ITV commissions new crime drama from Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall

New series, Death at The White Hart, moves straight to production

ITV has greenlit a new crime drama, Death at The White Hart, created by Chris Chibnall, the mastermind behind Broadchurch. Based on Chibnall's debut novel, the series is skipping the traditional route of book publication and going straight to production.

Plot and Production Details

Produced by Red Planet Pictures and Imaginary Friends Productions, the show will premiere on ITV1 and STV, while viewers can also catch it on ITVX and STV Player for streaming. Fremantle has been tasked with handling international distribution. Set in the quaint Dorset village of Fleetcombe, the series follows Detective Nicola Bridge as she delves into the murder of a pub landlord, unraveling a web of secrets and rivalries within the close-knit community. Filming is slated to commence next year.

Creator's Vision and Network's Enthusiasm

Chris Chibnall, buoyed by the success of Broadchurch, expressed his confidence in ITV being the perfect platform for this new adaptation. He praised ITV's Drama Director, Polly Hill, for her unwavering support of Death at The White Hart, calling it a "specifically British story about how people live their lives right now." Hill reciprocated the sentiment, hailing the project as a "perfect partnership" and lauding Chibnall's storytelling prowess. Belinda Campbell from Red Planet Pictures chimed in, highlighting the story's strong foundation and well-crafted characters, ideal for television.

Legacy of Broadchurch

Broadchurch, the hit series led by David Tennant and Olivia Colman, garnered a massive fanbase and critical acclaim, boasting a remarkable 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With Chibnall at the helm once again, Death at The White Hart is poised to captivate audiences and continue the tradition of compelling British crime dramas.