The BBC crime drama has been hailed as 'the best of British drama' by viewers, with audiences comparing the show to megahits like Line of Duty and Broadchurch.13:34, 29 Jun 2026It's widely acknowledged that programmes like Broadchurch and Line of Duty are regarded as the gold standard of the crime drama genre. These police procedurals are regularly celebrated as representing 'the very best of British television' and most viewers who've experienced them would wholeheartedly concur.‌Now, another lesser-known crime drama is being described as standing 'on par' with these groundbreaking series, with audiences proclaiming the series is 'the best of British drama' and 'not to be missed'. Presently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, Sherwood has left viewers thoroughly enthralled and 'hooked from the first episode'.‌Penned and created by three-time Olivier Award winner James Graham (Brexit: The Uncivil War), Sherwood draws inspiration from real-life murders that took place in 2004 in Annesley Woodhouse, a small mining village in Nottinghamshire.‌Sherwood's inaugural season broadcast on BBC One in June 2022, and the programme was promptly commissioned for a second series, which debuted on television in August 2024.In September of that same year, a third season was confirmed, which recently completed filming and is anticipated to arrive on BBC One in the latter half of 2026, reports Wales Online.‌The series features an outstanding Lesley Manville and David Morrissey in the lead roles, alongside Lorraine Ashbourne, Adeel Akhtar, Claire Rushbrook, Philip Jackson, Robert Glenister, Kevin Doyle, Perry Fitzpatrick, and Bill Jones, forming a gifted supporting ensemble.The series' official synopsis states: "Two shocking and unexpected murders shatter an already fractured community, leading to one of the largest manhunts in British history while threatening to inflame historic divisions sparked during the Miners' Strike three decades before."Throughout its two-season run, Sherwood has received five BAFTA nominations, including for Best Drama Series, with Adeel Akhtar securing the award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Andy Fisher in the first season.‌With an impressive 96% average rating on Rotten Tomatoes across both seasons, Sherwood has established itself as a viewer favourite.One critic said: "Sherwood might just be the most compelling crime drama to come out of the UK since Broadchurch."‌Another reviewer wrote: "As a murder mystery, Sherwood offers everything that a quality crime drama should. It's laced with juicy hooks, twists and revelations, and has a vivid sense of place."A third critic commented: "A multi-layered drama, with several sub-plots, two grisly killings and one foot firmly in a troubled past, this is chilling, clever and unmissable."While one reviewer declared: "Forty years of emotion and history have been transmuted, lovingly and painstakingly, into art. It's the cleverest, most compelling and most moving thing I've seen in years."‌Viewers have been left thoroughly enthralled, with one fan drawing comparisons to Broadchurch and Line of Duty on IMDB: "Compelling drama this, every now and then a drama comes along and grabs you, it intrigues, tantalises and immerses you, Broadchurch, Line of Duty, and a few others, Sherwood is very close to being on par with them."Another audience review reads: "Ridiculously first rate. Reminds me of the top-notch gravitas of Broadchurch, same unimpeachably high production values and knockout writing and acting."‌One IMDB user review states: "Absolute class. BBC drama at its brilliant best. A stellar cast of top-notch actors and a storyline that always keeps you guessing with some real jaw-dropping moments. This is definitely one of the best series of the year. Not to be missed."Another viewer's IMDB review reads: "How refreshing to see so many top British actors coming together in this superbly written TV drama. I spent the first 2 episodes spotting some of the British greats. This has to be up there with the best of British drama. Gripping."While one viewer commented: "Best Of British Drama. I was hooked after the first episode. Original storyline based on true events. An array of first-class popular British actors. Addicted and loving it. BBC drama at its best."Article continues belowSherwood is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.