High Country cast, plot and filming locations – BBC crime detective drama explained
BBC ONE is known for its top detective drama and High Country is no different.
The Australian series has already proved a big hit in its home country, and now it has arrived on the BBC.
What is BBC’s crime drama High Country about?
A fictional story inspired by true events, High Country is an eight-part thriller.
The Australian series revolves around detective Andrea Whitford, who is transferred to the Victorian High Country.
She is then thrust into a baffling mystery of five people who have vanished into the wilderness.
Through an edge-of-the-seat, high-stakes investigation, Andie uncovers a complex web involving murder, deceit and revenge.
Who stars in High Country?
Leah Purcell as Andrea ‘Andie’ Whitford
Leah Purcell takes on the lead role of Andrea “Andie” Whitford.
Her character is a detective from the city who is transferred to the small town of Brokenridge.
Speaking about the role, actress Leah said: “Andie’s a fearless woman, but also there’s a vulnerability to her, which is nice.
“And what I liked is that she’s quieter, she’s an observer.
“And I guess that’s what makes her a great cop.
“She observes things, takes things in — and a deep, a deep thinker.”
Talking about the plot, she added: “I think a cop show is a great drama. You’ve got everything in it.
“Then when you’ve got a mystery-thriller, it’s an opportunity to get audiences together, sitting on the lounge (sofa) at home with their family — and actually, it brings about discussion.
“That’s when you know that you’ve got a good show.”
Elsewhere, and fans will recognise Leah from the popular Aussie drama, Wentworth Prison.
Ian McElhinney as Sam Dyson
Esteemed actor Ian McElhinney plays the role of Sam Dyson who is the retiring sergeant that Andie is brought in to replace.
The Northern Irish star has enjoyed an incredible career on the big and small screen.
He is well known for roles in big TV shows like The Fall, Game Of Thrones, Ripper Street, and Unforgotten.
Ian’s movies include Rogue One and The Boys In The Boat.
Sara Wiseman as Helen Hartley
New Zealand actress Sara Wiseman plays Helen Hartley.
Her character is a former artist who relocates from Melbourne to the Victorian High Country to support her partner Sergeant Andie Whitford.
While the actress may not be too well known in the UK, she is a popular star in Australia and New Zealand.
Her biggest shows include Mercy Peak, The Cult, The Almighty Johnsons, A Place To Call Home, Between Two Worlds, Shortland Street, and One of Us is Lying.
Aaron Pedersen as Owen Cooper
In High Country Aaron Pedersen plays a park ranger who helps Andie out.
Away from the show, the actor is known for Wildside, Water Rats, MDA, City Homicide, A Place To Call Home, and Jack Irish.
Aaron is also known for starring in Mystery Road.
Linda Cropper as Rose De Vigny
Linda Cropper plays Rose, who runs a haven for artists but is struggling financially.
Over the years the actress has enjoyed a successful career in her native country.
The Aussie star has appeared in Palace of Dreams, Melba, Bordertown, Water Rats, The Pacific, The Leftovers, and Offspring.
Where is High Country filmed?
High Country is set in the real-life Victorian Alps in Australia, also known as the Victorian High Country.
However, Brokenridge is a fictional town.
Keeping true to the show’s setting, the series was filmed in Victorian High Country.
The town of Jamieson was used to represent Brokenridge and filming mainly took place there.
High Country was filmed during Australia’s winter
Speaking about how cold it was, actress Leah Purcell told The Sydney Morning Herald: “It was minus 2 in one scene, and I said to the crew, ‘I hope you guys are f***ing getting this.'”
Cast and crew also shot scenes in the town of Olinda.
How to watch High Country
High Country kicked off on BBC One on July 13, 2024.
The eight-part series will air at 9pm on Saturday nights concluding on August 31, 2024.
Fans can also watch episodes on the BBC iPlayer.
The drama is a fictional story but inspired by true events and has been created by Marcia Gardner and John Ridley.
It first aired on the Australian streaming service Binge in March 2024.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman‘s war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he’s tasked to investigate while Wallander’s job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.