Broadchurch

• Original producer: UK
• Original broadcaster: ITV

Broadchurch is the breathtaking new eight-part drama series created and written by Chris Chibnall (Law & Order: UK), starring David Tennant (Doctor Who) and Olivia Colman (The Iron Lady) that explores what happens to a small community when it suddenly becomes the focus of a police investigation, following the tragic and mysterious death of an eleven year old boy.

Bloodied and dirty, a young boy has been found dead on an idyllic beach. Whilst his death remains unresolved, the picturesque seaside town of Broadchurch finds itself at the heart of a major police investigation and national media frenzy.

The sadness of losing a child consumes the boy’s family as they attempt to cope with their grief, everyday normal life and the abruptness of the unwarranted attention heaped upon them.

Devastated by their loss, it’s the most stressful and emotional time in their lives as they struggle to relate to their friends, neighbours, the church, the press and the police.

David Tennant plays DI Alec Hardy; an out-of-town, newly promoted police detective who takes the job local DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) believes should have been hers. Police detective Ellie has to find reserves of patience and toughness to negotiate a professional relationship with the difficult and unyielding DI Hardy. Yet as the drama progresses, Hardy’s own secrets are laid bare. Ellie is also emotionally involved with the case but Hardy’s clinical methods force Ellie to see the community she grew up in from a different perspective.