An ITV crime drama that debuted nearly ten years ago continues to captivate audiences. The acclaimed series Broadchurch, which first appeared on ITV in 2013, spanned three seasons and collected multiple BAFTA Awards throughout its run.
Star-Studded Cast and Massive Viewership
Featuring major stars including David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jonathan Bailey and Vicky McClure, the programme attracted an enormous 9.1 million viewers for its debut episode. It's fair to say the programme ranks amongst Britain's finest crime dramas, with all three seasons of Broadchurch earning Certified Fresh status on Rotten Tomatoes - critics awarded season one 94%, season two 84% and season three an outstanding 98%.
The drama unfolds in the fictional coastal town of Broadchurch in Dorset, following two detectives attempting to uncover the truth surrounding the heartbreaking death of 11 year old local lad Danny Latimer, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Ensemble Cast and Career Launches
Featuring an exceptional ensemble, Jodie Whittaker and Andrew Buchan portray Danny's devastated parents, Beth and Mark Latimer, while Jonathan Bailey plays Ellie's nephew and Broadchurch Echo journalist, Olly Stevens. The ITV programme proved a launchpad for performers Jodie and Jonathan, who've subsequently achieved international stardom. Matthew Gravelle, Vicky McClure, Arthur Darvill, Pauline Quirke and Will Mellor also feature.
Despite the show's enormous popularity, it sadly concluded in 2017. Addressing the choice to wrap up the series, creator Chris Chibnall revealed that he didn't want it to 'become Midsomer Murders'. During an interview with The Independent, Chris explained: 'One of the reasons I didn't carry on Broadchurch as a show is that I didn't want it to be like it suddenly became New York, or Midsomer Murders.'
'So I think you have to stress the rarity [of disturbing, violent events in these rural areas],' he went on. 'That feels really important in how it impacts characters, how it impacts the police. And in terms of ideas... It's always about human nature, isn't it? Ultimately, the genre is the prism into humanity. These are extreme events, and so that's what you were exploring really.'
Enduring Popularity
Despite nine years passing since the show drew to a close, devotees remain utterly captivated by the series and have continued to binge-watch it repeatedly. One enthusiast wrote: 'This is my sign to watch Broadchurch yet again.' Another said: 'I love this drama. I wish Japanese TV company would broadcast this masterpiece.' A third commented: 'Brilliant Series Broadchurch.' Meanwhile one added: 'Broadchurch - great.'
You can stream Broadchurch on ITVX.
