“Beautiful, surprising, original and at all times staying true to what it is”
It is increasingly rare for a drama to become a national television moment, but that’s exactly what Sally Wainwright’s compelling series achieved. A whopping 7.5 million tuned in live for the nail-biting conclusion. According to the BBC, the show averaged 11.9 million after 28 days, making it the most successful original series of the year.
The third and final outing of the Lookout Point drama was described by one judge as “beautiful, surprising, original and at all times staying true to what it is”.
After almost a decade away, Sergeant Catherine Cawood (played by Sarah Lancashire) returns to our screens on the verge of taking retirement.
However, in typical Happy Valley fashion, she is drawn into a case after discovering the remains of a gangland murder victim, sparking a series of events that lead to a showdown between Cawood and her long-standing adversary, Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton).
The judges were impressed by how rewarding the final showdown was, describing it as “utterly compelling”. One praised the ending for “avoiding the obvious high-octane route for a stando between Catherine and Tommy, which was heart-breaking, harrowing and hugely satisfying”.
Another said: “There is absolutely nothing I could criticise about Happy Valley.”
SHORTLISTED
Blue Lights
Two Cities Television & Gallagher Films for BBC
Following new recruits as they learn the ropes, this gritty drama explores the unique pressures and dangers faced by the Belfast police. The series stacked up impressive ratings, with the first two episodes averaging 4.4 million over seven days, quickly earning it a second series.
Hijack
60Forty Films & Idiotlamp Productions in association with Green Door Pictures for Apple TV+
This glossy Apple TV+ thriller follows corporate negotiator Sam Nelson (Idris Elba) on a tense seven-hour flight from Dubai to London as he attempts to save everyone on board a hijacked plane. The seven-episode series was praised by the judges for being utterly bingeable and a joy to watch.
I Hate Suzie Too
Bad Wolf for Sky Atlantic
This follow-up to Lucy Prebble and Billie Piper’s compelling unravelling of actress Suzie Pickles is every bit as captivating as the first. The judges said that, if anything, it goes darker and deeper, which makes for exhilarating viewing.
The English
Drama Republic & Eight Rooks for BBC
This Western starring Emily Blunt was praised by the judges for the quality of its production. It follows the story of an Englishwoman (Blunt) who travels the American West in the 1890s seeking revenge on the man she considers responsible for the death of her son.
The Sixth Commandment
Wild Mercury Productions & True Vision for BBC
This BBC drama series follows the grim true story of the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin, and the subsequent investigation into and the trial of Ben Field and Martyn Smith. The judges were impressed by the care and sensitivity with which this shocking story was told.
Award sponsored by Maidstone Studios
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