The Negotiator (2008): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2008, The Negotiator is a crime and drama series.

What it’s about. In a modern society in which violent crimes are on the rise, there is a team that tries to resolve cases without bloodshed. It is the metropolitan police's special team, known by the abbreviation SIT (Special Investigation Team). The SIT doesn't get into action after a case but heads to the site just as a crime is being committed. They are on the front-line of risky missions, facing off against criminals; tenaciously conducting negotiations with criminals. As a result of the rigid police hierarchy that can curb the conduct of negotiators, the SIT is also a male-dominated society controlled with strict discipline. There is one female negotiator, Usagi Reiko, who bravely fights at the frontline. She is isolated in the male world of the SIT but courageously fights against crime as well as her organisation.

Who’s in it. The Negotiator stars Ryoko Yonekura as Reiko Usaki, Toshio Kakei as Seiichiro Kizaki, Sousuke Takaoka as Yusuke Amari and Takashi Sasano as Kohei Sumida, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.8/10, The Negotiator has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Negotiator page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Negotiator tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Lucifer and Riverdale.