The 98% Rated British Crime Drama Masterpiece On BritBox
Warning: This article discusses the topics of rape and suicide.
From Broadchurch to Luther, there are many British crime dramas that are masterpieces, and thanks to BritBox, the highly acclaimed Happy Valleyis finally available to stream. While there are plenty of underrated British crime TV shows, Happy Valley is a hugely popular title in the UK, and it has simply lacked further attention on an international scale.
That is, until now, with the streaming service BritBox finally making Happy Valley available to watch outside the UK. Happy Valley is one of the best British thriller shows that will hook you immediately, and if you’re a crime drama fan, the show’s 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes should be more than enough to convince you to watch it.
Happy Valley Is One Of The Best British Crime Dramas Of All Time
Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood with a cut on her cheek in Happy Valley
Upon its addition to the streaming service, Happy Valley is undoubtedly one of the best TV shows on BritBox right now. The showcenters on Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant who is raising her grandson Ryan (Rhys Connah), the son of her late daughter, Becky, who committed suicide 8 years prior.
Ryan was conceived when Becky was raped, and his father, James Norton’s Tommy Lee Royce, serves as the main antagonist of Happy Valley. Following Tommy’s release from prison, Catherine becomes obsessed with confronting her daughter’s attacker, especially as she holds him responsible for Becky’s death.
Happy Valley Season
Rotten Tomatoes Rating (September 2025)
Season 1
96%
Season 2
100%
Season 3
100%
Happy Valley has won an incredible six BAFTAs, including Best Writer, Best Lead Actress for Sarah Lancashire, and Best Drama Series, and it’s no surprise. Sarah Lancashire is a titan of industry in British TV, and Happy Valley’s writer, Sally Wainwright, is also an iconic figure in that world.
Why Crime Drama Fans Need To Watch Happy Valley
Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood holding a rock next to a sheep in Happy Valley
While the story in each season of the show differs slightly, the overall narrative always comes back to this somewhat game of cat and mouse between Catherine and Tommy. Their back and forth is astounding, and it’s the main reason why Happy Valley is such a compelling watch, let alone one of the best BBC dramas of all time.
Happy Valley is often compared to crime TV shows like Broadchurch, in the sense that when it was originally airing, it turned into an event title. Pretty much everyone in the UK was hooked, and that’s why it’s so great that so many more are now getting the chance to watch it.
Even outside the main storyline, there is plenty to sink your teeth into. For example, Catherine’s struggle when Ryan starts displaying traits of his father’s is particularly compelling, as is the story of Catherine’s sister, Clare (Siobhan Finneran), who is a recovering addict. Another is the on-off relationship between Catherine and her ex-husband, Richard (Derek Riddell), whose marriage broke down after their daughter’s demise.
Ultimately, Catherine’s character arc is what will keep you engaged with Happy Valley until the end. Her hatred for Tommy is unparalleled, and it’s impossible not to get invested in her journey. While Tommy is already a violent criminal, as his time inside is related to multiple instances, not just Becky’s death, Catherine’s search for him is so much more than just a police matter.
Learning more about Catherine’s past is enthralling, and watching as her attempt to do her job turns into a full-blown man hunt is nothing short of thrilling. Happy Valley is a fantastic watch, and it’s hard to consider yourself a real crime drama fan if you haven’t seen it yet.
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