Happy Valley season 1 is a crime drama set in Yorkshire. It follows Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood’s journey, delving into both her personal and professional aspects of life. Ready to watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland on BBC iPlayer for free? We’ve got all the information you need to get started.
Quick Steps: How to watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland on BBC iPlayer for free
- Sign up for a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN and connect to a UK-based server.
- Visit the official BBC iPlayer website or app.
- Now you can watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland!
What is the release date of Happy Valley season 1?
The debut of the first season of Happy Valley took place exclusively on BBC iPlayer on April 29, 2014.
How and where can I watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland
Watching Happy Valley season 1 is limited to specific platforms like BBC iPlayer in the UK. BBC iPlayer’s access depends on your location, so it might only work in certain countries. But if you use a VPN, you can get around these limits.
A VPN hides where you are and lets you use its special internet servers. By connecting to a server in the UK, BBC iPlayer will think you’re in the UK and allow you to watch the show. Hence. using a VPN will help you easily watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland , no matter where you are.
What is Happy Valley season 1 about?
Happy Valley season 1 happens in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Catherine Cawood is a police sergeant who’s divorced and has two kids. She’s still sad about her daughter’s suicide eight years ago. Catherine is taking care of her grandson, Ryan, who was born after her daughter was hurt by Tommy Lee Royce. Just when things start getting better, Catherine finds out Tommy, who she thinks caused her daughter’s death, is out of jail. But she doesn’t know he’s now part of a group planning to kidnap a woman for money. This causes trouble and a dangerous situation between Catherine and Tommy.
Happy Valley season 1 episode details
- Episode 1 (April 29, 2014)
Catherine Cawood is a police officer in a place called Happy Valley, which is ironically not very happy due to drug issues. She has a complicated personal life. She’s still involved with her ex-husband, Richard, even though he has a new partner. Catherine lives with her sister Clare, who used to have addiction problems, and her grandson Ryan. Catherine’s daughter Becky died by suicide after a terrible incident.
The person Catherine thinks caused her daughter’s pain, Tommy Lee Royce, gets out of prison and returns to the town. Meanwhile, a man named Kevin wants a raise from his boss Nevison to send his daughter to a good school. When Nevison refuses, Kevin teams up with others to kidnap Nevison’s grown-up daughter Ann for ransom. But things go wrong, and more people get involved, leading to a tragic outcome.
- Episode 2 (May 6, 2014)
Nevison’s wife is very sick, and Kevin feels guilty about the kidnapping plan. He tells his wife Jenny what happened. She suggests he should deny any involvement and not take any money. When he delivers the ransom, he hides his share. One of the kidnappers, Lewis, worries about Ann’s safety and tries to help her, but Tommy Royce hurts him. Catherine searches for Royce and gets a tip about Ann’s location. When she arrives, Royce gets scared and hides.
- Episode 3 (May 13, 2014)
After Catherine visits the house, Royce moves Ann to a van. While driving, they’re stopped by a policewoman named Kirsten. Royce runs over Kirsten, killing her. This event triggers memories of Catherine’s daughter’s death. Kirsten’s partner blames Catherine for the tragedy. Richard offers to care for Ryan, Catherine’s grandson.
To avoid backlash, Catherine lets a lawbreaker go free in exchange for a donation. Royce’s actions shock everyone, including his plan to kill Ann. Cowgill suggests another ransom through Kevin for Ann’s release. Helen changes her mind about talking to Catherine. Kevin learns Royce killed Kirsten. Meanwhile, Catherine investigates Royce’s house and finds something suspicious in the cellar.
- Episode 4 (May 20, 2014)
Catherine is happy that Richard is getting along with Ryan. She finds out that the house she checked belongs to Cowgill’s wife. She talks to them, but they deny wrongdoing. She visits Royce’s mother Lynn, who hints that Royce might be Ryan’s father. Another visit to Lynn puts Catherine in danger.
- Episode 5 (May 27, 2014)
Catherine and Ann escape and are saved by the police. Kevin’s unclear involvement leads to his arrest. His phone calls lead to Cowgill’s arrest too. Cowgill helps with a drug case and gets protection for his family. Catherine recovers in the hospital and Ann asks her not to tell her mother about her assault. Catherine leaves the hospital feeling down because Royce is still free.
- Episode 6 (June 3, 2014)
Clare throws a birthday party for Catherine and invites family and friends. But at the party, things go wrong when Daniel learns Catherine has been seeing Richard. Daniel gets drunk and accuses people, including his parents and Becky. The next day, Lewis is found dead and Cowgill is killed by the drug gang. Royce hides on a boat and tells Ryan he’s his father. Catherine finds out and rushes to save Ryan, leading to a tense showdown with Royce before the family comes together again.
Happy Valley season 1 trailer
The Happy Valley season 1 trailer showcases Yorkshire police sergeant Catherine Cawood (played by Sarah Lancashire, known for “Julia”), as she pursues a man (portrayed by James Norton, recognized from “Grantchester”) who harmed her daughter. Unbeknownst to her, this man is now involved in a covert kidnapping scheme. Have a look at the trailer below before you watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland:
Meet the cast of Happy Valley season 1
- Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood
- James Norton as Tommy Lee Royce
- Charlie Murphy as Ann Gallagher
- Siobhan Finneran as Clare Cartwright
- Rhys Connah as Ryan Cawood
- Rick Warden as Inspector Mike Taylor
- Karl Davies as Daniel Cawood
- Vincent Franklin as DSU Andy Shepherd
- Joe Armstrong as Ashley Cowgill
- Derek Riddell as Richard Cawood
- Chord Melodic as Sledge
- Shane Zaza as PC Shafiq Shah
- Con O’Neill as Neil Ackroyd
- Ishia Bennison as Joyce
Rating of Happy Valley season 1
IMDb
Happy Valley has an impressive IMDb rating of 8.5/10, with around 59,000 upvotes from viewers.
Rotten Tomatoes
Happy Valley holds an impressive audience score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critic reviews
Emily Nussbaum reviews on The New Yorker; while Happy Valley isn’t flawless, there are moments when the pace slows down in the middle, and a few plot twists might raise eyebrows. The show also falls into a common trap seen in many cable dramas: using flashbacks to earlier episodes as a quick way to convey a character’s emotions. Yet, the last episode, driven by a touching performance from Rhys Connah as eight-year-old Ryan, had such tension that it had me on the edge of my seat.
What’s unique about Happy Valley is its approach to violence – it doesn’t depict it as a display of power, but rather as chaos and a deterioration of the mind. Even the most sinister criminals start to turn against each other as the police close in. The show’s message is clear: take responsibility for your decisions instead of blaming others. This idea echoes through the series, culminating effectively in the end. The show delivers a strong moral lesson – the true source of wrongdoing lies in blaming others for our own poor choices.
Check out these fans’ reactions!
Watching "Happy Valley" from season 1. How have I missed this?Brilliant ☺️ pic.twitter.com/MAXUlT2Dhm
— John P Lynch (@jpcookie50) January 3, 2023
Such a great show. Been through season 1 twice already.. but, glad it’s on Acorn now!
— Valenta de Regil (@RMVdeR) March 15, 2023
Best VPNs to watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland on BBC iPlayer for free
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has 5000+ servers in 94 countries and offers incredibly fast speeds, ensuring smooth movie streaming on platforms like BBC iPlayer. When I used its UK servers, my speed consistently exceeded 70 Mbps. Since BBC iPlayer only needs 5 Mbps for HD streaming, you won’t face any interruptions or delays while watching Happy Valley season 1.
What’s great about ExpressVPN is its extensive UK server network. I tested over 15 UK servers and had no trouble accessing BBC iPlayer. Connecting to each server was quick, ensuring that no matter where you are, you’ll always find a suitable server to watch the show.
With the MediaStreamer feature, you can enjoy Happy Valley on all WiFi-enabled devices, even those that don’t typically work with VPN apps. The setup process was straightforward, and I followed the website instructions to install it on my SmartTV.
One drawback of ExpressVPN is its slightly higher cost. However, you can make it more budget-friendly with its 49% discount.
You can also try it out without worry, as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this by contacting their chat support within 24 hours, and after a helpful conversation, my refund was processed within 5 days. So, wait no more and get your VPN today to watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland.
NordVPN
If you want to watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland, NordVPN is your best bet as it effectively gets around streaming restrictions. With over 5,000 fast servers in 60 countries and special SmartPlay technology, it’s set up perfectly for streaming on big platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
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NordVPN uses its special NordLynx protocol to make sure your streaming is smooth. Plus, it comes with extra features like Threat Protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and more. This VPN is highly customizable, allowing you to enjoy Netflix without disrupting other online tasks. So, what are you waiting for? Get your VPN today to watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unblocks Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland | Smart DNS only applicable to US servers |
| Audited no-logs policy | |
| Additional security features | |
| Fast speeds for lag-free streaming |
FAQs
What is the genre of Happy Valley season 1?
The genre of Happy Valley season 1 is a combination of crime, drama, and thriller.
Is Happy Valley season 1 worth watching?
Yes, Happy Valley Season 1 is definitely worth watching. The show’s gripping combination of crime, drama, and thriller elements creates a captivating and intense viewing experience.
How many BAFTAs did Happy Valley season 1 win?
The first season grabbed two important awards: Best Drama Series and Writer: Drama at the BAFTAs.
Wrap up
Season 1 of Happy Valley has won a prestigious BAFTA award. BBC iPlayer series, we’ve got a simple guide so that you can watch Happy Valley season 1 in Ireland. Just remember, if you’re in Ireland, you’ll need a trustworthy VPN to get around the platform’s location restrictions.
To keep your online security intact and fully enjoy the Happy Valley show, make sure to use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
