Fans of the popular period detective drama Grantchester are being encouraged to explore an alternative viewing option this evening, with many devotees hailing the ITVX series Endeavour as an absolute masterpiece and a phenomenal piece of television.
Grantchester's Penultimate Series Returns
Grantchester has made its highly anticipated comeback for series ten, with Robson Green reprising his role as DI Geordie Keating and Rishi Nair returning as Reverend Alphy Kottaram. The latest episode, airing on Thursday, February 12, on ITV, sees Cathy (Kacey Ainsworth) and Mrs Chapman (Tessa Peake-Jones) launching a new fashion boutique. However, their venture takes a dark turn when the body of their sleazy promotional photographer is discovered, creating significant complications for the investigation.
The Compelling Alternative: Endeavour
For those seeking something different, the crime drama Endeavour offers a captivating alternative. Set in the 1960s rather than the 1950s, the series follows a novice detective and his superior as they solve intricate murder cases across Oxford and its surrounding areas.
Endeavour serves as a prequel to the immensely successful Inspector Morse, which was adapted from Colin Dexter's novel collection and ran for thirteen years until its conclusion in 2000. The younger incarnation of Inspector Morse is portrayed by Shaun Evans, known for his roles in Betrayal and Vigil, as he joins the constabulary as a rookie detective constable.
He is joined by his superior, DI Fred Thursday, played by Roger Allam, and Sara Vickers, who stars as Joan Thursday. The series has garnered widespread critical acclaim, achieving an outstanding 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to Grantchester's respectable 76%.
Audience Acclaim and Streaming Availability
All nine series of Endeavour are available to stream completely free of charge on ITVX, making it an accessible option for viewers. On platforms like Reddit and IMDb, fans have been effusive in their praise, with one declaring it the best detective show ever and another describing it as without doubt, a triumph.
One enthusiast shared, The finale messed me up. It's not happy good feel times, but it's phenomenal. Another viewer lauded the show as superb, adding, The writing, acting, production values, and direction are as fine as those in any film I've ever seen.
Rewatch Appeal and Authentic Atmosphere
Many fans have admitted to rewatching the series multiple times, with one stating, As soon as I had finished watching I watched it again taking in all the things I had missed the first time. Another confessed, I've watched this three times and will definitely watch it again. My only complaint is that there aren't enough episodes.
The authentic period atmosphere has also been highlighted, with a viewer praising, You can just feel the old atmosphere through the screen. Amazing actors & music. Feels really authentic. A must watch! This strong rewatch value and immersive quality underscore why Endeavour is being recommended as a top-tier alternative to Grantchester for fans of detective dramas.
