Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall has revealed why the show had to end after three seasons.
The TV boss, who went on to serve as showrunner on Doctor Who during the Jodie Whittaker era, made the admission during this year's Hay Festival.
His comments were in response to why his new novel Death at the White Hart is set in Dorset, like Broadchurch was.
As quoted by The Independent, Chibnall said: "I think the dissonance is what's interesting.
"One of the reasons I didn't carry on Broadchurch as a show, is that I didn't want it to be like it suddenly become New York, or Midsomer Murders.
"So I think you have to stress the rarity [of serious crimes]. That feels really important in how it impacts characters, how it impacts the police."
What to Read Next
Related: Best film and TV tours for 2025
"And in terms of ideas," he continued, "it's always about human nature, isn't it? Ultimately, the genre is the prism into humanity. These are extreme events, and so that's what you were exploring really."
Death at the White Hart, Chibnall's debut novel, was released in the UK in March and will come out in the US next month.
In March, ITV announced a TV adaptation. It will go into production next year and air on ITV1.
Related: Doctor Who's Chris Chibnall reveals least favourite script from his run
Chibnall also has an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery coming to Netflix.
The writer previously stated that he would "absolutely never" return to Doctor Who, claiming that he's written a "clear red line" under his tenure.
All episodes of Broadchurch can be streamed via ITVX.
Digital Spy's first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.
Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.
