Key takeaways:
– David Tennant, best known for his role in Doctor Who, also starred in Broadchurch.
– During an interview, he shared his belief that Broadchurch was revolutionary in its storytelling approach.
– Many new UK tv shows seem influenced by the groundbreaking format used in Broadchurch.
– Despite the original’s success, an American remake named Gracepoint was unable to match its popularity.
How Broadchurch Revolutionized British Television
Although globally recognised for his iconic role in Doctor Who, actor David Tennant starred in several other noteworthy projects, including the widely celebrated UK series Broadchurch. Tennant recently reflected on the profound influence this show had on British television during an interview with IndieWire.
Groundbreaking Storytelling Approach
Broadchurch, a series revolving around cops and crime, is credited for its innovative take on a common concept. The show expertly presented complexities in characters that were an uncommon sight on television up until that point.
During the interview, Tennant revealed his belief in Broadchurch’s contribution to a paradigm shift in UK television. He stated, “It has a way of examining characters that you don’t often get in TV drama.” Notably, he suggested that several series that emerged following Broadchurch’s run wouldn’t have existed without the series setting a precedent.
Understanding its Impact
In discussing the profound effect of Broadchurch, Tennant acknowledges that, while it might sound self-centered, the show certainly created a new standard other British series tried to follow. The show’s success, Tennant believes, can be attributed to the creator Chris Chibnall’s ability to craft something fresh, recognizably truthful and, most importantly, something that resonated with the public.
Being a part of such an influential project was an honor for Tennant. Besides revolutionizing the television narrative’s approach, Broadchurch showcased an excellent ensemble of actors including Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker, and Jonathan Bailey, and enjoys a high 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Failed Imitation: Gracepoint
A common trend witnessed in Hollywood is to remake successful British shows for American audiences. While this strategy can sometimes bear fruit, often, it fails to leave a lasting impression. The American remake of Broadchurch, titled Gracepoint, stands as an example of this latter situation.
Interestingly, David Tennant also starred in the remake. However, despite the successful original formula and Tennant’s involvement, Gracepoint couldn’t match Broadchurch’s popularity and critical acclaim. With a mere 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Gracepoint was canceled after its first season. This highlights the challenge in replicating the success of an original series that achieved near perfection with its storytelling and characterization.
The Underrated Broadchurch
Despite not enjoying the same level of global recognition as Doctor Who, David Tennant’s performance in Broadchurch secured its place in British television history. The show’s groundbreaking approach to presenting complex characters and narratives continues to influence new shows, as acknowledged by Tennant.
However, attempts to recreate this success on American soil didn’t fare as well, proving once again that replicating an original series’ magic is no mean feat. So, whether you’re a die-hard Tennant fan or on the lookout for quality television, Broadchurch is a must-watch series available for streaming on Prime Video.
