‘Happy Valley’ Is the Show 'Mare of Easttown’ Fans Can’t Stop Raving About

Mare of Easttown became one of 2021’s biggest TV series hits when it premiered in mid-April and gained more popularity when the last episode dropped in May. 

If you’re yet to still watch it, the HBO detective drama series follows detective Mare Sheehan (played by Kate Winslet) in a small Pennsylvania town where she investigates a local murder while her life crumbles around her. It explores the dark side of a close community that will literally leave you on the edge of your seat. 

But for those who binged-watched their way through all seven episodes and are patiently waiting for Season 2 to drop (yes, there have been talks of this being a possibility), there’s another show fellow Mare of Easttown fans can’t stop raving about: Happy Valley.

It’s become evident on Twitter that Happy Valley’s straight-talking, murder-solving female detective Sergeant Catherine Cawood will give you the same vibes as Kate Winslet’s character. 

“Having binged Mare of Easttown over the last few nights, I am now ready to join the discourse: Kate Winslet is as good as everyone says, on par with Sarah Lancashire in Happy Valley, which is the benchmark for such roles,” one person wrote.

Having binged Mare of Easttown over last few nights, I am now ready to join the discourse: Kate Winslet is as good as everyone says, on par with Sarah Lancashire in Happy Valley, which is the benchmark for such roles. End of contribution.

— Julie Kelleher (@seoid) June 13, 2021

 

Fans have even admitted it’s better than HBO’s miniseries, noting Mare of Easttown is simply an American adaptation.

“Happy Valley trumps Mare of Easttown. I don’t know what the fuss is about. Took a couple of episodes to get into it,” one person Tweeted. 

Happy Valley trumps Mare of Easttown. I don’t know what the fuss is about. Took a couple of episodes to get into it

— RJ (@JafferySR) June 12, 2021

 

A second wrote: “If you liked Mare of Easttown then checkout "Happy Valley" (which is also better than MOE).” 

A third person commented: “Anyone who hasn’t seen Mare of Easttown should… it’s almost a brilliant as Happy Valley!!!”

What is 'Happy Valley' about?

Happy Valley is a British crime drama that was originally released in 2014, and is filmed and set in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire, in Northern England.

The series is written, created and directed by Sally Wainwright – the mastermind behind all the great British crime dramas including Scott & Bailey, Last Tango in Halifax and Unforgiven.

From Happy Valley’s first episode, we learn Sergeant Catherine Cawood lives in a world where drunkards, drug addicts and teenage pregnancies are a way of life. 

"I'm Catherine by the way. I'm 47, I'm divorced, I live with my sister, who's a recovering heroin addict. I have two grown-up children, one dead, one I don't speak to, and a grandson, so," she says. 

The single mother begins investigating the abduction of a local girl named Ann Gallagher (played by Charlie Murphy), which brings her into the path of Tommy Lee Royce (played by James Norton) - the man she believes raped her daughter Becky (who committed suicide six weeks earlier). She learns that he has just been released from prison on unrelated drug charges. 

Although her life is turned upside down, Catherine is tough, cynical and devoted to her work, just like Mare. 

But it’s not all doom and gloom; between the murders, rapes and abductions, there is some comic relief to help take the edge off.

How many seasons and episodes are there in 'Happy Valley'?

There are currently two seasons of six episodes each. The first series debuted on BBC One in April 2014 and the second series debuted in February 2016. 

In 2015, the series won the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series. 

Will there be a season 3 of 'Happy Valley'?

It’s been more than five years since the second season premiered, so will the show be back for a third? Apparently, yes!

In a 2021 interview with Digital Spy, Charlie Murphy said Wainwright is working on the script: “Sally's taken up the pen again now, so yeah, we'll see what happens. It's really exciting. She's just focusing on it now, which is exciting. She's just an incredible writer. I just can't wait to see what she pulls out of the bag for it."

She added that fans could be looking at a 2022 release date.

As for the plot details, unfortunately, nothing is confirmed just yet. Several cast members have previously revealed that the series was taking a long break so Ryan, Catherine’s grandson, is a teenager for the third instalment. 

Where can I watch 'Happy Valley'?

The two seasons can be viewed online on Stan for those based in Australia. 

For those located in the US, the TV series can be streamed on Amazon Prime. 

As for the UK, the hit series is available on Amazon Prime UK.

Want more addictive TV shows? If you’ve binge-watched Sanditon (Bridgerton’s rival), then here are 10 other scandalous shows you need to watch next.