Detective Dramas Like 'Broadchurch' and 'Unforgotten' Do This Trope Better Than Any Other (original) (raw)

Sinéad Keenan from Unforgotten and David Tennant from Broadchurch

Image by Nimesh Niyomal

Published Feb 20, 2025, 5:12 PM EST

Jen Vestuto is a TV Features Writer for Collider. A born and raised New Yorker, she started her career on set as a production assistant for shows like Law & Order: SVU and Person of Interest. In LA, she worked in the writers' rooms for The Vampire Diaries and Nancy Drew. Along with her writing partner, she joined the writing staff of Nancy Drew in Season 2 and stayed on the run of the show, which ended in 2022 with Season 4.

Jen grew up on Long Island in a loud Italian family. She's been writing creatively since she was in elementary school and would often make her younger sister act out scenes from her favorite movies with her. Jen is also a massive sports fan and was an athlete herself growing up.

Writing features for Collider gives her the opportunity to share her passion for great storytelling and compelling characters.

Detective dramas are some of the most beloved shows for TV audiences all over the world. The compelling mysteries the detectives try to solve, coupled with the dynamic characters these dramas create, make for captivating television. However, the most compelling trope that certain detective dramas have mastered is their ability to craft layered male-female friendships without relying on romance. In these partnerships, the duo ultimately makes a great team, despite differences they may have, while free from romantic entanglements that might cloud their working chemistry. While romantic relationships can have their own appeal, in this context, keeping things platonic allows for a deeper exploration of trust, respect, and emotional complexity. Each detective often brings personal baggage to the table, and sometimes, differing investigative approaches make them a complementary team.

While there have been great male-female partnerships in U.S. detective dramas, such as Law & Order: SVU's Benson & Stabler (Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni) and The X-Files' Mulder & Scully (David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson), these partnerships often begin as platonic but tend to shift toward romantic storylines, sometimes driven by audience "shipper" pressure. Even in the show The Killing, which was one of the best examples of a platonic partnership, ended with hints of a romance emerging in the final moments of the series. In the UK, however, shows are often more committed to keeping these relationships strictly platonic, creating a much more compelling dynamic. Shows like Broadchurch, Line of Duty, Unforgotten, and Hidden excel at this trope, crafting unforgettable characters whose bonds are strengthened under the intense pressure of solving crimes.

New Partnerships Evolve Into Strong Friendships in 'Broadchurch' and 'Line of Duty'

In Broadchurch, DI Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) begin their partnership at odds, with Hardy taking the job Miller wanted while she was on maternity leave, setting up a potentially competitive rivalry. However, their shared commitment to solving the murder of young Danny Latimer keeps them focused. Hardy, gruff and emotionally distant, contrasts with Miller, a cheerful, empathetic local who is personally invested in the case. Despite their differing personalities, they develop mutual respect for each other’s strengths, navigating both personal and professional challenges together.

As the series unfolds, Hardy grapples with worsening health, while Miller faces the shocking revelation that her husband is Danny's murderer. Despite only knowing each other for a short time, they're able to lean on one another, while building a deep, respectful bond that never veers into romance. The strength of their partnership lies in a genuine trust for one another, especially in times of emotional vulnerability, proving that a platonic connection can be just as compelling, if not more so, than a romantic one. The chemistry between Tennant and Coleman makes their on-screen collaboration feel authentic and emotionally resonant, making them one of the best TV detective duos.

Similarly, Line of Duty begins with detectives Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) meeting for the first time. Steve joins the Anti-Corruption Unit after testifying against fellow officers involved in a botched operation. Meanwhile, Kate is deep into an undercover operation at a station where AC-12 suspects potential corruption. Though they clash initially, their shared commitment to exposing corruption within the police force forms a strong foundation for their partnership, which stays strictly platonic, referring to each other as "mate" on a regular basis.

As the series progresses, their bond strengthens through high-stakes situations, like Steve’s near-career-ending injury and when Kate's cover is blown during one of her undercover missions. Despite all they face at work, their loyalty to each other remains unshaken, even when they make mistakes. They rely on each other’s strengths — Kate’s tactical intelligence and Steve’s investigative drive — to navigate morally complex cases, providing another example of a compelling, non-romantic partnership.

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Unforgotten centers on the deeply supportive partnership between DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar), who are already well-acquainted when the series begins. In a refreshing way, these two detectives just get along with a comfortable ease. Their bond is built on years of mutual respect and emotional understanding, with both detectives relying on each other throughout the investigation of extremely difficult cases. Cassie, more methodical and emotionally driven, contrasts with Sunny’s calming, empathetic presence.

Together, Cassie and Sunny create a dynamic that goes beyond just solving crimes; their personal connection adds a warmth to their partnership that makes their work together even more compelling. Their camaraderie is never romantic, but it is certainly intimate in the sense that they are fully attuned to each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This emotional connection enables them to navigate complex and sensitive cases with compassion and a shared dedication to uncovering the truth. Their ongoing support for each other, both professionally and personally, is a core element of the show, making their partnership feel authentic and deeply moving. Although their partnership ends in a devastating way, their incredible bond solidifies Cassie and Sunny as a memorable detective team.

In Hidden, the partnership between DCI Cadi John (Sian Reese-Williams) and DI Owen Vaughan (Siôn Alun Davies) is equally established from the start, bringing a sense of familiarity and comfort to their dynamic. After years of working cases together, their bond is built on a foundation of mutual respect and complementary skills. Cadi's sharp intelligence is matched by Owen's eagerness to learn from her, never intimidated by her expertise. Instead, he absorbs her guidance, becoming a better detective under her mentorship. Their mutual respect allows them to work seamlessly together as they investigate a series of brutal crimes in their tight-knit Welsh community. This dynamic adds a layer of warmth to their interactions, making their partnership feel grounded and relatable.

Throughout their investigations, Cadi and Owen’s friendship deepens as they face personal challenges and the mounting pressure of their cases. Owen is a new Dad, doing his best to balance his work and home life, while Cadi is mourning the loss of her father. Despite Cadi's tendency to keep her guard up, she finds an ease with Owen that she doesn't have with anyone else. They don't ever judge each other, instead offering unwavering support and friendship throughout the entire series. Their bond is one of the best parts of Hidden, providing a steady, non-dramatic presence that resonates deeply with the audience.

These shows, along with a few other detective dramas, prove that platonic male-female partnerships are often times far more compelling than romantic ones. While romance can work in some cases, it often veers into messy territory, relying on the drama that comes from the complexities of working alongside your romantic partner. Platonic partnerships, on the other hand, enhance storytelling by creating rich, multidimensional characters that viewers can connect with and root for — without the expectation of a romantic kiss.

Stream Broadchurch on Peacock, Line of Duty on Hulu, Unforgotten on Prime Video, and Hidden on Acorn.

Broadchurch

Release Date
2013 - 2017
Network
ITV1
Showrunner
Chris Chibnall
Directors
Euros Lyn, James Strong
In a small coastal town, detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller investigate the tragic death of a young boy. As secrets unravel, the tight-knit community is rocked by suspicion and grief. The investigation exposes hidden truths, testing relationships and uncovering the town's dark underbelly.

Cast

Sian Reese-Williams
DI Cadi John
Sion Alun Davies
DC Owen Vaughan
Victoria Pugh
DSI Susan Lynn
Rhodri Meilir
Dylan Harris