British detective dramas have become increasingly popular with American viewers, with the likes of Shetland, Death in Paradise, Patience, Blue Lights, and even the latest Sherlock Holmes adaptation garnering consistent attention. Among the highest-rated is this three-part series, which premiered in 2021 to positive reviews and whose future fans have eagerly awaited news about, especially since its third season ended two years ago. Now, there’s exciting news, as the crime series is set to return to screens — but with a twist.

Created and written by Helen Edmundson as an adaptation of the best-selling Adam Dalgliesh novels by P. D. James, Dalgliesh is an intriguing detective drama that sees Bertie Carvel star as the title character, a mysterious detective–poet. The series premiered on Acorn TV on November 1, 2021, in the U.S., followed by a Channel 5 premiere three days later in the U.K. Seasons 2 and 3 then came about in April 2023 and December 2024, respectively, with a fourth season appearing uncertain at the time.

With that said, fans will be delighted to know that producers Acorn TV and New Pictures announced on May 18, 2026, that Dalgliesh will be back per new reports. However, the series sadly won’t be broadcast on the U.K.’s Channel 5 anymore. Instead, Dalgliesh Season 4 will premiere on Acorn TV in the U.K., U.S., and Canada. “It’s a real pleasure returning to the world of Dalgliesh, brought to life by the brilliant Helen Edmundson and Bertie Carvel,” Elaine Pyke, co-founder and creative director of New Pictures, and executive producer of Dalgliesh, said of the renewal. An official premiere date has yet to be announced, but that should be expected in due course.

‘Dalgliesh’ Is An Underrated British Detective Drama

Dalgliesh is an excellent watch that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The series follows Adam Dalgliesh, a published poet and recent widower who is also Detective Chief Inspector, later Commander, in the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard. The character employs his empathy and insight to plumb the darker depths of the human psyche while investigating complex crimes in mid-1970s England. Also starring in the series are Jeremy Irvine as DS Charles Masterson in Season 1, Carlyss Peer as DS, later DCI Kate Miskin, Alistair Brammer as DS Daniel Tarrant in Seasons 2 and 3, Claire Goose as Dr. Emma Lavenham in Season 3, and David Pearse as Pathologist Miles Kynaston.

Dalgliesh returns with a new season in 2027.

via Collider