Netflix’s Newest British Crime Thriller Is Stirring Up Major Controversy — Is It Really Better Than Broadchurch?

Netflix has once again ignited a firestorm — and this time, it’s over a British crime thriller that has critics raving, fans obsessing, and traditionalists furious.

The series, which debuted this week and already boasts a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is being hailed by some as the “new gold standard in UK crime drama,” even surpassing the legendary Broadchurch in intensity, mystery, and emotional depth.

But not everyone is on board — and the online debate is getting louder by the hour.

What’s the Series About? (Spoiler-Free)

Set in a bleak coastal town where secrets run deeper than the tide, the show begins with a gruesome discovery that shocks the quiet community and sets off a chain of dark revelations. What starts as a murder mystery quickly becomes a psychological puzzle, pulling viewers into a web of lies, grief, and corruption.

The story is anchored by two mesmerizing lead performances — one by a rising British actress who’s being compared to Olivia Colman in her Broadchurch prime, and the other by a veteran stage actor making a long-awaited return to television.

Their on-screen chemistry and emotional range are drawing high praise, with critics calling the pair “absolutely magnetic” and “the reason this show hits so hard.”

Why the Hype?

92% Rotten Tomatoes score

Critics calling it “unmissable, haunting, and utterly unpredictable”

A slow-burn narrative packed with shocking twists that rival Happy Valley and The Fall

Viewers binge-watching in one night, claiming they “forgot to breathe”

The cinematography, score, and script all blend together to create an atmosphere that’s chilling, intimate, and devastatingly real.

Why the Backlash?

While many are calling it the best British crime series of the decade, others are pushing back hard.

“Better than Broadchurch? Not even close.” — a fan comment on YouTube
“Too slow, too moody, and trying way too hard to be deep.” — Reddit user
“It’s just trauma porn wrapped in moody lighting.” — one critic from a UK tabloid

Some longtime fans of the genre are accusing Netflix of overhyping the show with comparisons to classics like Broadchurch, Line of Duty, and Luther. Others feel the darker tone and “prestige TV” approach are trying too hard to win awards rather than tell a grounded, believable story.

And then there’s the political criticism — with a few scenes and themes sparking accusations that the show is “pushing an agenda” instead of focusing on the mystery.

So… Is It Worth Watching?

Absolutely — but go in prepared. This isn’t a whodunnit you can watch while folding laundry. It demands your full attention and emotional investment. It’s brooding, poetic, and often painfully real.

If you’re a fan of Broadchurch, Marcella, Bodyguard, or The Missing, this show might just be your next obsession. But if you prefer lighter, procedural-style mysteries like Midsomer Murders or Death in Paradise, this one might feel a bit too heavy.

The Verdict

Whether it’s “better than Broadchurch” or not may depend on your taste — but one thing’s clear: Netflix has unleashed a crime drama that refuses to be ignored.
It’s raw, divisive, and already being talked about as one of the boldest British thrillers in years.

Love it or hate it, this is the series everyone will be debating this month — and it might just change the game for British mystery television.

Have you seen the show? Do you think it lives up to the hype — or is it just another overproduced Netflix thriller? Let us know in the comments!