Led by the Brits produce dozens of great crime and detective dramas each year, only a few truly break through to become genuine, lasting, global sensations.

Though there are various reasons why one show may fare better than another (the story's quality is certainly a key factor), a good detective drama needs to be led by an interesting detective. While solving the case is a key component of what makes a detective drama work, if the leading investigator isn't compelling, the entire show will falter. After all, the case is also meant to give us a better insight into the person trying to solve it. So, what's even better than one compelling lead detective? Two.

David Tennant's Broadchurch Features One Of The Best Detective Duos On Thriller TV

There's Something Special About A Great Crime-Solving Duo

First released by ITV in the U.K. in 2013, David Tennant's Broadchurch introduced viewers to one of the best detective duos in the genre. DI Alec Hardy (Tennant) and DS Ellie Miller (the one and only Olivia Colman) complement each other beautifully, though they'd probably both deny it if you asked. Alec is socially distant, rough, haunted by his past, but he is also comionate and truly cares about achieving the right result. As an outsider in a relatively small, seaside community, he provides a more disionate, objective perspective on every case.

Then there's Ellie, a prominent part of the community and devoted wife, mother, and friend. She cares about the victims' families, fosters a close personal connection to them, and understands how the residents of Broadchurch think, feel, and act. Though he might not want to it it initially, Alec soon realizes he needs Ellie in season 1, and though she makes a few minor mistakes, he eventually learns to forgive her. In a roundabout way, they take care of each other. Their relationship makes them stand out from the potentially oversaturated British detective crowd.

David Tennant & Olivia Colman's Dynamic Is The Best Thing About Broadchurch

Both Actors Are Incredible In Broadchurch

Given how talented both Tennant and Colman are, it's no surprise that their dynamic is the best thing about Broadchurch. Though the show's popularity was certainly helped by the tragic nature of Broadchurch season 1's heartbreaking murder and the way the story examines how gossip and distrust can tear apart a once peaceful small town, Tennant and Colman's characters, acting work, and partnership within the show are second to none.

Tennant and Colman's characters, acting work, and partnership within the show are second to none.

Tennant and Colman have incredible emotional range, and it's all on prime display in Broadchurch. Alec is set in his ways but still willing to learn, while Ellie owns up to her mistakes and calls Alec out when he's overly arrogant. Despite their different experiences, they need each other to solve Broadchurch's most heinous crimes. Colman and Tennant play off each other beautifully.

The British TV Series Isn't The Only Show That Sees David Tennant In An Iconic Pairing

David Tennant Has Great Chemistry With His Co-Stars

Though Tennant is fantastic as a solo actor or in an ensemble show, he excels when part of an interesting, dynamic duo. Broadchurch is far from his only iconic pairing; think of his work on Doctor Who and Good Omens, for instance. The Tenth Doctor's friendship with companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) is possibly my favorite ever on-screen dynamic duo. When they reunite at Adipose Industries in season 4, episode 1, "Partners in Crime," there's so much genuine fun and laughter in their relationship. There's a reason they were brought back for Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials.

We can't forget Tennant's role as the demon Crowley in Good Omens and his incredible chemistry with Michael Sheen's angel, Aziraphale. Their relationship is tragedy, comedy, destiny, and love all rolled into one, and I can't imagine anyone better in either role. It's magic when they're on-screen together, and their real-life friendship shines through beautifully too. David Tennant is one of today's most popular working actors for a reason, and his roles in Broadchurch, Doctor Who, Good Omens, and so many others prove why.