If you have a DI Alec Hardy- and DS Ellie Miller-shaped hole in your TV schedule, we’ve found a drama that’s up there with Broadchurch. The 5-star detective drama Blackshore is set on the rugged west coast of Ireland. It follows the determined, fiery detective DI Fia Lucey as she returns to her hometown to take on a missing person’s case. And, the good news is, you can watch the whole thing tonight.

The Irish drama, which first aired in 2024, exudes the same small-town claustrophobia and coastal atmosphere as Broadchurch. Like DI Alec Hardy, DI Fia has a whole lot of personal trauma to unpack – and she has to face it when she’s forced back to her hometown after being dismissed from her team in Dublin.

Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know about Blackshore, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.

What is Blackshore about?

blackshore
UKTV

The Irish series Blackshore follows Detective Inspector Fia Lucey (Lisa Dwan), who’s in the midst of a professional crisis. She’s a laser-focused, ambitious investigator in Dublin, until a series of ‘undue force’ allegations sees her banished from her high-octane position. She picks up a post in her rural hometown which sits on the River Clare, a place she has spent a lifetime running away from.

When she arrives, she’s tasked with a missing-person case. A woman from Blackshore has disappeared in mysterious circumstances. Not only does Fia have to track her down, she must also face her tragic personal history. A tragedy that struck her family led her to leave the town on her final day of school two decades ago. Now, she’s back and she’s the talk of the town. Her former neighbours and journalists haven’t forgotten what made her leave in the first place.

As the investigation ramps up, Fia faces a litany of challenges. The town is prosperous thanks to a thriving whiskey distillery. Stakeholders and investors are not keen on Fia digging up the dark secrets beneath its flimsy veneer since they could impact the booming industry. As well as the prominent and powerful figures she comes up against, she must also face the ghosts of her family history.

What to read next

Lisa Dwan previously spoke to RTÉ about her role. ‘Fia's most like the type of theatre roles that I've chased,’ she said. ‘She’s so multi-faceted. She’s so surprising. She’s so strong and enigmatic and interesting, clever and vulnerable,’ she added.

Who’s in the cast of Blackshore?

blackshore
UKTV

The cast of Blackshore includes:

  • Lisa Dwan (Bloodlands) as DI Fia Lucey
  • Rory Keenan (The Duchess) as DI Cian Furlong
  • Stanley Townsend (The Teacher) as Bill McGuire
  • Andrew Bennett (Small Town, Big Story) as Donal Riley
  • Amy De Bhrún (Borderline) as Niamh Furlong
  • Jade Jordan (Northern Lights) as Donna Walsh
  • Aidan McArdle (The Holiday) as Charlie Reid

Is Blackshore any good?

blackshore
UKTV

Yes, if you’re after a Broadchurch replacement, look no further. DI Fia Lucey’s story parallels DI Alec Hardy’s. Like him, she has a lot of baggage and arrives in a remote coastal town to investigate a chilling crime. Although Fia isn’t a complete outsider because she grew up in the community, she’s still estranged and faces hostility from those around her. Equally, she’s prickly and dogged – but impossible not to root for.

Is there a trailer for Blackshore?

Yes, you can watch the trailer for Blackshore below.

How can I watch Blackshore?

You can watch Blackshore now on BBC iPlayer.

What other detective dramas can I watch now?

dci ellis (sharond clarke)
Steffan Hill

For another small-town female detective, we’d suggest Ellis. Tenacious DCI Ellis (Sharon D Clarke) is parachuted into failing investigations across northern England. She must solve baffling murders and disappearances, while dealing with hostility from the local police force. Ellis is available to watch now on Channel 5. Fancy something set further afield? Try Jack Irish. The Australian series centres around a rugged private investigator who takes on a slew of gruesome murders and strange conspiracies. Jack Irish is available to watch now on Channel 4.