Happy Valley is a dark, funny, multi-layered thriller revolving around the personal and professional life of Catherine, a dedicated, experienced, hard-working copper. She is also a bereaved mother who looks after her orphaned grandchild.

'Happy Valley' delves into grief, loss, and redemption, highlighting the blurred lines between good and evil. The series examines trauma's impact on characters, showcasing their complexities. Sarah Lancashire's resilient police sergeant, Catherine Cawood, and James Norton's sinister criminal, Tommy Lee Royce, create intense tension. Supporting characters enrich the narrative. The show's gritty realism and authentic portrayal of human nature receive frequent praise, though some find the dark tone challenging.