‘First rate’ BBC crime drama Happy Valley can’t stop watching

A BBC crime drama has been hailed as ‘ridiculously first rate’, drawing comparions to the much-loved Broadchurch.

A BBC crime drama branded “compelling” and “ridiculously first rate” has earned widespread acclaim from both viewers and critics for its top production value, impressive acting performances, and the gripping mystery at its core. It’s even sparked comparisons to the hugely successful Broadchurch.

The BBC has long been celebrated for its popular dramas, from the much-loved police series Line of Duty to the gritty crime hit Happy Valley, and the enduringly popular Benedict Cumberbatch-led Sherlock.

However, one show is being hailed as essential viewing for Broadchurch enthusiasts. That show is the 2022 series, Sherwood.

Written and created by James Graham, the debut season comprises six episodes and follows a Nottinghamshire mining community thrown into turmoil by two devastating murders.

It’s loosely inspired by actual events, drawing from the real-life killings of trade unionist Keith Frogson and hairdresser Chanel Taylor in July 2004.

The drama features David Morrissey and Lesley Manville in leading roles and, during summer 2024, a second series aired. A third series has already been filmed but remains unreleased so far.

Sherwood holds an impressive 96% rating on the widely-used review platform Rotten Tomatoes, where both audiences and critics have expressed their admiration.

One viewer said: “Ridiculously first rate. Reminds me of the top notch gravitas of Broadchurch, same unimpeachably high production values and knockout writing and acting.”

Another added: “The richness of each character, scene and spoken word is several steps ahead of other shows. Each actor delivers a truth.”

A third shared: “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”.

David Morrissey as DCS Ian St Clair in the BBC’s Sherwood (Image: BBC/House Productions/Sam Taylor)

Meanwhile, a fourth said: “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.”

The show’s acclaim has even crossed the Atlantic. One US-based admirer declared: “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.”

And 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.