It’s a Doctor Who Reunion (Sort Of): BBC America to Air Eight-Part Drama Broadchurch

What a lovely New Year’s present! BBC America has acquired the rights to ITV’s Broadchurch – an eight-part drama that follows the events that unfold in a small town after the murder of a young boy places their peaceful community smack in the glare of a major media spotlight. This series is supposedly inspired by Swedish drama The Killing (which had an infamous – and unfortunate – American remake), so it’s probably safe to assume that’s probably the sort of atmosphere we’re going for here.

Broadchurch made my Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2013 list in large part because of its fantastic ensemble cast, which includes Doctor Who alums David Tennant and Arthur Darvill.  (Not even two weeks into the new year, and I’m already getting wishes granted. Good sign? Here’s hoping.) Former Tenth Doctor Tennant plays one of the detectives leading the investigation into the crime alongside his partner, played by Olivia Colman (who’s been in a multitude of British shows including Twenty Twelve and Peep Show). Fresh off his stint as a companion in the TARDIS, Darvill plays the town priest and the ensemble includes several other familiar faces, such as This is England’s Vicky McClure, Garrow’s Law’s Andrew Buchan and Marchland’s Jodie Whitaker.

The eight-part drama is written and created by former Torchwood headwriter and occasional Doctor Who scribe Chris Chibnall. There’s no airdate on either side of the pond for Broadchurch at present, though internet gossip seems to suggest a vague “Spring 2013” premiere for the UK. Given that the series is slated for BBC America’s Wednesday night Dramaville block, previous experience tells us that US transmission should be occurring somewhere roughly 3-4 weeks behind the UK airing. If the recent seasons of The Hour and Whitechapel, as well as new drama Ripper Street, are anything to go by, this would appear to be the pattern. Here’s hoping, at any rate!