And star Robson Green says he knew the 1950s drama, with the odd couple pairing of Robson’s cop and James Norton’s sleuthing cleric, would be a hit.
“There was brilliant feedback after the first episode, but to be honest, I knew it was going to fly at the very first read-through,” revealed Robson, 51.
“I immediately got on with James. It was friendly, warm and we were kind to each other.
“That relationship off camera transferred in front of it.
“Let’s face it, the coupling of a charismatic clergyman and a no-nonsense detective would be very hard to pitch to a commissioning editor.
“But because of how we got on, it has been really likeable.
“And that plays a major part in any television success.”
Just as there was a bit of a contrast between the two lead characters — troubled cleric Sydney Chambers and Inspector Geordie Keating — there was an appealing difference between the look and tone of the series.
While it appeared to have that quintessentially British, chocolate-box village image, the crimes and attitudes were quite shocking.
“There was an undercurrent of something incredibly uncomfortable,” says Robson.
“There were many taboos in the 1950s, be it racism, homophobia, domestic violence and abortion.
“I like the balance between tranquillity and darkness. James Runcie who wrote the original novel said that Grantchester was the perfect place for picnics — and murders!”
Robson reckons the series is “so at the top of its game” that he’d love a third batch of episodes.
But he would have a couple of must-have conditions.
“Our lead writer Daisy Coulam would have to be involved. And James would have to be, too,” he adds.
“Those two things are deal breakers for me.”
Robson turned 50 in December 2014 and admits he thought he’d be doing “bits and pieces and guest parts” by this stage.
But he’s never been busier.
He’s become one of the most engaging and personable documentary hosts with his Tales from Northumberland.
And as it’s where he grew up and still lives, he couldn’t be more proud of its impact.
“There has been such an amazing boost in visitor numbers as a direct result of the programmes,” he says.
“If I can take on board that I helped Northumberland I think that’ll be some achievement.”
READ MORE
Robson Green expects Grantchester to be an ‘absolute monster’
Robson Green set for more fishy tales
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe