Actor David Tennant: Broadchurch

Broadchurch series one focused on the search for the boy Danny’s murderer by detectives Alec Hardy (played by David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (played by Olivia Colman). Chibnall was inspired by the Jurassic Coast of Britain to set his crime drama in a fictional, close-knit small town in Dorset. Much of the tone of the series was inspired by the music of Ólafur Arnalds, who also composed the soundtrack for the programme.

Writing on spec, Chibnall convinced ITV to green-light the series in the autumn of 2011. Auditions soon followed, although some actors were offered roles directly. Principal photography began in August 2012, with location shooting occurring primarily in the towns and villages in Dorset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and the city of Bristol. The production went to great lengths to keep the identity of the murderer secret.

Cast and crew was nominated for many awards for series one; they won several British Academy Television (BAFTA) Awards and a BAFTA Craft Award.