One of the most critically acclaimed British crime dramas of all time,Happy Valley,will be available to stream in full on BritBox by the end of August. Created and written by legendary British TV writer Sally Wainwright,Happy Valleyfollows Yorkshire police sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire), determined to save her only grandson from his criminal, and downright villainous, biological father, Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton).
BritBox, home to classic and new British TV content in the US and Canada, recently announced its release schedule for August, which includes all three seasons ofHappy Valley. Season 1 will premiere on August 26, season 2 on August 27, and season 3 on August 28. The series was nominated for 13 BAFTAs and won six, including Best Writer, Best Lead Actress, and Best Drama Series.
Why You Should Watch Happy Valley
It’s An Incredibly Rewarding Watch
Happy Valleyis one of those rare gems that work on every level. The characters are endlessly compelling, the storyline is terrifyingly gripping and emotional, and the acting is second to none. Sally Wainwright’s scripts are tight and fast-paced, and Sarah Lancashire and James Norton’s performances as Catherine and Tommy are unforgettable. Some scenes will genuinely leave you feeling queasy.
Catherine hates Tommy viscerally. This is personal for her; she wants revenge, she wants to keep her grandson safe. She becomes personally invested in every one of Tommy’s victims' lives, and it raises the stakes to a whole new level.As we learn more about Catherine’s history, her friends and family, and her life, we become more invested in the outcome.
Our Take On Happy Valley’s Critical Acclaim
Happy Valley Deserves All The Praise It Gets
Happy Valleyis currently ranked 210th on the IMDb Top 250 TV Shows list,an achievement it utterly deserves. What setsHappy Valleyapart from the nearly endless stream of other British crime dramas is the personal conflict between Catherine and Tommy. This show isn’t just about a police officer intent on catching a violent criminal, because it’s her job. This is a vendetta, a family saga.
Sally Wainwright knows what she’s doing. This is a near-perfect, three-act show, a great example of telling a story with a linear plan and a strong, final ending.Happy Valleyis a brutal, emotional watch, and 100% worth your time.
Happy Valleystarts streaming on BritBox between August 26 and August 28.
