UK fans have waited months for the hotly-reviewed crime drama, exploring the murderous world of art and antiques dealing
A smash-hit crime thriller starring EastEnders icon Larry Lamb and True Blood star Stephen Moyer is finally landing in the UK – and fans can stream it for free.
Art Detectives, which became Acorn TV’s most-watched premiere ever when it launched in North America this June, follows a specialist Met Police unit tackling the dark underbelly of the art world, from stolen Viking gold to the murder of a wealthy, Titanic-obsessed collector.
Stephen stars as DI Mick Palmer, an art-loving but world-weary cop paired with ambitious and straight-talking newcomer DC Shazia Malik, played by Nina Singh.
Together they make up the Heritage Crime Unit, a tiny team tasked with solving the big, bizarre cases connected to the ruthless world of antiques and art trading.
Other cases include a vintage wine tasting that turns deadly, the brutal killing of a vinyl obsessive and the sudden disappearance of a priceless Chinese vase.
Stephen and Nina are joined on the cast by Sarah Alexander as Rosa, a museum curator who doubles as Mick’s love interest, and Larry Lamb.
The TV legend shines in the fan-favourite role of Ron, Mick’s charismatic but wayward father who just so happens to be one of Britain’s most notorious art forgers.
Art Detective’s official synopsis teases: “Each episode follows Mick and Shazia through a world driven by greed, obsession, lust and revenge,” promising everything from fake Vermeers to Titanic relics.
Stephen has said he loved the show’s special blend of chaos and culture, adding: “The writing team have cleverly woven together intriguing storylines, notable pieces of art and a bit of history for good measure.
“I’m excited to lead the cast alongside the lovely Nina Singh, brilliantly funny Sarah Alexander and my dear old pal Larry Lamb.”
US watchers have lapped it up, with the series holding an 83% Rotten Tomatoes rating. It has been praised as a stylish, sophisticated twist on the classic buddy-cop formula, with all the usual action transplanted into the snobby, cut-throat world of fine art.
British viewers can finally get in on the action as the hotly anticipated drama arrives exclusively on UKTV’s free streaming service U and its free-to-air channel U&DRAMA and it is arriving on DVD on 8 December.