If you were once captivated by the melancholy atmosphere and intricate crimes of the early seasons of the crime drama Shetland, perhaps it is time you found a new “obsession.” No series is more deserving of that title than Hinterland—a gripping noir crime masterpiece from the BBC, where breathtaking natural landscapes serve as a mirror to the cruelest corners of the human heart.

A Journey from Skepticism to Cult Classic

Unlike the isolation of the Scottish isles depicted in Shetland, Hinterland transports viewers to the Welsh coast, where the silence of the ocean is frequently shattered by harrowing crimes. The series is far more than a simple police procedural; it is a profound journey into the depths of human psychology. With an impressive 83% score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Hinterland has solidified its place as an unshakeable monument in the crime drama genre.

The series boasts an intriguing broadcast history: it first premiered on the S4C channel in Welsh in October 2013, and it was only a year later that the English-language version officially arrived on the BBC. Over the course of three intense seasons, Hinterland concluded its final chapter in 2016, leaving behind a significant television legacy.

The Core Mystery: Where the Past Refuses to Sleep

The narrative follows the protagonist, Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias (portrayed by Richard Harrington). Having recently departed from the relentless pace of the Metropolitan Police in London, Mathias sought tranquility in the town of Aberystwyth, Wales. However, fate ironically plunged him into a brutal attack at a desolate chalet nestled among sand dunes—the event that marks the catalyst for a chain of terrifying occurrences.

The web of secrets is unraveled through the series’ dramatic synopsis: “The victim is believed to be a 64-year-old God-fearing woman, Helen Jenkins, but she is nowhere to be found.”

The pursuit of the truth leads Mathias to the village of Devil’s Bridge—a name that sounds filled with dark omens. There, Helen Jenkins’ body is discovered at the bottom of a deep ravine, not far from the site of a former children’s home that the victim had managed for many years. Although the building was converted into a hotel 15 years after the home closed, the attic still holds the untouched traces of a tortured past. As the show reveals, the key to solving the case lies in unlocking these secrets: “Only by unlocking the secrets of the children’s home can Mathias crack the case and reveal the murderer.”

A Stellar Cast and Audience Acclaim

The series boasts a talented cast that brings these complex characters to life: Richard Harrington (noted for his role in Bleak House) leads as DCI Tom Mathias; Mali Harries (from the series The Way) plays Detective Inspector Mared Rhys; alongside contributions from Alex Harries, Hannah Daniel, and Aneirin Hughes.

The allure of Hinterland stems not only from its screenplay but also from the fervor of its dedicated fan base. Many viewers have not hesitated to label it one of the finest crime dramas of the last decade. One enthusiastic viewer shared their experience on social media: “Hinterland is a must watch Welsh series. Binged on it for 3 days. Brilliantly written and portrayed. Just the right amount of intensity to keep you glued. 9.5/10.”

The fusion of a cold, noir aesthetic with the natural beauty of the Welsh landscape has created a rare visual and psychological experience. For those seeking a series to fully immerse themselves in over the weekend, Hinterland—currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer—is an unmissable choice.