Watch The Moorside

The Moorside is a gripping British drama that premiered on BBC One in 2017, and is now available to stream on BritBox. The show is based on a true story of a missing child that made headlines across the UK in 2008. It is set in Dewsbury, a working-class neighborhood in northern England, where nine-year-old Shannon Matthews goes missing on her way home from school.

The show tells the story from the perspective of the community members of The Moorside estate where Shannon and her family live. The neighbors come together to search for Shannon and support her mother, Karen (played by Sheridan Smith), who is struggling to cope as the search intensifies. Karen is a single mother of seven children, who lives on a council estate and depends on state benefits to keep the family afloat. Her neighbors see her as a bit of a wild card, but there is no denying that she is an incredibly devoted mother to her children.

The lead investigator, Detective Constable Christine Freeman (played by Sian Brooke), is assigned to the case and quickly becomes immersed in the search for Shannon. Freeman is a no-nonsense detective who is determined to solve this case and reunite Shannon with her family. She navigates the complex web of relationships and emotions within the community, while also under tremendous pressure from her superiors to find the missing girl.

As the days go by without any progress, the media descends upon the estate, turning the town into a media circus. The residents begin to feel scrutinized and exposed, and tensions rise. The show explores the media’s thirst for sensational stories and how it can impact the real lives of the people involved.

The Moorside is not just a procedural crime drama about a missing child; it is also a story about class, community, and resilience. The show takes a deep dive into the lives of working-class people in a struggling neighborhood, where familial ties and friendships are essential for survival. It paints a poignant picture of how ordinary people can come together in times of adversity and shows the strength and resolve of a community who refused to give up hope.

Sheridan Smith delivers an incredible performance as Karen, portraying her raw emotions with heartbreaking authenticity. She captures Karen’s determination and strength, but also her vulnerability and desperation. Sian Brooke is equally brilliant as Detective Constable Freeman, and the chemistry between the two actresses is palpable. Their scenes together are some of the most compelling in the show.

In addition to Smith and Brooke, there is a fantastic supporting cast, including Faye McKeever as Julie Bushby, Karen’s closest friend and spokesperson for the residents during the search for Shannon. McKeever gives a commanding performance, offering much-needed comic relief in the tense and emotional story.

The show was created by Neil McKay, who also wrote the award-winning drama Appropriate Adult. The Moorside received rave reviews upon its release, with critics praising the show’s powerful performances, sensitive handling of the subject matter, and its exploration of themes surrounding class, community, and the media. It won the Best Drama Series award at the Royal Television Society Awards in 2017.

Overall, The Moorside is a compelling, emotional drama that tackles a difficult subject matter with sensitivity and grace. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and resilience in the face of tragedy. The show will undoubtedly leave viewers feeling shaken and moved by the heartbreaking story of Shannon Matthews and her family.

The Moorside is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between and on BritBox