Maigret Meets Grantchester: Why Bertie Carvel’s Dalgliesh Is a Detective Drama Worth Binge-Watching
Fans of British crime dramas looking for their next gripping mystery may have overlooked one of Channel 5’s most compelling series. Starring Doctor Foster actor Bertie Carvel, Dalgliesh combines intricate murder investigations, buried secrets and a quietly compassionate detective whose personal struggles add depth to every case.
Based on P.D. James’ bestselling Adam Dalgliesh novels, the series transports viewers to 1970s England, where a talented but troubled detective approaches murder investigations with a rare degree of empathy. With three series available to watch, it offers plenty for fans of Maigret, Grantchester and other character-driven British crime dramas.
What Is Dalgliesh About?
First broadcast in 2021 on Channel 5 in the UK and Acorn TV in the US, Dalgliesh centres on Detective Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh, played by Bertie Carvel. A published poet and recent widower, Dalgliesh is an unusual figure in the world of television crime dramas. His intelligence and sensitivity set him apart, while the grief he carries gives his character an emotional complexity that extends beyond the mysteries he investigates.
Across the series, Dalgliesh tackles a succession of unusual and often disturbing cases, frequently working alongside his colleagues, including DS Charles Masterson, played by Jeremy Irvine.
The first series opens with the death of a student nurse during a training demonstration, setting the stage for an investigation that draws viewers into a world of unanswered questions and concealed truths. In the second series, the focus shifts to the murder of a senior scientist at a police laboratory, presenting Dalgliesh with another complex case to unravel.
Alongside the criminal investigations, the drama gradually explores the detective’s private life. The loss of his wife and baby son during childbirth continues to haunt him, providing a deeper understanding of his reserved nature and compassionate approach to others.
Crucially, his personal tragedy enriches the character without overwhelming the central mysteries. The cases remain at the heart of the series, giving viewers both the satisfaction of a traditional detective story and a more intimate portrait of the man solving it.
Who Stars in Dalgliesh?
Bertie Carvel leads the cast as DCI Adam Dalgliesh, bringing a thoughtful, understated presence to the role. Known for his performance in Doctor Foster, Carvel anchors the series with a detective who relies on observation and understanding rather than simply following the usual conventions of the genre.
The supporting cast includes:
- Bertie Carvel as DCI Adam Dalgliesh, the perceptive detective and published poet.
- Carlyss Peer as DCI Kate Miskin, a fellow senior detective.
- David Pearse as Miles Kynaston, the pathologist.
- Jeremy Irvine as DS Charles Masterson, Dalgliesh’s investigative partner.
- Alistair Brammer as DS Daniel Tarrant, joining the cast in series two and continuing into series three.
- Claire Goose as Dr Emma Lavenham, appearing in series three.
Together, the cast helps bring P.D. James’ intricate mysteries to life, balancing the procedural details of police investigations with the personal relationships that develop around them.
How Many Series of Dalgliesh Are There?
There are three series of Dalgliesh to explore, giving viewers a substantial collection of murder mysteries to work through.
A fourth series has not been commissioned, although producers have not ruled out the possibility of its return. For now, viewers can enjoy the existing episodes without needing to catch up on an ongoing season.
For anyone who enjoys crime dramas built around carefully constructed cases, a distinctive lead character and the atmosphere of a bygone era, the available episodes offer plenty to settle into.
Is Dalgliesh Worth Watching?
For fans of Maigret and Grantchester, Dalgliesh is an appealing addition to the British detective drama lineup. It shares their emphasis on character and atmosphere while giving its central detective a particularly introspective personality.
Dalgliesh’s empathy is one of the series’ defining qualities. He approaches the people and circumstances surrounding each crime with a sensitivity that makes him feel different from the more hard-edged detectives often seen on television. His background as a poet adds another dimension, suggesting a man accustomed to looking beneath the surface and considering the emotions that shape human behaviour.
That sensitivity does not make the investigations any less engaging. His grief and personal difficulties remain part of his character, but they never completely take over the story. Instead, the balance between his private struggles and professional responsibilities gives the series much of its appeal.
Viewer reactions have also been encouraging, with audiences describing the drama as “quality viewing” and “masterfully executed”. For those who appreciate thoughtful mysteries rather than crime stories driven solely by action, Dalgliesh is well worth considering.
Where Can You Watch Dalgliesh?
The series is available to watch on Channel 5 and through Acorn TV via Prime Video.
Viewers who want a preview before committing can also watch the official trailer on YouTube.
More Detective Dramas to Watch Next
If you finish Dalgliesh and still want more mysteries to solve, there are several other series worth adding to your watchlist.
Touching Evil
Starring Nicola Walker as DI Susan Taylor and Robson Green as Detective Inspector Dave Creegan, Touching Evil follows the pair as they investigate complicated and dangerous cases. Their approach can be unconventional, adding tension to investigations that frequently push them into difficult territory.
The first and second series are available on ITVX.
The Brokenwood Mysteries
For something with a cosier tone, The Brokenwood Mysteries offers a different take on the detective genre. Set in a fictional town in New Zealand, the series follows Mike Shepherd, played by Neill Rea, and Kristin Sims, played by Fern Sutherland, as they investigate crimes that disrupt the seemingly quiet local community.
The cases range from deaths connected to vineyards to local scandals and disappearances involving stag parties. With its small-town setting and unconventional investigations, the series has drawn comparisons to Midsomer Murders.
All 11 series are available to watch on U.
Whether you prefer atmospheric period mysteries, complex criminal investigations or lighter whodunits set in seemingly peaceful communities, British detective dramas continue to offer plenty of choices. But for viewers who want a thoughtful leading character alongside a steady stream of intriguing cases, Bertie Carvel’s Dalgliesh deserves a place near the top of the watchlist.