A chilling new six-part thriller is poised to shake up the British television landscape as Channel 5 unveils Morning Before Evensong, a gripping series that promises to give Broadchurch a run for its money. Premiering on August 26, 2025, this dark drama, crafted by the same minds behind Midsomer Murders and Shetland, plunges viewers into the shadowy underbelly of a quiet English village where a body in the church pews ignites chaos and unearths secrets that rot faster than corpses. Starring Matthew Lewis, stepping boldly out of his Hogwarts days into the role of a country rector turned reluctant detective, this isn’t your typical cozy Sunday-night mystery—it’s sharper, bloodier, and poised to become the most addictive whodunnit of the year, captivating fans of twisted small-town tales.
The series opens with a shocking discovery: a parishioner found dead in the pews of Champton St. Mary, thrusting Canon Daniel Clement—played with gripping intensity by Lewis—into a web of intrigue. Set against the serene backdrop of the West Midlands, where filming began in early 2025, the plot unravels a village riddled with hidden sins, from illicit affairs to buried grudges, all catalyzed by the murder. Lewis, 36, known as Neville Longbottom, brings a fresh gravitas to the role, his rector navigating moral dilemmas with a detective’s edge, supported by Amanda Redman as his formidable mother, Audrey. The creative team, including writer Nick Hicks-Beach, infuses the narrative with sharp twists and a bloody undercurrent, distinguishing it from the gentler tones of past village mysteries.
Fans are already hailing it as a standout, with early previews showcasing a scene where Daniel uncovers a cryptic note tied to the victim, hinting at a conspiracy that spans decades. The production’s authenticity, filmed with support from the West Midlands Production Fund, enhances the eerie atmosphere, with misty churchyards and dimly lit interiors amplifying the tension. Social platforms buzz with excitement, with one X user posting, “Morning Before Evensong makes Broadchurch look tame—Lewis is killing it!” The series’ six-episode arc, set to air weekly starting September 29, 2025, on Channel 5 and Acorn TV, promises a relentless pace, with each installment peeling back layers of deceit.
This thriller taps into the legacy of its creators, blending Midsomer’s village charm with Shetland’s brooding intensity. Executive producer Radford Neville teased, “It’s a rollercoaster of secrets and suspense,” while Lewis hinted at a personal connection to Daniel’s journey. The show’s departure from cozy tropes—featuring a violent opening and psychological depth—positions it as a fresh contender in the genre.
As of now, Morning Before Evensong is generating massive anticipation, with #MorningBeforeEvensong trending at 1.4 million mentions. This isn’t just a drama—it’s an obsession waiting to unfold. The full story of this addictive whodunnit awaits below, inviting viewers to watch and dive into a village where every shadow hides a secret.
