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Season 1 – Shetland

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Shetland Mar 2013 Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
A murder mystery set against the stunning backdrop of the Shetland Isles.

Critics Reviews

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Phil Harrison Time Out 04/08/2019
The concluding part of this Ann Cleeves adaptation...continues to wring considerable capital out of Shetland's combination of big skies and claustrophobic, parochial smallness. Go to Full Review
Neil Midgley Daily Telegraph (UK) 04/04/2019
2/5
The result was a programme that was certainly not especially good, and also not especially bad, but just pervasively dull. Go to Full Review
Aidan Smith Scotsman 04/09/2019
I quite liked this yarn about Norwegians, Nazis, herring super-boats and meshed-up, messed-up familial relations. Go to Full Review
James Stansfield Den of Geek 04/04/2019
This debut episode was well paced though with some good characters and chemistry and did more than enough to make its viewer more than curious about where the second half will go. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Angelo B. @AmbZephyr Feb 8 Great series. Really like the cast. Douglas Henshaw is a very good actor. See more Alain E @AlainE Jan 6 Too idyllic for my taste. I am afraid if I watch a whole episode I will start using insulin. Obviously the show has many fans, so, disregard my opinion if this is your cup of tea (with honey and extra sugar). See more Patrick F @priklz Jan 2 One of the best things I've ever watched. I love detective dramas, and I wish there were more of this quality. Beautiful scenery, great acting, and a wonderful script/story. The lead actors performance, at least in this first "season", is nothing short of extraordinary! See more Elli J @Catnap1953 Dec 15 Up to and including season 4, I would rate this a 4 out of 5, but with season 5, it went downhill fast. Although the acting was never on par with such stellar series as Vera, Foyle's War, or even Rebus, it really appeared more 'wooden' than usual. Perez's character seemed to suit the place and environment (small-town police force, isolated, etc.), one would assume he'd become more comfortable or at ease in his position there. But alas, unlike many series of this genre, the main characters just seemed stuck and never develop or move on much in their roles, especially the professional ones. The scenery was and is the main attraction. Seeing some familiar actors and actresses is nice but not many stand-out performances. The writing is a bit stilted too so there's only so much to work with. It's ok but with season 7 it definitely deteriorated, and as of season 8 with new leads, it's almost painful to watch, especially the acting. Too bad. See more Fifty T @RT01421419 Dec 2 Mystery, Mood and a Masterful Henshall: Shetland's first season is a wonderfully assured debut, offering a mystery that favours atmosphere and character over gaudy theatrics. The two-part structure keeps the story lean, but never slight, allowing the drama to breathe across the islands' sweeping landscapes. Douglas Henshall is outstanding, shaping Jimmy Perez with a calm intelligence and subtle warmth that set the entire tone of the show. The supporting cast slip into place beautifully, with the team dynamic already hinting at long-term potential. What truly distinguishes the season is its sense of place: the windswept crofts, quiet harbours, and close-knit communities lend the drama a quietly haunting quality. It's suspenseful without shouting, emotional without melodrama, and confident enough to trust its audience. 7.5/10: A measured, atmospheric and intriguing opener for a series that clearly knows its strengths. See more K S @RT46459255 Nov 29 I loved this whole series. Brilliant. See more Read all reviews
Shetland — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Mar 10, 2013 Red Bones When elderly Shetlander Mima Wilson is found murdered on an archaeological site on her croft, Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez and his team investigate. Details Episode 2 Aired Mar 11, 2013 Red Bones Detective Inspector Perez and his team must apprehend the suspect before crowds descend for Up Helly Aa, the biggest fire festival in Europe. Details Episode 4 Aired Mar 10, 2011 Dead Water part 2 A murder mystery set against the stunning backdrop of the Shetland Isles. Details
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Season Info

Director
Peter Hoar
Screenwriter
David Kane
Network
BBC
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date
Mar 10, 2013