When scouring the list of everything new on Netflix this week, one show jumped out at me immediately. "Broadchurch" — one of the best shows Britain has ever produced — has officially landed on the streaming service today, and I cannot stress enough that this crime drama needs to be your next Netflix binge-watch.
For those who are unfamiliar with this three-season series, "Broadchurch" is a story in three parts focused on the partnership of Detective Inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman). These two work in the fictional small town of Broadchurch on the Dorset coast, and their lives are forever changed when the body of 11-year-old Danny Latimer (Oskar McNamara) is found washed up on the beach. If you found "Adolescence" to be incredible, you'll definitely find something to connect to in "Broadchurch."
I don't want to divulge much more about the show's story beyond that, because what happened to Danny isn't solved until the season finale of season 1. This is likely due to the fact that, despite initially intended as a trilogy, but series creator and writer Chris Chibnall wrote season 1 to work as a self contained drama in case the show wasn't renewed for a second season.
Malcolm is a Streaming Editor with Tom's Guide, watching dozens of shows each year so you don't need to watch any of the bad ones.
'Broadchurch' season 1 is a masterpiece, but the rest is still worth watching
Ironically, whether because season 1 was written to be self-contained or by sheer coincidence, it's the best of the series. If you only watched the first season, I wouldn't even be mad, though I do implore you to stick with the show to the end. While the second season dips a bit in form, it ends on a truly stunning note, and season 3 keeps that momentum going.
But regardless of whether or not you watch just the first season or the entire series, you'll be blown away by the show's cast. This is my favorite performance of Tennant's career, and if you're a fan of "Mare of Easttown," you'll see a lot of similarities between Tennant's portrayal of DI Hardy and Winslet's Emmy-winning performance.
As much as I love Tennant, it's Olivia Coleman who steals the show, which is an impressive feat in a cast that also includes Jodie Whittaker, Andrew Buchan and Jonathan Bailey, among others. Her character has such a fine balance to strike, both investigating Danny's death and the impact it's had on her family, let alone the town of Broadchurch.
Colman's performance in season 1 made me a fan of hers for life, a stance that's aged like a fine wine ever since. If nothing else, she's worth binge-watching "Broadchurch" just in her own right, but I promise you, the writing and her fellow cast members will have you unable to turn this show off.
Stream "Broadchurch" on Netflix now
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