Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen: The BBC’s New Thriller Is So Good It’s Actually Scary

There’s a new heavyweight on the telly scene, and if you haven’t caught wind of the hype yet, you’ve probably been in the dark. The latest offering from across the ditch has finally landed, and let me tell you, it’s not just water-cooler talk—it’s a full-blown obsession. For anyone who craves a thriller that genuinely gets under your skin, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.

Now, I know what you're thinking: another high-stakes drama? But this one is different. From the very first scene, the atmosphere is so thick it’s practically suffocating. It’s the kind of show that makes you jump at shadows in your own living room. And if you’ve seen the ending, well, let’s just say we’re still picking our jaws up off the floor. The whole six episodes build towards this inevitable, looming dread, and when something very bad finally does happen, it’s nothing you could have predicted. It’s the kind of finale that’s already sparked a thousand arguments—was it satisfying? Absolutely. Was it devastating? You bet.

The Perfect Storm of Tension

The genius here lies in how the story is told. It reminds me a bit of a literary whodunnit, like Benjamin Stevenson’s brilliant Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. There’s that same darkly comic tone mixed with genuine suspense, where you’re constantly second-guessing every character’s motive. But where Stevenson’s book is a clever puzzle box, this series is more of a slow-burn fuse. You know it’s going to go off, you just don’t know when.

Of course, the casting is a masterstroke. David Tennant is in his element, bringing that unnerving charisma he’s perfected over the years. He plays a man whose world is unravelling, and you can’t help but be drawn into his paranoia. It’s the kind of role that makes you wonder if the Bunny Vs. Monkey logic of children's comics might be simpler to navigate than the tangled web of adult relationships we see here. One minute you're sympathising with him, the next you’re convinced he’s the one to watch. That push-and-pull is what makes it so addictive.

What’s the Real Story?

Without spoiling the fun for anyone who hasn't binged it yet (and honestly, get to it), the plot revolves around a couple whose new life in a remote country house is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious stranger. Simple setup, but the execution is anything but. It plays with the idea that the most terrifying monsters aren't the ones under the bed, but the ones hiding in plain sight. It’s a Ricky Sticky Fingers scenario—someone’s taking things, twisting truths, and you’re never quite sure what’s real.

• The Atmosphere: Filmed with a cold, bleak aesthetic that makes the Australian outback look like a cosy beach in comparison. It’s relentless.
• The Performances: Tennant leads, but the supporting cast is a knockout. There’s a raw vulnerability there that makes the tension unbearable.
• The Ending: You’ll either love it or hate it. There’s no middle ground. It’s the kind of finale that leaves you staring at the credits, trying to piece together the clues you missed.

It’s rare to find a series that balances the highbrow and the lowbrow so well. One minute you’re thinking about the psychological depth of it all, the next you’re just yelling at the screen. It’s got a bit of that The Fake Mate energy—where you’re watching two characters who might be deceiving each other, or maybe themselves, and the chemistry is so volatile it’s practically explosive. You just can’t look away.

So, if you’re looking for your next weekend binge that will actually make you feel something—whether that’s terror, frustration, or sheer admiration for a story well told—this is the one. Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen isn't just a title; it’s a promise. And I, for one, am already begging for a second season. Just make sure you keep the lights on.