'Masterpiece' BBC crime drama with 98% score hailed 'the best show on British TV'

The UK has produced some incredible crime dramas over the years. Just to name a couple, there's Sherlock and Luther, which remain firm fan favourites. But there's another BBC series that some viewers say is "the best show on British TV at the moment", and it has a near-perfect 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

That show is Happy Valley, a gripping crime drama set in West Yorkshire. It stars Sarah Lancashire as police sergeant Catherine Cawood, who is still dealing with the suicide of her daughter. She's raising her grandson alone when she discovers that the man she holds responsible for her daughter's suicide has been released from prison, and becomes determined to confront him.

The series first aired on BBC One in 2014 and ran for three seasons, with the final episode broadcast in 2023.

It was created by Sally Wainwright, who also wrote and co-directed the show. The cast includes James Norton, who plays one of the greatest villains of British television - Tommy Lee Royce.

The drama won multiple BAFTAs for Best Drama Series and is widely considered one of the best shows the BBC has ever made.

It currently holds a 98% critic score and 94% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

One reviewer said: "This series was superbly made. Sarah Lancashire did a superb job as the hard-nosed police sergeant who could cry, laugh and yet remain impartial when dealing with criminals."

Another added: "Absolutely one of the best things we have watched on TV. Superb acting, great storylines."

A third wrote: "Three series of sublime television as good as anything in the world at the moment."

One fan said: "Brilliant drama with a great cast and stellar writing. It's the best show on British TV at the moment."

Another added: "I don't think I've ever watched a series that comes anywhere near the outstanding quality of Happy Valley."

Someone else said: "The best TV drama ever! I'm re-watching season one and two at the minute before I go straight into season three. Watching it a second time is every bit as intense and gripping as the first time."

The final episode of the whole series received glowing reviews. The Guardian called it "brutal, tender, funny, compelling and heartbreaking," while The Telegraph gave it five stars and praised its emotional ending.

All three seasons are available to watch on BBC iPlayer, and judging by the reviews, Happy Valley is a show that crime drama fans won't want to miss.