Watch Shetland

Shetland is a British crime drama TV series that premiered in 2013 on BBC One. The show is based on the best-selling crime novels by Ann Cleeves and follows the investigations of Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) and his team in the picturesque Shetland Islands. The series is known for its stunning scenery, gripping storyline, and nuanced character development.

The series follows Perez as he investigates a variety of cases that occur on the remote and windswept Shetland Islands. The audience is introduced first to Perez, a widower who has returned to his ancestral home in Shetland to raise his teenage stepdaughter Cassie (Erin Armstrong). Perez is a reserved and introspective man who is still reeling from the loss of his wife, but his dedication to his work and his community makes him respected and well-liked by the people of Shetland.

The show is also known for its ensemble cast of characters who make the world of Shetland feel rich and lived-in. Perez's team includes local detectives Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh (Alison O'Donnell) and Sandy Wilson (Steven Robertson), as well as Perez's former colleague-turned-romantic interest, Dr. Asha Israni (Sara Vickers). Other notable characters include Perez's old friend and local journalist, Duncan Hunter (Mark Bonnar), as well as a variety of suspects, victims, and witnesses who provide insight into the power dynamics and secrets of the Shetland community.

The cases that Perez and his team investigate range from murder to abduction to corporate fraud, and each one provides a window into the complex social and economic factors that shape life in Shetland. The cases are always gripping and full of surprises, but what really sets Shetland apart is the way that it uses crime as a lens to examine the lives of its characters and the communities they live in.

One major theme of the show is the tension between tradition and progress in Shetland. The islands are isolated and sparsely populated, but they have also been the site of major economic development projects in recent years. This tension between preserving the traditional ways of life on the islands and embracing new opportunities leads to conflict and sometimes to crime.

Another major theme of Shetland is the idea that secrets have a way of coming to light, no matter how hard people try to keep them hidden. This is especially true in a small community like Shetland, where everyone knows everyone else's business (or thinks they do). The show explores the ways that lies, guilt, and shame can fester and grow until they erupt in violence or tragedy.

The show is notable for its attention to detail and its respect for the culture and history of Shetland. The scenery is breathtaking, and the show often takes time to zoom in on specific features of the landscape (like a rocky shoreline or a flock of sheep) to emphasize the beauty and harshness of the islands. The music, too, is a vital part of the show's atmosphere, with haunting traditional ballads and modern indie rock tracks providing a rich soundtrack.

Overall, Shetland is a must-watch show for fans of crime dramas and character-driven storytelling. Its nuanced portrayal of the tensions and complexities of Shetland life, as well as its superb acting, writing, and production values, make it a standout show in a crowded TV landscape.

Shetland is a series that is currently running and has 8 seasons (50 episodes). The series first aired on March 9, 2009.