Satisfy Your Broadchurch Cravings with Shetland: A 9-Season Scottish Crime Drama

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If you’re seeking a series that shares some qualities with “Broadchurch,” featuring David Tennant, then consider giving the Scottish BBC crime drama titled “Shetland” a try. Originally airing in the UK on ITV in 2013, “Broadchurch” quickly gained popularity with its stellar cast led by none other than David Tennant and Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman.

A heart-wrenching murder mystery unfolded in a quaint coastal town, featuring a stellar cast and persistent but emotionally driven lead investigators. As the British are known for churning out numerous top-tier crime and detective series annually, the fact that Broadchurch rose to such high regard speaks volumes.

In the same year as Broadchurch, another crime drama called Shetland debuted on BBC. This series features Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Perez, Alison O’Donnell as DS Alison “Tosh” McIntosh, Steven Robertson as DC Sandy Wilson, and later Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder. Over the years, Shetland has developed into an almost annual suspenseful event, inspired by the crime novels written by Ann Cleeves, a renowned author in the genre.

Shetland Is Perfect For Fans Of David Tennant’s Broadchurch

Shetland And Broadchurch Explore Similar Narrative Themes

There are countless reasons to adore the series “Broadchurch.” Both Tennant and Colman deliver outstanding, emotionally intense performances (with the rest of the cast also delivering noteworthy performances; Jodie Whittaker stands out particularly). The initial murder case is heart-wrenching, as the lifeless body of a 10-year-old boy is discovered beneath the cliffs of what was once a tranquil coastal town. The identity of the killer and the repercussions that follow will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished watching the show.

One distinctive aspect of Broadchurch, still resonating years after its conclusion amidst other crime dramas, lies in its examination of how a small, tightly-bonded community grapples with the impact of violent crime and the spreading rumors that ensue. This raises questions about trust within neighboring circles, poses the dilemma of investigating someone you’ve known for a lifetime, and explores how relationships to victims can influence police investigation methods.

Set against the backdrop of the remote Shetland Islands north of Scotland, Shetland shares common themes and questions. For years, the local police have been an integral part of the community. They know the people, yet when tragedy strikes, they must put aside personal biases to focus on the case. This dynamic is particularly evident in Shetland season 9 following the murder of one of Tosh’s friends post a party.

In contrast to other detective dramas where police are portrayed as external forces working on separate cases, shows like Broadchurch and Shetland delve deeper into the characters involved in the crimes, resulting in captivating narratives that revolve around these individuals rather than just the mysteries they’re trying to solve.

Shetland’s Similarities With Broadchurch Explained

Both Shows Are Character-Focused Crime Dramas

In various British detective and crime series, each episode presents a fresh mystery to solve. Series such as “Vera,” based on Ann Cleeves’ books, “Midsomer Murders,” “Endeavour,” “Inspector George Gently,” and others follow this pattern. However, shows like “Broadchurch” and “Shetland” (starting in season 3) delve into a new case per season while past cases continue to impact the investigators’ present circumstances as they grapple with new crimes and their personal struggles.

Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, but if you’re seeking a show that shares the storytelling style, atmosphere, themes, and character development of Broadchurch, Shetland seems quite comparable. While Jimmy Perez played by Douglas Henshall is less intense than Alec Hardy portrayed by David Tennant, they both grapple with the ghosts of their personal and professional histories.

If you’ve been missing the vibe of Broadchurch and are searching for a new series to fill that void, then this is an excellent moment to begin watching season 10 of Shetland, as it’s currently being produced.

All episodes of Shetland are now available to stream on BritBox.

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2025-07-06 00:27