Hinterland

Watch Hinterland

  • TV-14
  • 2013
  • 3 Seasons
  • 7.6  (14,499)

Hinterland is a Welsh noir crime drama series that premiered on S4C in 2013, and ran for three seasons until 2016. The show is set in and around the coastal town of Aberystwyth in West Wales, and follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias (Richard Harrington), a brooding and complex character with a troubled past, as he leads a team of detectives in solving a range of complex and often gruesome crimes. The show's premise is unique in that it is filmed twice, once in Welsh and once in English, and it is the Welsh version of the show that first airs on S4C. This allows for it to be accessible to Welsh-speaking audiences as well as English-speaking viewers on the BBC. The show has garnered substantial critical acclaim since its release, with particular praise being directed towards its evocative and atmospheric direction, as well as the strong performances from its cast. Hinterland's narrative is marked by a moody tone, driven by the natural beauty of the Welsh countryside, which serves as both a backdrop and key plot point. The show's creators have called this use of location as a major character in the drama "Y Gwyll," or "The Dusk," which not only lends the show a unique sense of atmosphere but also references the interplay between darkness and light at the core of the show's themes. The series explores both the personal and professional lives of the team of detectives, focusing intensely on lead investigator Tom Mathias, whose own character serves as a lens through which the audience is able to gain insight into the dark and often twisted world of Welsh crime. Despite his stoic exterior, Mathias is depicted as a deeply vulnerable and empathetic character, haunted by personal demons and driven by an innate sense of justice. Another crucial figure in the series is Mathias' second-in-command, Detective Sergeant Mared Rhys (Mali Harries), who operates as a voice of reason within the team and often finds herself at odds with the impulsive and reclusive Mathias. As the show progresses, Rhys emerges as a fully-developed character in her own right, with her own personal and professional struggles that are explored in equal depth to those of her boss. Other members of the investigative team include Detective Sergeant Siân Owens (Hannah Daniel), a young and ambitious investigator who is desperate to prove her worth; DC Lloyd Elis (Alex Harries), an affable but often inept officer who is often used for comedic relief; and a number of other minor characters whose roles fluctuate depending on the demands of the story. The show's mysteries cover a wide range of crimes, including murder, abduction, arson, and drug trafficking, among others. The crimes are often woven into a broader narrative that explores themes of class, identity, and Welsh nationalism, which are foregrounded against the backdrop of a hostile and unforgiving natural world. The show's antagonists are often morally ambiguous, with many of them motivated by their own traumatic pasts, making it difficult for audiences to categorize the show's villains as purely evil. Throughout its run, Hinterland has consistently delivered engrossing, character-driven crime stories that have resonated both with Welsh-speaking and English-speaking audiences. Its unique use of location, complex characters, and subtle exploration of the complexities of the human condition make it an essential watch for fans of noir and crime dramas alike. If you're looking for a moody, atmospheric, and thought-provoking drama, Hinterland is definitely worth checking out.

Hinterland
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Seasons
Episode 4 (2)
8. Episode 4 (2)
December 18, 2016
The truth about Pontarfynach children's home is about to be revealed by Mathias and Mared, but there is more than one person trying to stand in the way. Will the ugly facts about Dr Hugh Vaughan and the others finally be allowed to come to light? Or will the mystery remain forever buried in Devil's Bridge.
Episode 4 (1)
7. Episode 4 (1)
December 11, 2016
DCI Mathias investigates the death of Catrin John, convicted killer and former resident of the Pontarfynach Children's Home. As Mathias and Mared investigate Catrin's death, they begin to suspect it might be linked to the death of former police officer Iwan Thomas. As Mathias delves deeper into the past, the pressure on him to close the case increases. Will Mathias toe the line or will he risk everything in pursuit of the truth?
Episode 3 (2)
6. Episode 3 (2)
December 4, 2016
Desperate to find the missing boy, DCI Mathias breaks protocol and sets off into the mountains alone. With the clock ticking, Mathias puts his life on the line. But how will his team react, and what will Chief Superintendent Prosser make of his actions? Meanwhile, independent investigator John Powell is put under pressure by retired Chief Superintendent Robert Owen to close the Iwan Thomas case.
Episode 3 (1)
5. Episode 3 (1)
November 27, 2016
Following a fatal shooting, local man Llew Morris is the chief suspect.
Episode 2 (2)
4. Episode 2 (2)
November 20, 2016
Tensions arise when an independent investigator is called in to investigate a death.
Episode 2 (1)
3. Episode 2 (1)
November 13, 2016
Mathias is on the case when the body of a young curator is discovered in a remote woodland.
Episode 1 (2)
2. Episode 1 (2)
November 6, 2016
As the investigation is brought to a close, Chief Superintendent Prosser confronts an old foe.
Episode 1 (1)
1. Episode 1 (1)
October 30, 2016
The killing of a local minister leads DCI Mathias and DS Rhys to a remote mountain community.
Description

Hinterland is a Welsh noir crime drama series that premiered on S4C in 2013, and ran for three seasons until 2016. The show is set in and around the coastal town of Aberystwyth in West Wales, and follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias (Richard Harrington), a brooding and complex character with a troubled past, as he leads a team of detectives in solving a range of complex and often gruesome crimes.

The show's premise is unique in that it is filmed twice, once in Welsh and once in English, and it is the Welsh version of the show that first airs on S4C. This allows for it to be accessible to Welsh-speaking audiences as well as English-speaking viewers on the BBC. The show has garnered substantial critical acclaim since its release, with particular praise being directed towards its evocative and atmospheric direction, as well as the strong performances from its cast.

Hinterland's narrative is marked by a moody tone, driven by the natural beauty of the Welsh countryside, which serves as both a backdrop and key plot point. The show's creators have called this use of location as a major character in the drama "Y Gwyll," or "The Dusk," which not only lends the show a unique sense of atmosphere but also references the interplay between darkness and light at the core of the show's themes.

The series explores both the personal and professional lives of the team of detectives, focusing intensely on lead investigator Tom Mathias, whose own character serves as a lens through which the audience is able to gain insight into the dark and often twisted world of Welsh crime. Despite his stoic exterior, Mathias is depicted as a deeply vulnerable and empathetic character, haunted by personal demons and driven by an innate sense of justice.

Another crucial figure in the series is Mathias' second-in-command, Detective Sergeant Mared Rhys (Mali Harries), who operates as a voice of reason within the team and often finds herself at odds with the impulsive and reclusive Mathias. As the show progresses, Rhys emerges as a fully-developed character in her own right, with her own personal and professional struggles that are explored in equal depth to those of her boss.

Other members of the investigative team include Detective Sergeant Siân Owens (Hannah Daniel), a young and ambitious investigator who is desperate to prove her worth; DC Lloyd Elis (Alex Harries), an affable but often inept officer who is often used for comedic relief; and a number of other minor characters whose roles fluctuate depending on the demands of the story.

The show's mysteries cover a wide range of crimes, including murder, abduction, arson, and drug trafficking, among others. The crimes are often woven into a broader narrative that explores themes of class, identity, and Welsh nationalism, which are foregrounded against the backdrop of a hostile and unforgiving natural world. The show's antagonists are often morally ambiguous, with many of them motivated by their own traumatic pasts, making it difficult for audiences to categorize the show's villains as purely evil.

Throughout its run, Hinterland has consistently delivered engrossing, character-driven crime stories that have resonated both with Welsh-speaking and English-speaking audiences. Its unique use of location, complex characters, and subtle exploration of the complexities of the human condition make it an essential watch for fans of noir and crime dramas alike. If you're looking for a moody, atmospheric, and thought-provoking drama, Hinterland is definitely worth checking out.

Hinterland is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (24 episodes). The series first aired on October 29, 2013.

Where to Watch Hinterland

Hinterland is available for streaming on the S4C website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Hinterland on demand at Google Play and Apple TV.

  • Premiere Date
    October 29, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (14,499)