Watch Happy Valley

Happy Valley is a British crime drama series that revolves around a strong-willed policewoman named Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire. The show follows her struggles as she tries to maintain her personal and professional life while being haunted by a dark past. Set amidst the beautiful yet remote landscape of the Calder Valley, the show provides an intense and thrilling experience against a backdrop of gorgeous scenery.

The series first aired on BBC One in 2014 and has since become one of the most critically acclaimed British crime dramas ever made. Aside from Lancashire, the show features a talented ensemble cast that includes Siobhan Finneran, Charlie Murphy, and James Norton in key roles. The show consists of two seasons, each six episodes long, and was created by Sally Wainwright, who is best known for her work on other popular British dramas like Last Tango in Halifax.

The story is set in West Yorkshire and follows Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant in a small town in the Calder Valley. Her family life has been disrupted by the suicide of her daughter, which has led to a rift with her ex-husband, who is still grieving. Meanwhile, she also has to take care of her grandson, who was born following the suicide of her daughter. The tension runs high as she tries to balance her responsibilities and her job while dealing with a dark past that continues to haunt her.

The show skillfully combines the elements of both personal and professional conflicts, creating a story that is both heart-wrenching and intense. Throughout the series, Cawood faces different types of crimes, such as drug dealing, kidnapping, and murder. One of the key themes that run throughout the series is the role that the police play in dealing with the underbelly of society - a world that is often brutal and unforgiving.

As Catherine works to solve these crimes, she forms alliances and confronts some of the most twisted and dangerous people she's ever encountered. In season 1, the story focuses on a small-time criminal, Tommy Lee Royce, played by James Norton, who becomes the main target of Catherine's investigation after he's involved in the kidnapping of a teenage girl. As she gets closer to Tommy, she realizes that there's more to his story than meets the eye, and their relationship becomes increasingly complex.

Season 2 takes the story to the next level, as Catherine faces an even greater challenge in the form of the villainous Royce's mother, a woman who's almost as dangerous as her son. Once again, Sally Wainwright manages to create an unpredictable and gripping story that keeps the viewer glued to the screen.

One of the most impressive things about Happy Valley is the level of realism that the show manages to achieve. The series depicts the challenges of the life of a police officer in a small town accurately, illustrating the complexities that come with dealing with different types of crime. There's also a strong emphasis on the psychological impact that working in law enforcement can have on a person, which is handled with great sensitivity.

At the center of it all is the formidable Catherine Cawood. Sarah Lancashire's performance as Catherine is sensational. She nails the character's vulnerabilities and strengths, bringing a level of authenticity to the role that is rarely seen on television. Her character's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and it's impossible not to root for her as she battles adversity at every turn.

Overall, Happy Valley is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. The show's ability to balance personal and professional conflicts, coupled with an outstanding cast and a well-crafted story, make this series a standout in the crowded genre. Its ability to keep the viewer on the edge of their seat and emotionally invested in the story is a testament to the creativity of the writers and the skill of the actors involved. Whether you're a fan of British television or simply love a good mystery, Happy Valley is a series that you won't soon forget.

Happy Valley is a series that ran for 3 seasons (32 episodes) between August 20, 2014 and on Netflix