If you thought nothing could match the gripping intensity of Broadchurch, there’s another detective drama worth adding to your watchlist. And it brings back one of the original series’ biggest stars in a very different role.

Gracepoint, the American remake created by Broadchurch mastermind Chris Chibnall, reunites audiences with David Tennant as a troubled detective investigating a devastating crime in a seemingly peaceful coastal community. But this isn’t simply a retelling of a familiar story.

With a different setting, fresh characters and an ending that takes the story in an unexpected direction, the 10-part series has plenty to distinguish itself from its British predecessor. Better still, its less emotionally punishing approach makes it an easier binge for viewers who found Broadchurch particularly difficult to watch.

All 10 episodes are now available on Prime Video. Here’s what to know about the crime drama before settling in.

A TRAGIC DISCOVERY TURNS A QUIET CALIFORNIA TOWN UPSIDE DOWN

Set in a peaceful coastal town in California, Gracepoint begins with a heartbreaking discovery: the body of a 12-year-old boy is found on the beach.

Detective Emmett Carver, played by David Tennant, is brought in to investigate alongside Detective Ellie Miller, portrayed by Anna Gunn, best known for her performances in Breaking Bad and Deadwood.

What initially appears to be a straightforward investigation soon exposes the darker side of the close-knit community. As the detectives search for answers, buried secrets emerge, relationships come under pressure and the town begins to unravel.

Like Broadchurch, the series builds its mystery around a devastating crime and the people whose lives are caught up in the investigation. But Gracepoint has its own identity, and the differences become increasingly important as the story develops.

DAVID TENNANT RETURNS – BUT THE BIGGEST SURPRISE IS THE ENDING

One of the strongest reasons to watch Gracepoint is undoubtedly Tennant’s return as the lead detective.

However, viewers expecting an exact American recreation of Broadchurch may be surprised by just how much the remake changes.

The finale is perhaps the most significant departure. Without giving away the mystery, the conclusion takes a different direction from the original and delivers a cliffhanger that left viewers genuinely surprised.

Tennant himself previously explained to Business Insider that the two productions contained meaningful differences, including additional characters and plot elements that had no direct equivalent in Broadchurch.

He said:

“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.”

And there’s another transformation that fans will immediately notice: Tennant performs the entire series with an American accent.

It was a challenge he took seriously, working with dialect coaches and experts before putting in the hours of practice needed to make the accent feel natural.

Speaking to Collider, he explained:

“Obviously, it’s something that you take seriously, and you work with dialect coaches and experts to help you.”

He added that the goal was to practise until the accent became second nature, rather than something he had to consciously think about while filming.

For Tennant, transforming himself for a role is part of the appeal of acting, and changing his accent was another opportunity to do exactly that.

WHO STARS IN GRACEPOINT?

Alongside Tennant and Gunn, the series features an impressive ensemble cast, bringing together familiar faces from some of television and cinema’s biggest productions.

The main cast includes:

• David Tennant (Doctor Who) as Detective Emmett Carver.
• Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad) as Detective Ellie Miller.
• Josh Hamilton (Dark Skies) as Joe Miller.
• Michael Peña (Ant-Man) as Mark Solano.
• Virginia Kull (The Big Bend) as Beth Solano.
• Nick Nolte (Crime 101) as Jack Reinhold.
• Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook) as Susan Wright.
• Kevin Rankin (The Chaperone) as Paul Coates.
• Kevin Zegers (The Madison) as Owen Burke.
• Jessica Lucas (The Resident) as Renee Clemons.
• Stephen 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 Miller.
• Kendrick Sampson (Something from Tiffany’s) as Dean Iverson.

WATCH THE GRACEPOINT TRAILER

Want a glimpse of the mystery before committing to all 10 episodes?

The trailer introduces the Californian coastal setting, the central investigation and the tense atmosphere surrounding the town’s tragic discovery.

You can watch it below:

GRACEPOINT – New FOX Series | Official Trailer | Broadchurch Remake

IS GRACEPOINT ACTUALLY WORTH WATCHING?

The verdict? Yes – particularly if you’re a fan of David Tennant.

Although Olivia Colman’s absence is certainly noticeable for anyone who loved her performance as Ellie Miller in Broadchurch, Anna Gunn brings her own strengths to the role.

Tennant, meanwhile, delivers another compelling performance as the lead investigator.

Critical and audience reactions have been mixed, with some viewers preferring the original while others find themselves more drawn to the American version.

But Gracepoint has a few things working in its favour. Its approach is thoughtful, its performances are convincing and its emotional tone is somewhat less devastating than that of Broadchurch.

That last point could make all the difference. If you loved the original mystery but struggled with its emotional weight, this remake offers a slightly more accessible way to experience a similar kind of investigation – while still keeping you guessing.

And with a different ending waiting at the finish line, even viewers familiar with the original have a reason to keep watching.

HOW TO WATCH ALL 10 EPISODES OF GRACEPOINT

There’s no need to wait for a weekly release.

All 10 episodes of Gracepoint are currently available to stream on Prime Video, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a complete detective drama to binge-watch.

TWO MORE DETECTIVE DRAMAS TO ADD TO YOUR WATCHLIST

If you’re in the mood for another murder mystery, there are two more series worth considering.

1. Murder in a Small Town

For another crime drama set against a beautiful coastal backdrop, Murder in a Small Town offers a similar combination of picturesque surroundings and unsettling investigations.

The series follows big-city detective Karl Alberg, played by Rossif Sutherland, who relocates to an idyllic harbour town hoping to enjoy a quieter life.

Unfortunately, peace proves difficult to find. Before long, Alberg is investigating murders that wash up on his own shores.

You can stream Murder in a Small Town on Apple TV.

2. Inspector Ricciardi

For something rather different, Inspector Ricciardi offers a supernatural twist on the traditional detective formula.

The series follows the stylish Inspector Ricciardi, played by Lino Guanciale, who possesses an extraordinary ability: he can see the ghosts of the dead and hear their final thoughts.

That unusual gift gives him access to clues and perspectives that ordinary investigators could never uncover.

Inspector Ricciardi is available to stream on Channel 4.