Critic Rating
(read reviews)User Rating
Creator
Chris Chibnall
Cast
David Tennant,
Hannah Millward
Genre
Crime,
Drama,
Mystery
When the body of an eleven-year-old boy is found on a beach in Dorset, an out-of-town detective is assigned the case, much to the chagrin of the local force. As members of the community are investigated, the small, otherwise unassuming town is rocked by gossip, media attention, rage, and grief.
This show has two amazing lead actors who are both giving really great performances. They both bring a lot of humanity and, in different ways, warmth to a pretty dark story. In general, the show is special because it focuses on the human side of its mystery. The second and third seasons aren't quite as strong, but the characters always make it worth watching.
Broadchurch is as bleak and enthralling as crime dramas come, with exceptional performances across the board, but particularly from Tennant and Millward as the two leads. The way in which their investigation invades the lives of the people in the community, as well as their own families and pasts, makes Broadchurch a very personal tale – one that you know isn't likely to have a happy ending. This series isn't exactly going to lift your spirits, but if you're interested in a gritty, emotional journey, it's definitely worth watching.
TV Guide Magazine by Matt Roush
In BBC America's shattering and brilliantly paced eight-episode Broadchurch, a high point of a summer already teeming with terrific drama, you'll get a solution in a lot less time than it took The Killing to reveal the murderer of Rosie Larsen, and with considerably more cumulative emotional impact.
The Huffington Post by Maureen Ryan
Broadchurch manages to be both a finely crafted piece of suspenseful entertainment and also an emotionally resonant examination of grief, loss and moral confusion.
Washington Post by Hank Stuever
It’s among the best detective shows--and perhaps even among the best dramas--in several years. It will break your heart and keep you guessing all the way through.
Uncle Barky by Ed Bark
Broadchurch, with its recurring crashing waves wiping some slates clean, is thoroughly captivating from start to finish.
San Francisco Chronicle by David Wiegand
Broadchurch is a stunning achievement in great writing and powerful acting.
Philadelphia Inquirer by Tirdad Derakhshani
Masterfully written by Chibnall and brilliantly executed by a superb ensemble cast.
Philadelphia Daily News by Ellen Gray
As always, execution matters. Broadchurch's is practically note-perfect.
People Weekly by Tom Gliatto
It's beautifully constructed, cleverly fitted with red herrings and capacious enough to house a community of suspects. The emotional payoff is sensational, and so is the acting. [12 Aug 2013]
New York Post by Linda Stasi
The acting here is first-rate, and the two adversarial cops investigating the case--Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman)--despise each other just enough to create a palatable tension. The second episode is even more provocative.... Riveting.
The Daily Beast by Jace Lacob
A gorgeously realized and emotive thriller.
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