Watch Broadchurch

Broadchurch is a British crime drama television series that premiered on ITV in 2013. The show is set in a fictional town of Broadchurch on the Dorset coast and revolves around the investigation of a young boy's murder. The series follows the lives of the residents of the town, as well as the detectives who are trying to solve the crime.

David Tennant plays Alec Hardy, a newly appointed Detective Inspector who is brought in to lead the investigation alongside local detective Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman). Hardy is a complicated character with a troubled past, and his interactions with Miller, who is from Broadchurch, provide an interesting dynamic throughout the show.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives encounter a wide range of suspects and witnesses, each with their own secrets and motives. The tensions within the small community are heightened as the investigation drags on, and the detectives begin to uncover more and more disturbing evidence.

One of the strengths of Broadchurch is the way it examines the impact of the crime on the town and its residents. The murder of a child in a small community is a devastating event, and the show explores the grief, anger, and guilt experienced by everyone involved. The parents of the victim, played by Jodie Whittaker and Arthur Darvill, are particularly poignant characters, struggling to cope with the loss of their son and the media attention that comes with the investigation.

The performances in Broadchurch are uniformly excellent, with Olivia Colman's portrayal of Ellie Miller being a standout. The character is a complex and relatable figure, torn between her loyalty to her hometown and her duty as a police officer. David Tennant's Alec Hardy is similarly compelling, a gruff and distant figure with a troubled past that is slowly revealed over the course of the show. Vicky McClure, David Bradley, Jacob Anderson, Charlotte Rampling, Eve Myles, and James D'Arcy also deliver strong performances in recurring roles.

The production values of Broadchurch are also impressive, with the beautiful coastal setting providing a striking backdrop to the drama. The show's cinematography is often stunning, capturing both the natural beauty of the area and the bleakness of the story. The music, by composer Ólafur Arnalds, is haunting and atmospheric, adding to the emotional impact of the show.

Broadchurch was created by Chris Chibnall, who went on to become showrunner of Doctor Who. Chibnall's writing is excellent throughout the series, slowly building the tension and revealing new layers of the story with each episode. The show's pacing is superb, never feeling rushed or dragging its feet. It is a tightly constructed narrative that keeps the audience engaged and guessing until the very end.

In conclusion, Broadchurch is an outstanding crime drama that explores the impact of a terrible crime on a small community. It is a beautifully shot and performed show that is anchored by strong writing and storytelling. The characters are complex and relatable, and the show creates a sense of tension and unease that is sustained throughout its run. Broadchurch is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone who appreciates excellent television.

Broadchurch is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (24 episodes). The series first aired on August 7, 2013.