Rio (represented by D&B Management) plays Intelligence specialist, technology expert Zak, who just happens to be a 10-year-old boy. He coordinates crime intelligence via his computer (or ‘information box’ as Rust calls it). Everyone is aware that he is a child, but they never acknowledge it and never talk down to him like a child.
The universe and characters of Top Coppers are derived from the conventions of American and British cop shows of the Seventies and Eighties, from Starsky & Hutch to The Professionals, but is set in no specific time or country. With big, silly characters and hilarious stories, Top Coppers is filled with familiar tropes and references from the police and action genres, as well as drawing on relatable British situations, problems and relationships.
The series is created by Cein McGillicuddy and Andy Kinnear, who describe the show as "fast and funky. Imagine Father Ted if it was a 70s cop show. Fun, a bit silly and never quite what you expect. If you like your comedy to keep you guessing, this will be for you."
Top Coppers is directed by Cein McGillicuddy and starts on BBC Three on Wednesday 19th August.