high-stakes crimes and threats to national security. Combining action, espionage, and procedural elements, the show focuses on the challenges faced by its operatives as they navigate complex cases with a blend of technology and traditional investigative techniques. Despite the legacy of its predecessor, CI5: The New Professionals attempts to modernize the concept by introducing new characters and contemporary storylines, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of crime fighting in the late 20th century.

CI5: The New Professionals received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 5.3/10, indicating a lukewarm reception. Many viewers appreciated the homage to the original series, praising Edward Woodward's performance as a solid anchor for the reboot. However, some critics found the reboot lacking in originality and depth, often citing that it did not live up to the gritty, intense storytelling of the 1970s classic. A reviewer on TV Guide noted that while the show “offers some engaging action sequences,” it “struggles to find a unique voice.” Rotten Tomatoes does not have a formal aggregated score for the series, reflecting its relatively low profile and limited release. Overall, while the show delivered competent procedural drama moments, it failed to generate significant critical acclaim or a strong fan following.