A mismatched police duo, a weekly crime to solve with some overarching series intrigue, a mystery that keeps you on your toes without terrifying you – when it comes to choosing a detective drama, these are a few of our favourite things. If you are the same and looking for your next crime drama watch, then let us suggest Lynley, currently airing on BBC One and all available to binge on BBC iPlayer.
If you’ve already run through our entire list of cosy crime dramas, this reboot of a much beloved series – both based on a hugely successful book series – could be for you.
What is Lynley about?
As mentioned Lynley is a rebooted crime drama – the first series, which you may remember, was called The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and was on BBC One for six series, between 2001 and 2007. Now, almost 20 years later the BBC has launched this four part series of 90 minute episodes, rebooting the franchise based on the novels of Elizabeth George.
For the uninitiated, the BBC says: ‘Tommy Lynley is a brilliant police detective but an outsider in the force – simply by virtue of his aristocratic upbringing. He is paired with Barbara Havers, a sergeant with a maverick attitude and a working-class background. With seemingly nothing in common and against all odds, the mismatched duo of Lynley and Havers become a formidable team, bonded by their desire to see justice done. His brain and her spirit – his knowledge and her instincts. It is only through working side by side do they both find where they truly belong.’
Each episode of the show sees Lynley (played by Leo Suter, who you may have seen last in Vikings: Valhalla) and Havers (played by Sofia Barclay, who you may remember from Ted Lasso) take on a new mystery each week over a 90 minute episode, which makes them the perfect evening filler this January. Of course a show like this wouldn’t be complete without an all-seeing boss, who in this case is DCI Brian Nies, played brilliantly by Line Of Duty alumni, Daniel Mays.
Is Lynley based on a book?
Yes, the books are based on the popular series by author Elizabeth George – and the good news is, if you like the stories there are 22 so far that you can read, with the latest released in September last year.
The books chosen for the series are not in the same order they were written, but have the same titles as the episodes, so they’re easy to track down if you want to read more.
Speaking to the BBC about having her books adapted again, George said: ‘I’m thrilled to see Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers come to television again, especially through the participation of the BBC and Britbox and the production expertise of Playground. Watching my characters brought to life on television is a real celebration.’
Who is in the cast of Lynley?
Leo Suter plays Inspector Lynley
Sofia Barclay plays DS Barbara Havers
Daniel Mays plays DCI Brian Niles
Niamh Walsh plays Helen Clyde
Michael Workéyè plays Tony Bakare
Joshua Sher plays Simon St James
When is Lynley released?
Lynley’s first episode aired on January 5, but all episodes are available now on iPlayer. If you’re watching on BBC One, here’s the release schedule.
Episode 1, A Place Of Hiding: January 5 at 8.30pm
Episode 2, This Body Of Death: January 12 at 8.30pm
Episode 3, Careless In Red: January 19 at 8.30pm
Episode 4, With No-One As Witness: TBC but expected January 26 at 8.30pm
Lynley is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now and released weekly on BBC One
