‘Art Detectives’, the breakout Acorn TV hit starring and executive produced by Stephen Moyer (True Blood, Sexy Beast), is heading to the UK this October after UKTV secured the premiere rights in a deal with Dynamic Television. The crime-and-artwork drama will debut exclusively on UKTV’s streaming service U and free-to-air channel U&DRAMA.
The 6-part series made a splash in North America earlier this summer, becoming Acorn TV’s most-watched series premiere of all time. It follows DI Mick Palmer (Moyer) and DC Shazia Malik, played by Nina Singh (Virdee, The Lazarus Project), members of the Heritage Crime Unit. Their job? To tackle murders and mysteries steeped in the world of art and antiques. Cases take them from Old Master paintings to Banksy street art, medieval manuscripts and even collectable vinyl.
As the story unfolds, the duo cross paths with a fake Vermeer, Viking gold, a rare Chinese vase and treasures salvaged from the Titanic. Away from the crimes, Mick finds his personal life equally complicated, juggling a romance with museum curator Rosa (played by Sarah Alexander (Coupling, Green Wing)) and the return of his estranged father Ron (played by Larry Lamb (Gavin & Stacey, EastEnders)), a legendary forger.
The deal also brings another Acorn TV favourite to British screens. ‘Harry Wild’, the Irish mystery drama led by Jane Seymour (The Kominsky Method, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman), which will land on U and U&DRAMA this October. The series follows Harriet “Harry” Wild (Seymour), a sharp-tongued literature professor adjusting to retirement when she’s mugged. Recuperating at the home of her son (played by Kevin Ryan), a detective in the Dublin police, Harry stumbles across a clue in one of his cases. When dismissed, she takes matters into her own hands, launching herself into crime-solving with the unlikely help of streetwise young sidekick Fergus (played by Rohan Nedd). Together, the duo form a mismatched but brilliant investigative partnership.
Harry Wild has become one of Acorn TV’s most successful dramas, regularly ranking among its most-watched shows. Seasons 1–2 previously aired on the BBC in the UK, but this UKTV deal brings all four existing seasons to U and U&DRAMA, including the free-to-air UK premieres of seasons 3 and 4. The series has also been renewed for a 5th season, which is currently filming in Dublin.
Steve North, Chief Programming Officer, UKTV, said:
“Art Detectives has been a breakout success with US audiences and critics since its debut on Acorn TV this summer, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the UK premiere to U and U&DRAMA. It’s exactly the kind of intelligent, engaging drama – combining mystery, history and human stories – that we know our audiences will embrace.”
Dan March, Managing Partner, Dynamic Television, added:
“The series combines gripping mysteries with the fascinating world of art and history, anchored by standout performances from Stephen Moyer and the cast. We’re also delighted that UKTV’s viewers will be able to enjoy Harry Wild, which has become a global fan favorite led by the incomparable Jane Seymour.”
Behind the camera, Art Detectives comes from Black Dog Television, Acorn Media Enterprises, Dynamic Television and Northern Ireland Screen, with Moyer also serving as executive producer. Writers include Dan Gaster, Will Ing, Paul Powell, Emma Goodwin and Kitty Percy, with Jennie Paddon directing.
‘Art Detectives’ will make its UK premiere on U and U&DRAMA in October 2025. ‘Harry Wild’ Seasons 1–4 will also be available on U and U&DRAMA from October 2025. If you want to keep track of these or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when they get a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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