We’re getting one more season of the excellent ITV drama Broadchurch starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman in the roles of DI Alec Hardy and DS Ellie Miller.
According to a statement from ITV, Broadchurch season 3 “will herald a brand new case for Miller and Hardy with the detectives reuniting to investigate a serious sexual assault.”
“This is the final chapter of Broadchurch,” said creator Chris Chibnall. “We have one last story to tell, featuring both familiar faces and new characters. I hope it’s a compelling and emotional farewell to a world and show that means so much to me.”
ITV offers a couple more hints about what lies ahead: “The series explores the consequences of a serious sexual assault as a Dorset community comes under the scrutiny of Hardy and Miller’s investigation. Based on a year of research with Dorset-based organisations who specialise in dealing with victims of sexual assault, and police advisors who specialise in investigating crimes of sexual violence, Broadchurch’s final chapter looks at the emotional cost to all of those involved and the irreparable damage to friendships and relationships.”
Broadchurch seasons 1 and 2 found Miller and Hardy investigating a murder and then fighting in the accused’s trial. The series spawned an American clone, also starring David Tennant, on Fox. The U.S. iteration co-starred Breaking Bad alum Anna Gunn. Unfortunately Fox’s version of the show didn’t do well ratings wise.
We’re glad Broadchurch is ending after three seasons, because we’d hate to see the show get stretched out too thin. Season 1 was great and season 2 was good, so hopefully season 3 is great again now that they can write a proper ending.
Season 3 — consisting of eight episodes — will begin filming this summer, so we’ll have to wait a little while before it hits our television screens. New cast members for Broadchurch’s final season include Julie Hesmondhalgh, Georgina Campbell, Sarah Parish, Charlie Higson and Mark Bazeley. Those last two take “significant roles,” according to ITV.