The British television landscape has welcomed a compelling new crime drama that is already generating significant buzz and critical acclaim. Under Salt Marsh, a series set in a remote coastal village in north-west Wales, has achieved a remarkable perfect score of 100% on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. This early success has led many reviewers and fans to draw favorable comparisons with the highly praised ITV series Broadchurch, which starred Olivia Colman and David Tennant.
A Gripping Narrative in a Threatened Setting
The drama unfolds in the fictional village of Morfa Halen, a community facing the existential threat of rising sea levels. The story begins when Jackie Ellis, portrayed by Kelly Reilly, discovers the body of one of her young students following an apparent drowning incident. Jackie is a former detective who has transitioned into teaching, seeking a quieter life away from police work.
Her past, however, quickly catches up with her as she is joined by Detective Eric Bull, played by Rafe Spall. Bull is Jackie's former police partner, a detective carrying the weight of a previous failed investigation. Together, they suspect that the student's death may be connected to an older, unresolved case, prompting them to collaborate once more to uncover the truth.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reactions
In a review for the Sydney Morning Herald, critic Craig Mathieson explicitly stated that Under Salt Marsh is "as good as Broadchurch". This is high praise indeed, given that Broadchurch, which aired from 2013 to 2017, was celebrated for its intense storytelling and character development, even inspiring a US adaptation titled Gracepoint.
Viewers have also expressed their enthusiasm on social media platforms. One fan noted on X: "under salt marsh is really good so far, people complaining about it being slow annoy me like we are learning more about the town and people for a reason. Kelly Reilly is phenomenal as always." Another added: "Started under salt marsh so far so good Kelly Reilly is such a good actress." A third viewer simply stated: "First two episodes of Under Salt Marsh are excellent."
Lucy Mangan of The Guardian offered a thoughtful perspective, writing: "With a little leap of faith, viewers can surely look forward to a compelling, psychologically astute thriller that manages to weave a thoughtful meditation on the ramifications of isolation and suffering round its narrative poles."
An Impressive Supporting Cast
The series boasts a strong ensemble cast beyond its leads. Notable actors include Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Yang, Harry Lawtey, and Mark Stanley, each bringing depth to the intricate web of characters inhabiting Morfa Halen. Their performances contribute significantly to the show's atmospheric and emotionally resonant storytelling.
Parallel Success in Crime Drama
The acclaim for Under Salt Marsh arrives as ITV viewers have been celebrating another crime drama, After The Flood. This series, which returned for its second series earlier this year, stars Sophie Rundle as Constable Jo Marshall. Set in a small rural town dealing with devastating floods, the show follows Jo as she investigates a murder after discovering an unidentified body.
Fans have hailed After The Flood as the "best thing on TV" and even suggested it is "better" than the popular BBC series Happy Valley. The new series sees Jo promoted to detective, tackling a baffling murder case that becomes deeply personal, involving corruption within the town's police force and her own family. The cast includes Olivier nominee Lorraine Ashbourne and Philip Glenister, with the series written by BAFTA-nominated Mick Ford.
Availability and Broadcast Details
Under Salt Marsh is currently airing on Sky Atlantic and is available for streaming on the NOW platform. This accessibility allows a wide audience to engage with the series, contributing to its growing popularity and perfect critical score.
The combination of a haunting coastal setting, complex characters, and a mystery that intertwines personal and environmental stakes positions Under Salt Marsh as a standout addition to the crime drama genre. Its immediate success on Rotten Tomatoes and comparisons to established hits like Broadchurch suggest it may become a defining series for contemporary British television.
