Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloodless, gripping crime drama deals with child's murder.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Broadchurch
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?
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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
- Premiere date : March 4, 2013
- Cast : David Tennant , Jodie Whittaker , Olivia Colman
- Network : BBC America
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : June 14, 2025
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