The popular BBC crime series Sherwood has been hailed as a "ridiculously first rate" and "compelling" drama, earning widespread acclaim from audiences and critics for its high production standards, outstanding acting performances, and the powerful mystery at its core. It has even sparked comparisons to the hugely successful Broadchurch.
A Stellar Reputation
The BBC has earned a strong reputation thanks to its many outstanding dramas, from the much-loved police series Line of Duty, to the hard-hitting crime drama Happy Valley, and the ever-popular, Benedict Cumberbatch-led Sherlock. However, one programme is being hailed as essential viewing for Broadchurch fans: the 2022 production Sherwood.
Plot and Inspiration
Created and written by James Graham, the first season comprises six episodes and focuses on a Nottinghamshire mining community shaken by two devastating murders. It is very loosely inspired by actual events, drawing from the real-life killings of trade unionist Keith Frogson and hairdresser Chanel Taylor in July 2004.
The series stars David Morrissey and Lesley Manville. During summer 2024, a second season was broadcast, and a third season has been filmed but has yet to be released.
Critical Acclaim
Sherwood holds an impressive 96% rating on the widely used review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, where both viewers and critics have expressed their admiration.
- One viewer shared: "Ridiculously first rate. Reminds me of the top notch gravitas of Broadchurch, same unimpeachably high production values and knockout writing and acting."
- Another said: "The richness of each character, scene and spoken word is several steps ahead of other shows. Each actor delivers a truth."
- A third added: "This has proven to be one of the best in its genre. What stands out and really the beauty of the show are the separate stories and character build. There are multiple story lines here... the question is will they ultimately intersect and connect to an event in 1984. Very well done."
- While a fourth wrote: "An incredibly rich and believable series. And, unlike so many other TV 'mysteries', there's an actual mystery at the heart of this."
- Another viewer said: "This series is an eye opener to the real world of political policing in the UK. A great series and a great watch. Not for people who aren't intelligent."
International Appeal
Sherwood's popularity has even crossed the Atlantic. An American-based admirer said: "Sherwood ranks as one of the best TV series of all time. So far I've only placed three series on that list: The Sopranos, Homeland, Succession and now the fourth - Sherwood. I can't find fault with anything except I'm waiting here in Washington DC for Season 3 to drop (obviously for a Yank like me, I hope it's available on Britbox, Netflix, Hulu, etc.)."
Critic James Croot added: "Sherwood might just be the most compelling crime drama to come out of the UK since Broadchurch."
Sherwood is streaming on BBC iPlayer now.
