‘Masterpiece’ crime drama on BBC ‘on par’ with Line of Duty and Broadchurch

An ‘unmissable’ crime drama is being labelled as being ‘on par’ with Broadchurch and Line of Duty, with audiences declaring it’s ‘the very best of British drama’.

It’s no secret that shows like Broadchurch and Line of Duty are considered to be the Holy Grail of the crime drama genre. The police procedurals are frequently hailed as being ‘the very best of British television’ and most who have watched the shows would agree.

Now, another under-the-radar crime drama is being labelled as being ‘on par’ with these benchmark-setting series, with audiences declaring the show is ‘the best of British drama’ and ‘not to be missed’. Currently streaming for free on BBC iPlayer, Sherwood has left viewers utterly captivated and ‘hooked from the first episode’.

Written and created by three-time Olivier Award winner James Graham (Brexit: The Uncivil War), Sherwood is inspired by real-life murders that occurred in 2004 in Annesley Woodhouse, a small mining village in Nottinghamshire.

Sherwood’s first season aired on BBC One in June 2022, and the show was swiftly renewed for a second series, which premiered on television in August 2024.

In September of that same year, a third season was announced, which just wrapped up production and is expected to land on BBC One in the latter half of 2026.

The series stars an incredible Lesley Manville and David Morrissey in the lead, joined by Lorraine Ashbourne, Adeel Akhtar, Claire Rushbrook, Philip Jackson, Robert Glenister, Kevin Doyle, Perry Fitzpatrick, and Bill Jones to round out a talented supporting cast.

The series’ official plot states: “Two shocking and unexpected murders shatter an already fractured community, leading to one of the largest manhunts in British history while threatening to inflame historic divisions sparked during the Miners’ Strike three decades before.”

Over its two-season run, Sherwood has been nominated for five BAFTAs, including for Best Drama Series, and Adeel Akhtar bagged the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Andy Fisher in season 1.

Boasting a 96% average score on Rotten Tomatoes across its two seasons, Sherwood has emerged as an audience-favourite.

One critic said of the show: “Sherwood might just be the most compelling crime drama to come out of the UK since Broadchurch.”

While another reviewer writes: “As a murder mystery, Sherwood offers everything that a quality crime drama should. It’s laced with juicy hooks, twists and revelations, and has a vivid sense of place.”

A third critic commented: “A multi-layered drama, with several sub-plots, two grisly killings and one foot firmly in a troubled past, this is chilling, clever and unmissable.”

While one reviewer declared: “Forty years of emotion and history have been transmuted, lovingly and painstakingly, into art. It’s the cleverest, most compelling and most moving thing I’ve seen in years.”

Audiences have been left equally captivated, with one viewer comparing it to Broadchurch and Line of Duty on IMDB: “Compelling drama this, every now and then a drama comes along and grabs you, it intrigues, tantalises and immerses you, Broadchurch, Line of Duty, and a few others, Sherwood is very close to being on par with them.”

Another audience review reads: “Ridiculously first rate. Reminds me of the top notch gravitas of Broadchurch, same unimpeachably high production values and knockout writing and acting.”

While one IMDB user review states: “Absolute class. BBC drama at its brilliant best. A stellar cast of top notch actors and a story line that always keeps you guessing with some real jaw dropping moments. This is definitely one of the best series of the year. Not to be missed.”

Another fan’s IMDB review reads: “How refreshing to see so many top British actors coming together in this superbly written TV drama. I spent the first 2 episodes spotting some of the British greats. This has to be up there with the best of British drama. Gripping.”

While one viewer said: “Best Of British Drama. I was hooked after the first episode. Original storyline based on true events. An array of first class popular British actors. Addicted and loving it. BBC drama at its best.”

Sherwood is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.