10 Shows & Movies Similar to Happy Valley (2014)

Description: 'Luther' and 'Happy Valley' both feature brilliant but troubled detectives. While 'Luther' is more stylized and urban, both shows share a dark, intense tone and a focus on the psychological aspects of crime. Idris Elba's John Luther and Sarah Lancashire's Catherine Cawood are both deeply committed to their jobs, often at great personal cost.

Fact: 'Luther' was created by Neil Cross, who also wrote the novel 'Burial'. Idris Elba won a Golden Globe for his performance as John Luther. The show has been praised for its atmospheric soundtrack and cinematography.

Description: 'Scott & Bailey' and 'Happy Valley' both focus on female detectives navigating the challenges of policing and personal life. Both shows are known for their realistic portrayal of police work and their strong, complex female characters. The camaraderie between the leads in 'Scott & Bailey' is similar to the relationships in 'Happy Valley'.

Fact: 'Scott & Bailey' was created by Sally Wainwright, who also created 'Happy Valley'. The show was inspired by real-life female detectives. Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp, who play the titular characters, have great on-screen chemistry.

Description: 'Top of the Lake' and 'Happy Valley' both feature remote, atmospheric settings and strong female detectives investigating crimes involving young women. Both shows explore themes of gender, power, and violence. Elisabeth Moss's Robin Griffin, like Catherine Cawood, is a complex, resilient protagonist.

Fact: 'Top of the Lake' was co-created by Jane Campion, the Oscar-winning director of 'The Piano'. The series was filmed in New Zealand, standing in for the story's setting in the South Island. Holly Hunter, who plays GJ, improvised many of her lines.

Description: Like 'Happy Valley', 'Broadchurch' is a British crime drama that delves deep into the emotional and psychological impact of crime on a small community. Both series feature strong female leads (Catherine Cawood in 'Happy Valley' and Ellie Miller in 'Broadchurch') who are deeply affected by the cases they investigate. The storytelling is character-driven, with a focus on the personal lives of the detectives and the ripple effects of crime.

Fact: 'Broadchurch' was filmed on location in Dorset, England, and the stunning coastal scenery plays a significant role in the series. The show's first season was such a hit that it was remade in the US as 'Gracepoint', starring David Tennant in the same role. Olivia Colman, who plays Ellie Miller, won a BAFTA for her performance.

Description: 'The Fall' shares with 'Happy Valley' a dark, tense atmosphere and a focus on the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a criminal. Both series explore themes of violence against women and the psychological toll of policing. Gillian Anderson's Stella Gibson, like Sarah Lancashire's Catherine Cawood, is a formidable, no-nonsense detective with a complex personal life.

Fact: 'The Fall' was one of the first BBC dramas to be filmed in Northern Ireland. Jamie Dornan, who plays the serial killer Paul Spector, was relatively unknown before this role. The series was created by Allan Cubitt, who also wrote every episode.

Description: 'Line of Duty' and 'Happy Valley' both revolve around police work, but while 'Happy Valley' focuses on a single, harrowing case, 'Line of Duty' is about anti-corruption investigations. Both shows are known for their gritty realism, complex characters, and intense interrogation scenes. The moral ambiguity and high stakes are similar in both series.

Fact: 'Line of Duty' was created by Jed Mercurio, who also wrote 'Bodyguard'. The show is famous for its lengthy, tense interrogation scenes. It has won multiple BAFTA awards and is one of the BBC's most successful dramas.

Description: 'Shetland' and 'Happy Valley' both feature rural settings that play a significant role in the story. Both series are police procedurals with a strong sense of place and community. DI Jimmy Perez, like Catherine Cawood, is a dedicated detective who is deeply connected to the area he serves. The shows share a moody, atmospheric tone.

Fact: 'Shetland' is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. The series is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands, giving it a unique and authentic feel. Douglas Henshall, who plays Jimmy Perez, won a BAFTA for his performance.

Description: 'No Offence' and 'Happy Valley' both blend crime drama with dark humor. While 'Happy Valley' is more serious, 'No Offence' shares its gritty realism and strong female leads. Both shows explore the personal and professional lives of their characters, with a focus on the challenges of policing.

Fact: 'No Offence' was created by Paul Abbott, who also created 'Shameless'. The show is known for its sharp writing and quirky characters. It was filmed in Manchester, giving it a distinct northern flavor.

Description: 'Unforgotten' and 'Happy Valley' both focus on cold cases and the impact of past crimes on the present. Both series feature strong female leads (Nicola Walker's DCI Cassie Stuart and Sarah Lancashire's Catherine Cawood) who are deeply empathetic and dedicated to their work. The shows share a slow-burning, character-driven approach to storytelling.

Fact: 'Unforgotten' was created by Chris Lang, who also wrote many of the episodes. The series is known for its ensemble cast, with each season featuring a new case and a new set of suspects. Nicola Walker's performance has been widely praised for its subtlety and depth.

Description: 'Marcella' and 'Happy Valley' both feature troubled female detectives dealing with personal demons while solving crimes. Both shows are dark, psychological thrillers with complex narratives. Anna Friel's Marcella Backland, like Catherine Cawood, is a flawed but determined protagonist.

Fact: 'Marcella' was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, the writer behind 'The Bridge'. The show was originally titled 'The Bridge UK' before being renamed. Anna Friel learned to speak Swedish for her role in the series.