It was 2013 and our screens were gifted with one of the best British crime dramas we've ever seen – it set the bar so high for fans of the genre that it's been hard to top ever since. We are, of course, talking about Broadchurch – and it's about to get a new streaming home over at Netflix in the UK, after being added to its "worth the wait" section.
Whether you've already seen the coastal-set series before and could be primed for a re-watch, or the draw of Broadchurch has so far eluded you, we're here to make a case for your next boxset binge.
First thing's first: David Tennant and Olivia Colman as detective partners? Need we say any more, to be perfectly honest. Tennant has built up quite the CV when it comes to crime dramas, taking on roles such as Dennis Nilsen in the more recent true-crime drama Des, as well as playing the deliciously dodgy Ian Ventham in Netflix's new Thursday Murder Club. But before all that, we were introduced to Broadchurch's character of Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, who spearheaded the examination into the terrible murder of 11-year-old Danny Latimer, a case that sent shockwaves around the fictional seaside town of Broadchurch.
Colman's Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller is the perfect emotional anchor to newcomer Hardy. Having grown up in the community, she has the inside knowledge of those that live locally.
This dynamic creates a push and pull between the two of them, which is important for the narrative; Hardy brings the skepticism and an outside perspective, perhaps voicing the thoughts of the viewer, while Miller has a naivety at first, wanting desperately to see the good in the people she has lived beside.
However, what really sets Broadchurch apart is the way in which it transcends the crime drama. At its core, there is a central whodunnit that will keep you guessing – a hallmark that fans will enjoy. But the ITV drama, created and written by Chris Chibnall, is also a haunting exploration of grief, carefully tracking the ripple effects that tragedy and trauma can reach.
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The layers and complexities of the storytelling provide an added weight, one that enriches the drama and leaves a lasting impact on the viewer beyond getting an answer to the central question of who committed the crime.
When you consider that Broadchurch first aired on ITV over 10 years ago, it can be credited with being fairly ahead of its time, and still stands out as one of the few fictional examples. We'd also probably throw Happy Valley in that bracket, which arrived at around the same time.
Broadchurch also boasted a star-studded cast, over and above the two leads we've already mentioned. Jodie Whittaker – who went on to become the first female Doctor – was also among the central cast, played grieving mother Beth Latimer in one of her best acting roles.
A host of other impressive names also appeared across the seasons – including Sir Lenny Henry, Vicky McClure, Jonathan Bailey (yes, of Bridgerton and Wicked fame), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), Eve Myles, Simone Ashley and James D'Arcy.
If we've convinced you to dive into Broadchurch, it's due on Netflix on 18 November. It's also currently still available to watch on ITVX, if you can't quite wait.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
