Fans waited eagerly for the second series of Broadchurch for two years, but viewers of the ITV drama are switching off in droves amidst criticism for its unrealistic scenes. The crime drama has lost two million viewers since it returned in January, with 400,000 viewers switching off on Monday. The second series centres on the trial of Joe Miller following the murder of schoolboy Danny Latimer in series one, however legal experts have pointed out a series of errors in the case. Lawyer Baroness Helen Kennedy QC told The Mirror: "There are huge legal gaffes. I think it matters as authenticity is important in the credibility of any good drama."
© Photo: ITVBroadchurch has lost two million viewers since it returned in January
The show has also received criticism from viewers who pointed out unrealistic scenes, which included mother Beth Latimer, played by Jodie Whittaker, returning to court just one day after giving birth. "World record broken in #Broadchurch. Mum and baby seen in public 15 minutes after delivery", tweeted one viewer. Another said: "According to #Broadchurch having a baby is as easy as popping out for milk. No need for a midwife and you can be in court the next day." The first series of Broadchurch proved a hit with critics and viewers alike, and earned Olivia Colman a BAFTA for best actress in 2014, however the second series has faced many complaints.
© Photo: ITVOlivia Colman previously won a BAFTA for her role in the show
Many viewers claimed that they had to watch the show with subtitles because actor David Tennant was mumbling, while others pointed out inaccuracies in the court room scenes, which included witnesses watching the court case before giving evidence. The show drew 7.6 million viewers upon its return in January, but this fell to 5.15 million by the third episode – a series low for the award-winning drama. What do you think of season two of Broadchurch?
