AMC Network's Acorn TV and Channel 5 order double series of "Dalgliesh"

AMC Networks’ Acorn TV and Channel 5 today announce a double series order for detective drama "Dalgliesh." New Pictures (Des, The Missing, Cobra) have been commissioned to produce both series with additional funding from Northern Ireland Screen. “I’m absolutely thrilled with the commission of not just one but two series of Dalgliesh," Elaine Pyke, Executive Producer, New Pictures said. "The reaction to series has been a delight. I look forward to continuing New Pictures’ collaboration with Channel 5, AMC, All3Media International, the P.D. James estate and Bertie Carvel to tell the future stories of Adam Dalgliesh."

Acorn Media Enterprises will serve as distributor for both series in North America, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, with All3Media International distributor for the rest of the world. The double series commission was ordered by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, UK, Paramount. The second series of "Dalgliesh" (6 x 60’) will adapt another three novels from P.D. James’ international best-selling murder mysteries with each being told over two hour-long episodes. Bertie Carvel (Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Agatha Christie’s The Pale Horse, Doctor Foster) will reprise the role of the uniquely enigmatic detective, Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh.

In "Death Of An Expert Witness," when a young girl is found murdered in a field, the scientific examination of the exhibits is just a routine job for the staff of Hoggatt's forensic science laboratory, but when the senior biologist is found dead in his laboratory, Dalgliesh is called to the bleak fens of East Anglia, where the murderer is lying in wait to strike again. "A Certain Justice" sees Venetia Aldridge QC, a distinguished barrister, agree to defend Garry Ashe, accused of the brutal murder of his aunt. Just four weeks later, Miss Aldridge is found dead at her desk. As Dalgliesh narrows the field of suspects, a second brutal murder draws them into greater complexities of intrigue and evil.

"The Murder Room" shows a Dalgliesh macquainted with the Dupayne Museum and its sinister murder room celebrating notorious crimes committed in the interwar years. When he is called to investigate the killing of one of the trustees, it seems everyone has something to gain from the crime. When it becomes clear that the killer is prepared to kill again, Dalgliesh knows that to solve this case he has to get into the mind of a ruthless killer. Series three will continue the novels by P.D. James, filming in 2023. Details on the third series will be released in due course.“Bertie Carvel’s expert portrayal of Chief Inspector Adam Dalgliesh delivers a lasting charm and sophistication that is unmatched and, clearly, a must-watch," Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises said. "We are absolutely elated to return for not one, but two, mysterious and compelling seasons. We’re grateful to our partners at New Pictures, All3Media and Channel 5.” 

Acclaimed screenwriter and playwright Helen Edmundson returns as lead writer for the second series with Stewart Harcourt also joining the series as writer for A Certain Justice. Andy Tohill and Ryan Tohill will return to direct the episodes for A Certain Justice and Geoff Sax joins to direct Death of an Expert Witness. BIFA-nominated Brendan Mullin will produce the series with Elaine Pyke, Willow Grylls, Emily Russell and Helen Edmundson serving as Executive Producers for New Pictures. New Pictures is a part of All3Media.  Filming on the second series is currently underway in Northern Ireland with series 2 set to transmit on Channel 5 in 2023.“Dalgliesh proved incredibly popular with our viewers, and I’m delighted to be working again with New Pictures to bring to life even more stories from P.D James’ crime novels," On the additions to Channel 5’s expanding drama slate Sebastian Cardwell said.