The BBC has a number of popular crime dramas to choose from, but one miniseries has been hailed as a "fascinating" and "excellent" show that's perfect for fans of Broadchurch and Happy Valley08:38, 03 Jul 2026A "brutal" and "chilling" BBC crime thriller has earned rave reviews from both fans and critics - and it's perfect for anyone who adored Broadchurch.‌The BBC is celebrated for its top quality TV shows which consistently capture the imagination of the nation and, in numerous instances, audiences worldwide. Many hits remain beloved for years following their debut.‌From the compelling and ultimately heartbreaking mystery of the aforementined Broadchurch, the hard-hitting police drama Happy Valley, to the hugely successful Benedict Cumberbatch-led Sherlock, and the popular period crime drama Peaky Blinders; there's content to satisfy all kinds of preferences.‌However, for those yearning for a "gritty" and "fascinating" programme, a series which originally launched in 2021 might be just the ticket.It's the gripping British police procedural drama Vigil, which was created by Tom Edge and produced by World Productions.‌The opening series, comprising six episodes, debuted on BBC One in August 2021. It features Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie, Shaun Evans, Paterson Joseph, Gary Lewis and Martin Compston.The location of the miniseries - taking place predominantly aboard a ballistic missile submarine of the Royal Navy, HMS Vigil - attracted particular acclaim for intensifying the suspense and claustrophobic feel of the storyline.Series one revolves around a death that occurs on board shortly after the puzzling disappearance of a Scottish fishing trawler. As police investigations commence, they come into conflict with the Royal Navy and MI5, amplifying the drama.‌A second series arrived in December 2023, and it was commissioned for a third in early 2025, with production commencing in September 2025.On the popular review-aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, critic Rachel Cooke said: "Vigil comes with a certain uncanny documentary streak, brutal and indubitably chilling."‌Viewers were equally eager to express their opinions. One said: "Wonderful gritty British crime drama with a twist."Another was enthusiastic about the forthcoming instalment of Vigil: "Love the character. Love the suspense. It just keeps getting better. Hurry up and announce season 3 so we have something to look forward to!"A third said: "Fascinating show! The story unfolds with with 2 lines of the investigation taking place simultaneously on land and onboard."‌While a fourth agreed: "Good suspense, excellent characters, I liked the use of flashbacks to dive into Amy and Kirsten's relationship, those two characters are really the heart of this show."Someone else posted: "Absorbing and fast-paced, Vigil is a top-tier thriller. One can debate the plot's credibility but it goes by so quickly that its flaws are easily overlooked."It would appear that some audience reviewers were uncomfortable with a same-sex relationship thread in the story so if that bothers you, perhaps give it a miss. Otherwise, Vigil is an excellent production."Article continues belowHowever, another was less persuaded by the show's finale and added: "The ending got a bit strained and melodramatic, but the rest was excellent."Vigil is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.