Broadchurch
- Network: BBC America
- Genre: Drama
Common Sense Media says
Bloodless, gripping crime drama deals with child's murder.
- Network: BBC America
- Genre: Drama
What parents need to know
Positive role models
Violence
Sex
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Broadchurch revolves around the death of an 11-year-old boy, but there's no blood and only a few brief shots of the body. That said, you will hear some unbleeped swearing (mostly "s--t") and other salty terms like "piss off" and "hell." All other iffy content is mostly described rather than shown: several characters are involved in illegal drug-dealing, and two characters are having an affair.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's the story?
When the body of an 11-year-old boy is found face-down on the beaches of BROADCHURCH, a quiet town on the English coast where murder is an anomaly, no one knows what to make of the crime. But as Detective Inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) work together to find the killer, the local residents' best-kept secrets begin bubbling to the surface.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
Inspired by series creator Chris Chibnall's longtime home on the Jurassic Coast, the fictional town of Broadchurch seems like the kind of place everyone would want to live. But when you learn that the town's first murder in recent memory is that of an 11-year-old boy, it suddenly isn't as idyllic as it seems. You're also effectively hooked, thanks to thoughtful pacing and an intriguing ensemble of characters who make for a high-quality whodunit.
The most refreshing aspect of Broadchurch for parents will be its reluctance to rely on overly graphic visuals -- a rare thing indeed for a modern crime drama -- which means it's relatively safe for older teens, too. Not that they'll definitely want to watch, but if they do, they'll be treated to a well-constructed series that proves you don't need bells and whistles to make an impression.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about the fictional town of Broadchurch and how closely it resembles the places they live. Is murder as rare in your town as it is in Broadchurch? How would the people of your community react if a similar crime took place where you live?
Broadchurch was a critically acclaimed series in its native Britain. How well do you think it will play to American audiences? Does the fact that it's set in the UK make it more or less appealing?
How does Broadchurch's violent content compare to other crime series you've seen? Does a series have to be bloody and graphic to be gripping?
TV details
| Cast: | David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Olivia Colman |
| Network: | BBC America |
| Genre: | Drama |
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
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QUALITY
Decent show, marred by excessive sexual sub-plots
Made a point to watch, or dvr Broadchurch after reading some of the glowing reviews. The actors, setting and plot are all very good or excellent.
While I don't consider myself a prude by any means, I am a bit upset that the writers had to throw in 4 or 5 sexual sub-plots to spice this show up. One or two of them are key to the plot, but come on!
(Warning plot spoilers ahead)
- The father of the mudered boy was having an affair the night of his sons death
- The old shop owner was accused of being a pedophile, later it turns out he was shagging a 15 year old.
- The boys daughter who is 15, is dating a 17 year old, and shaggibg him---al least with condoms.
- The newspaper affair. They kiss, then wind up shagging. We see them wake up together and discuss shagging again.
- The detective on the case embarrases himself by coming on to the B&B's owner. She refuses to shag.
I probably missed some, but really, do we need all of this to keep our attention. This is on BBC, which is part of why I think this is a bit much. I enjoy shows like Game of Thrones and True Blood where the sex and violence is expected and needed.
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QUALITY
Broadchurch effectively pulls you in to a whole new life, filled with mystery, wonder, and heartbreak
A brilliantly dark show. Completely terrifying and beautifully structured. You cannot help but be hooked. Broadchurch does more than entertain - it gives one a perspective on life. Nothing is as it seems. Even though it portrays such twisted ideas, it gives one a stunning sense of beauty and love. It makes one question what this world has come to, and it makes one believe in something more. It will make you smile, and it will most certainly make you cry!
What other families should know
Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
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QUALITY
A Fantastic Show
Broadchurch is a really great show. I think it is appropriate for kids about 12- 13 area as long as they are mature and understand some concepts. I admit that it has it's fair share of swearing (s***, and the occasional f***), but the bigger problem is probably sex. One character is having an affair with another, and it is spoken of that people are having sex. One scene shows a character's naked butt, but overall, it is just mentions of having sex. Besides finding a pack of cocaine under a minor's bed, there isn't much drugs either. If you can overlook these points, it is a fantastic show. David Tennant and Olivia Coleman don't fail to impress, and the plot is beautifully written. I couldn't put the show down once I started it, and am eagerly awaiting the arrival of Season 2. Even if you aren't into mystery, crime, or drama, this show is very well done and is worth your while.
What other families should know
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
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