Title: 5 Must-Watch Welsh Dramas That Will Captivate You After The Guest
Are you still reeling from the heart-pounding finale of The Guest? That gripping BBC series had viewers across the nation clinging to their seats with its intense storytelling and complex characters. Since the spectacular conclusion aired in late September, you've probably been desperately searching for your next television obsession. And here's where it gets controversial... many people believe that Welsh television dramas are underrated treasures waiting to be discovered!
The Guest, masterfully written by Matthew Barry (who also brought us the acclaimed Men Up), immerses viewers in the beautiful yet ominous landscapes of Wales. The series explores the toxic relationship between Ria (played brilliantly by Gabrielle Creevy), a newly hired cleaner, and her enigmatic employer Fran (portrayed by the talented Eve Myles). If you're craving more Welsh television excellence while anxiously awaiting season two, you're in for a treat. Our team of television connoisseurs has meticulously compiled a list of five extraordinary Welsh dramas that deserve a prime spot on your watchlist.
1. Keeping Faith
This isn't just another crime drama – it's a masterclass in suspense that earned a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes! Keeping Faith first graced our screens in 2018 and captivated audiences for three seasons before its conclusion in 2020. Set against the stunning backdrop of Wales, the series follows Faith, a determined lawyer whose life is upended when her husband and business partner, Evan, vanishes without a trace. Forced to cut short her maternity leave, Faith must unravel the mystery surrounding her husband's disappearance while protecting her family and her own sanity from dark truths that gradually emerge. The show's ability to balance legal drama with personal tragedy makes it a standout in the crowded field of crime thrillers. You can stream all three compelling seasons of this critically acclaimed series on BBC iPlayer at no cost.
2. Pembrokeshire Murders
And this is the part most people miss... real-life crime stories can be more terrifying than fiction. Pembrokeshire Murders emerged as one of 2021's most celebrated television productions – and for excellent reason. This haunting three-part series features Luke Evans (known for his role in Beauty and the Beast) and examines two actual double murders that shocked Wales in the 1980s: the killings of siblings Richard and Helen Thomas, and married couple Peter and Gwenda Dixon. These brutal crimes remained unsolved for decades until investigators decided to reopen the cases.
The official synopsis explains: "In 2006, newly promoted Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins made the bold decision to revisit both cold cases. Utilizing groundbreaking forensic techniques, Wilkins and his specialized team discovered microscopic DNA and fibres that potentially connected the murders to a series of burglaries committed during the 80s and 90s.
"The individual responsible for those robberies was approaching the end of his prison sentence, but if Steve Wilkins' suspicions were correct, they were also dealing with a serial killer... Could Steve and his team gather sufficient forensic evidence to charge their suspect before his potential release, which might enable him to kill again?" The race against time depicted in this series raises important questions about justice and the criminal justice system that will leave viewers pondering long after the credits roll.
3. Stella
Who knew that life in a small Welsh town could be simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking? Set in the fictional village of Pontyberry in the South Wales Valleys, Stella showcases the extraordinary talents of Ruth Jones, Karen Paullada, and Craig Gallivan. IMDb provides this insightful description: "Stella is a middle-aged single mother raising three children in the Welsh valleys. Her oldest son is incarcerated for car theft, while her two younger children navigate the typical challenges and triumphs of teenage life.
"Her closest companion is a high-functioning alcoholic funeral director who happens to be married to her brother. A diverse cast of local characters enhances the stunning scenery and sharp dialogue that fans have come to expect from Ruth Jones. A warm and unconventional drama that highlights the strengths of both its writers and cast members."
What makes Stella particularly noteworthy is its ability to balance comedy with genuine emotional depth, creating characters that feel authentic and relatable despite their often outrageous circumstances. This approach to storytelling challenges the notion that dramas must always be serious to tackle meaningful themes.
4. Hinterland (Y Gwyll)
Prepare to enter a world where the most picturesque landscapes hide the darkest secrets. Marketed as a noir crime series, Hinterland (Y Gwyll in Welsh) first premiered in 2013 and quickly gained a devoted following. Set in the coastal town of Aberystwyth, Wales, the series follows DCI Tom Mathias, a deeply troubled detective with a complicated past, as he investigates murders that gradually expose the corruption and darkness lurking beneath the town's seemingly peaceful exterior. Starring the accomplished Welsh actor Richard Harrington, the show spans three series and maintained an impressive average rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
What sets Hinterland apart from other crime dramas is its deliberate pacing and atmospheric cinematography, which uses the stunning Welsh landscape almost as a character in itself. The bilingual nature of the series (filmed in both English and Welsh) adds an authentic cultural dimension that enriches the viewing experience. For those unfamiliar with Welsh television, this series serves as an excellent introduction to the unique storytelling tradition emerging from Wales.
5. The Accident
When tragedy strikes a small community, who is truly to blame? Originally broadcast on Channel 4, The Accident takes place in the fictional Welsh town of Glyngolau. The official synopsis provides this compelling overview: "The Accident, written by Jack Thorne, is set in the fictional community of Glyngolau – a 'left behind' town in Wales. In the opening episode, a devastating explosion at a construction site for a much-needed regeneration project results in the deaths of several teenagers who had trespassed on the property to engage in mischief.
"As the community's grief transforms into anger, the residents find themselves confronting difficult truths while seeking justice." Featuring powerhouse performances from acclaimed actors including Sarah Lancashire, Outlander's Mark Lewis Jones, and Slow Horses' Joanna Scanlan, the series earned an outstanding score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes – making it an essential addition to your viewing queue.
The Accident raises provocative questions about responsibility, corporate negligence, and community dynamics in the face of tragedy. The series challenges viewers to consider their own perspectives on justice and accountability, making it not just entertaining but deeply thought-provoking as well.
Now it's your turn to join the conversation! Which of these Welsh dramas has caught your attention the most? Do you believe that Welsh television productions deserve more international recognition? And perhaps most controversially... do you think The Guest set an unfairly high standard that other Welsh dramas will struggle to meet? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear which show you're planning to watch first and why!
