If you’ve ever seen an episode of Shetland, you'll be familiar with its gorgeous Scottish setting, slow-burn mysteries and endlessly brilliant cast (we're looking at you, Ashley Jensen). While we sadly can't offer news of more episodes just, we have discovered another exceptional crime drama we think you'll adore. Enter Hinterland.
The popular drama, which first aired on the BBC in 2014, was called the best BBC drama in years at the time and, more than a decade on, it's still up there in the crime drama hall of fame. At the centre of the story is tormented detective Tom Mathias (Richard Harrington), who leaves London for Aberystwyth for a fresh start. Only before he's even had a chance to unpack, he’s called to the scene of an attack at an isolated chalet in the sand dunes.
With three series of Hinterland available to stream on the BBC now, here’s everything you need to know about the crime drama before you tune in, including the plot, cast, and how to watch it.
What is Hinterland about?
Series one kicks off by introducing us to DCI Tom Mathias (Richard Harrington), who leaves his decade-long Met career in London to work in Aberystwyth, Wales, after suffering a personal tragedy (we won't give it away here). But before his fresh start has even begun, a brutal attack takes place in the sand dunes.
The victim is believed to be a 64-year-old God-fearing woman, Helen Jenkins, but she's nowhere to be found - at least not initially. The investigation leads Tom and his quick-thinking partner DI Mared Rhys (Mali Harries) to the remote village of Devil’s Bridge, where Helen's body is is found at the bottom of a deep ravine, not far from the site of the old children’s home that she ran for many years. And only by unlocking the secrets of the children’s home can Mathias crack the case and reveal the murderer.
After the success of series one, two further series followed, with Tom dealing with everything from being investigated by the Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC) about his conduct, an arson attack that leaves a mother and child fighting for their lives, and the murder of local minister. Sadly, a fourth series hasn't yet been commissioned, but it hasn't been ruled out entirely!
Who’s in the cast of Hinterland?
The main cast of Hinterland includes:
- Richard Harrington (Bleak House, Gunpowder) as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias
- Mali Harries (The Indian Doctor, Pobol y Cwm) as Detective Inspector Mared Rhys
- Alex Harries (Creisis, Keeping Faith) as Detective Constable Lloyd Elis
- Hannah Daniel (Keeping Faith, Holby City) as Detective Sergeant Siân Owens
- Aneirin Hughes as Chief Superintendent Brian Prosser
- Geraint Morgan (35 Diwrnod, 15 Days) as Iwan Thomas
In series two, Anamaria Marinca (Cameleon, Pobol y Cym) is introduced as Tom's estranged wife Meg Mathias, while the third series introduces Sian Reese-Williams (Holby City, Hidden) as Manon, a potential love interest.
Is there a trailer for Hinterland?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for the first series of Hinterland below.
Is Hinterland any good?
Yes, if you like shows like The Killing and Keeping Faith, you should enjoy Hinterland. Fans have praised it for being believable, well-acted and very atmospheric. It might well tempt you into taking a trip to Wales, too (if you can look past the crime!).
How can I watch Hinterland?
You can watch all three series of Hinterland on BBC iPlayer.
What other crime dramas can I watch now?
For another atmospheric, Wales-set drama, we'd recommend Under Salt Marsh. When the body of former detective turned teacher Jackie Ellis (Kelly Reilly)’s student is found drowned, it seems it might be linked to a personal case from her past. Under Salt Marsh is available to watch on NOW. Another brilliantly compelling series is His & Hers, which follows Anna (played by Tessa Thompson), a reclusive TV journalist, who becomes obsessive about discovering the truth about a murder in her hometown. His & Hers is available to watch now on Netflix.
