The quiet seaside town of Broadchurch is rocked by the murder of eleven year old boy Danny Latimer. DS Ellie Miller is put out when Superintendent Jenkinson hires DI Alec Hardy to head up the investigation.

The investigation into Danny's death continues, but takes an unlikely turn when his father, Mark, becomes a suspect, after his alibi fails to prove his whereabouts, and blood found at a summer house up on the cliffs seems to be evidence against him.

Mark is hauled into the police station for questioning. Why can't he explain his whereabouts? Ellie's son Tom is brought in for questioning. Will he finally tell the truth about the texts and the hard drive content?

Journalist Olly uncovers information about newsagent Jack, including the secret that he was accused of sexually assaulting a minor before he lived in Broadchurch. Alec passes out and is found by hotel owner Becca.

Jack struggles as his situation becomes more and more grave after his past criminal record hits the newspapers. Everyone in Broadchurch is forced to choose about whether to believe Jack or not. Ellie's son Tom is now in danger.

Meanwhile, files are piling up at the police station and Hardy is stunned when he's told to scale back resources and feels his hope of catching Danny's killer is slipping away.