The finale of BBC drama Happy Valley has been widely praised by critics and viewers, with many calling it a fitting end to the acclaimed series. The episode, which aired on Sunday, drew an average audience of 7.5 million, according to overnight ratings.
Reviewers lauded the conclusion as 'brutal, tender, funny, compelling and heartbreaking to the last', with The Guardian's Lucy Mangan awarding it five stars. The Telegraph's Anita Singh described it as 'a finale of understated, heartbreaking brilliance', noting that show creator Sally Wainwright 'delivered an ending that satisfied'.
Singh added that while the finale was not the most gripping episode of the series, it showcased everything viewers loved about protagonist Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire. The pairing of Wainwright and Lancashire was praised by Mangan, who wrote: 'Separately, they are brilliant. Together, they are invincible.'
In The Times, Carol Midgley called the episode 'immaculately written and beautifully performed', though she noted that not enough time was given to resolving subplots involving characters Faisal and Rob. The i newspaper's Rachael Sigee also gave five stars, describing it as 'an utterly gut-wrenching episode'.
Viewers on social media also shared their praise, with many expressing satisfaction with the ending. The first episode of the third series has now been watched by more than 10.5 million people, including on iPlayer.
