When a series is as well cast as Broadchurch, it’s always going to be a challenge to create a series that’s just as good, but that’s exactly what creator Chris Chibnall decided to do when he created a US remake in the form of Gracepoint. So, did he pull it off? If you want our honest opinion, yes – and hear us out, we think the detective drama is even more watchable than Broadchurch.
Why? Firstly, it features the return of David Tennant as our lead detective and he’s beyond brilliant in it. Secondly, while the plot isn’t entirely different from the original, it’s not quite as devastatingly emotional, which makes it somewhat easier to watch. And the ending? Well, we’d go as far as to say it’s superior (spoiler: it involves quite the cliffhanger).
With the series now available to watch on Prime Video, here’s everything we think you should know before you tune in, including the full plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is Gracepoint about? 
Fox
As we mentioned, the 10-part series is a remake of ITV’s beloved detective drama Broadchurch. The series has original creator Chris Chibnall behind it and, while Olivia Colman sadly doesn’t reprise her role as DS Ellie Miller, David Tennant does play the lead investigator Emmett Carver. DS Ellie is played Anna Gunn who you might recognise from Deadwood or Breaking Bad.
Set in a peaceful coastal town in California, the story opens with the tragic discovery of a 12-year-old boy’s body on the beach. Detectives Emmett Carver and Ellie Miller are assigned to the case and, no spoilers, but as the investigation unfolds, the close-knit community finds itself pulled apart as long-buried secrets come to light.
Fox
The biggest difference between Gracepoint and Broadchurch is undoubtedly the ending, and while we won’t give anything away, the Gracepoint finale left many viewers shocked, to say the least. Explaining how the series is different to Broadchurch, David Tennant told Business Insider: “There are bits of plot; there are some characters in Gracepoint that no equivalent existed for in Broadchurch. It didn’t really feel like a repetition, it just felt like you were telling a story that was familiar, but there were enough differences.
Fans might be surprised to know that Tennant has an American accent in the series, something he worked hard on to get right. “Obviously, it’s something that you take seriously, and you work with dialect coaches and experts to help you,” he told Collider.
“And then, you just practice until it’s in your bones, and so it’s not something that you’re thinking about when you’re on set, every day. You do your homework, and then you wind it up and let it go. I always like seeing people transforming themselves, in whatever way that might be, and a different accent is part of that.”
Who’s in the cast of Gracepoint?
Fox
The cast of Gracepoint includes:
David Tennant (Doctor Who) as Detective Emmett CarverAnna Gunn (Breaking Bad) as Detective Ellie MillerJosh Hamilton (Dark Skies)as Joe MillerMichael Peña (Ant-Man) as Mark Solano Virginia Kull (The Big Bend)as Beth Solano Nick Nolte (Crime 101) as Jack ReinholdJacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) as Susan WrightKevin Rankin (The Chaperone)as Paul CoatesKevin Zegers (The Madison)as Owen Burke Jessica Lucas (The Resident)as Renee ClemonsStephen Louis Grush (Catch Hell)as Vince Novik Madalyn Horcher (Curve) as Chloe Solano Sarah-Jane Potts (Kinky Boots) as Gemma Fisher Jack Irvine (The Killing) as Tom MillerKendrick Sampson (Something from Tiffany’s) as Dean Iverson Is there a trailer for Gracepoint?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Gracepoint below.
Is Gracepoint any good?
Fox
Yes – while admittedly, Olivia Colman’s presence is missed, David Tennant is as fantastic as ever and Anna Gunn makes a very good Ellie Miller. The reviews have been mixed, with some viewers enjoying it more and others enjoying it far less than the original, but we’d say it’s thoughtful, realistic and if you found the original quite heavy, Gracepoint is slightly more watchable.
How can I watch Gracepoint?
You can watch all 10 episodes of Gracepoint now on Prime Video.
What other detective dramas can I watch now?
Fox
For another detective drama with a glorious coastal setting, check out Murder in a Small Town. The series introduces us to big city detective Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland) who relocates to an idyllic harbour town where he hopes to find peace. Unfortunately, however, it’s not long before he’s solving the murders that wash up on his shore. You can watch Murder in a Small Town now on Apple TV. For something a little different, try Inspector Ricciardi. The very dashing Inspector Ricciardi (Lino Guanciale) has a rather unusual gift in that he can see the ghosts of the dead and hear their final thoughts. Inspector is available to watch now on Channel 4 streaming.
READ MORE TV NEWS HERE