The iconic British crime drama “Dalziel and Pascoe”, which aired on the BBC from 1996 to 2007 and ran for 11 seasons, will be rebooted.
Britbox has ordered a “modern reimagining” of the show, which is being produced by Westroad Pictures, the company behind recent detective series Ridley and mystery thriller Hollington Drive, in conjunction with All3 Media. ITV is the UK partner.
Dalziel and Pascoe, based on the novel of the same name by Reginald Hill, is a classic odd-couple detective drama that contrasts Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Dalziel’s straightforward, old-fashioned, and often callous detective style with the more methodical, modern methods of his partner Detective Inspector Peter Pascoe. Like many on-screen police pairs, the duo, played by Warren Clarke (Dalziel) and Colin Buchanen (Pascoe) in the original, clashed, got on each other’s nerves, and were embarrassed by each other, but their partnership of polar opposites proved highly effective in solving cases.
“Dalziel and Pascoe” is primarily set in the fictional town of Weatherton in the county of Yorkshire in northern England, and follows the pair as they investigate multiple, often multi-victim murders in the area.
“‘Dalziel and Pascoe’ has always been about friction, intelligence and the uneasy bond between opposites forged in the pursuit of truth,” said John Farrar, executive vice president of programming at Britbox. “Dalziel and Pascoe’s chemistry, wit and moral clarity are the perfect complement to this richly layered mystery, a piece of timeless crime storytelling that not only honors its legacy, but also sharpens it.”
The new film Dalziel and Pascoe was co-created for television by Colette Cain (Department Q, Vera) and Daisy Marty (Vikings: Valhalla). Other writers on the series include the new writing duo of Chris Lyden and John Law, and Danusia Samar (Gangs of London, Bodies).
Farrar, Steven Nye and Lucy Wolfman are executive producers for Britbox. The series will be streamed on BritBox in the US and Canada.
Nana Hughes, Commissioner and Head of Comedy Writing at ITV, said: “It’s a real privilege to be able to bring Reginald Hill’s beloved Dalziel and Pascoe back to our screens for a new audience.” “At the heart of this series is the enduring and unexpected chemistry between two very different detectives, and we are excited to explore that new dynamic.”
As UK partners of ITV drama directors Dalziel and Pascoe, Polly Hill and Hughes have been working on the series in collaboration with Britbox. Hughes is overseeing production on behalf of ITV, and the series will be produced by West Road Pictures, part of All3Media. The drama will be broadcast on ITV and STV and can be streamed on ITVX and STV Player.
Jonathan Fisher, managing director of West Road Pictures, said: “We are truly honored to be able to reimagine Reginald Hill’s iconic detective series for a modern audience. We hope that viewers will once again fall in love with this unlikely but wonderful pairing. We can’t wait to bring together our first-rate creative team and begin work on this series, our fifth commission at West Road Pictures.”
Lauren Jackson, vice president of scripted content at All3Media International, added: “With two bold and complex leads at the center, West Road Pictures’ contemporary drama is packed with intrigue, wit and gripping mystery stories. We’re excited to bring Dalziel and Pascoe to audiences around the world, a unique and exciting addition to our famous detective series.”
The six-part series will be directed by Ishar Sahota (Run Away, Missing You) and produced by Juliet Charlesworth (After the Flood, Happy Valley). Executive producers for West Road Pictures are Fisher, Ellie Burney and Ingrid Goodwin. Kane will serve as lead writer and executive producer.
‘Dalziel and Pascoe’ is scheduled to begin filming in the north of England in spring 2026. The drama is produced in collaboration with All3Media International, the drama’s global partner.
