Why was Broadchurch cancelled?
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Broadchurch returns to ITV: Why the hit series was cancelled

Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall has spoken out

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Broadchurch is back on our screens.

Unfortunately, no, David Tennant and Olivia Colman haven’t reunited for a new series.

ITV is simply treating the nation to a re-run of the first season after running out of new material during lockdown.

Given how brilliant the crime drama is, some fans will undoubtedly wonder why was Broadchurch cancelled.

Well, here’s everything you need to know…

Why was Broadchurch cancelled?
Broadchurch was cancelled after three series (Credit: ITV)

Why was Broadchurch cancelled?

Broadchurch was cancelled due to a “plausibility issue”.

When ITV originally commissioned the drama, it was supposed to be a standalone series.

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However, due to its roaring success, ITV asked writer Chris to turn it into a trilogy.

According to David Tennant, who plays DI Alec Hardy, it wouldn’t have made sense to stretch out the drama any further than this.

Broadchurch is unlikely to return for a fourth series
Broadchurch is back on ITV (Credit: ITV)

“There was always the expectation that we wouldn’t overdo it simply because there’s a plausibility issue,” he explained.

“It’s a small town in the west of England, there just wouldn’t be that many appalling events going on there. After a certain point you’ve got to accept that that would stretch credibility.”

READ MORE: Who killed Danny in Broadchurch and how did he die?

He added: “For the sake of the truthfulness of the situation, we had to kind of walk away from it.”

At least we’ll always have the first three series.

Broadchurch was cancelled after three series
David Tenannt and Olivia Colman have not reunited for a fourth season (Credit: ITV)

Will there be a new series of Broadchurch?

Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall has always maintained that he doesn’t have plans for a fourth series.

“There were three stories and I wouldn’t want to do repeated versions of these crimes. I don’t think that would ring true to me,” he told Entertainment Weekly.

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“I don’t think I have another story for this world and I’m not sure that will change, really, so, I think it’s probably goodbye for good.”

But Chris hasn’t ruled out another series of Broadchurch should it be set abroad.

Jodie Whittaker as Beth Latimer in ITV's hit crime drama Broadchurch
Broadchurch ran for three series (Credit: ITV)

The writer joked: “I think wherever David Tennant and Olivia Colman might wish to spend a few months of their year.”

He added: “Yeah, Hawaii could be good, France, New Zealand. I’m sure you’d have eager ears from some of the cast!”

However, David has addressed rumours before.

READ MORE: Where is David Tennant now? Broadchurch star’s new BBC series revealed

There were reported that DI Alec Hardy (David) and Detective Ellie Miller (Olivia) would get a spin-off series.

But David was quick to put an end to that speculation..

He told Indie Wire: “I don’t think anyone seriously talks about there being any kind of spin-off because I think we all know that that’s not what should happen.”

Broadchurch | Series 2 Official Trailer | ITV

How many series are there of Broadchurch?

In total, there are three series of Broadchurch.

Each season featured eight episodes which were all aired on ITV.

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The first series, which was broadcast in 2013, was watched by an average of 9.37 million.

Season two aired two years later in 2015 and was seen by an average audience of 9.68 million.

The last series, which was shown in 2017, was by far the most popular and was watched on average by 10.75 million viewers.

However, the hit series was then cancelled.

Since the finale of series three, fans have been calling on ITV for one more season.

Broadchurch is on ITV, Mondays at 9pm.

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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