AMC Networks’ popular international streamer, Acorn TV, today announced the greenlight of a new aesthetically pleasing crime drama, Art Detectives, led by Stephen Moyer (True Blood, Sexy Beast), who also executive produces.
Art Detectives, a Black Dog Television production co-produced and distributed by Dynamic Television, is a compelling new original crime series centered around the Heritage Crime Unit, a police department consisting of art-loving DI Mick Palmer (Moyer) and straight-talking DC Shazia Malik (Nina Singh – Chemistry of Death, The Lazarus Project). Together, they solve murders connected to the world of art and antiques, from Old Master paintings, to Banksy street art, medieval manuscripts, and collectible vinyl.
Throughout the season, the artfully astute detectives encounter a fake Vermeer, Viking gold, a rare Chinese vase, and items rescued from the Titanic. It’s a rich and colorful world driven by greed, obsession, lust, and revenge. Mick navigates these demanding cases while managing a budding romance with museum curator Rosa (Sarah Alexander – Coupling, Green Wing) and the sudden reappearance of his charismatic father, Ron (Larry Lamb – Gavin & Stacey, EastEnders), who just happens to be one of Britain’s most notorious forgers.
“I’m very excited to bring the slightly quirky Mick Palmer to life in this wonderfully creative detective series,” shares Moyer. “The writing team on Art Detectives have done a great job of cleverly weaving together intriguing storylines, notable pieces of art, and a bit of history thrown in for good measure. I’m excited to lead the cast along with the lovely Nina Singh, brilliantly funny Sarah Alexander, and my dear old pal Larry Lamb.”
“Art Detectives is a rare and witty crime drama that audiences will get absorbed by. From the sharp dialogue to the mesmerizing artwork and the edge-of-your-seat twists, this series will wow viewers from start to finish. We’re thankful to the incomparable Stephen, Nina, Sarah, and Larry as well as our partners at Black Dog, Dynamic, and Northern Ireland Screen for coming together on this wonderful series,” added Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises/Acorn TV.
Art Detectives will be filmed entirely in Belfast and the surrounding countryside of Northern Ireland. Production is currently underway and will debut in 2025.
Paul Powell, executive producer for Black Dog Television, said “We can’t wait for viewers to meet and fall in love with Mick and Shazia, as they deal with priceless artworks, devious forgeries and obsessive collectors. Not to mention theft, revenge, and murder!”
Art Detectives is written by Dan Gaster, Will Ing, Paul Powell, Emma Goodwin (Ep 3), and Kitty Percy (Ep 4) and directed by Declan O’Dwyer and Jennie Paddon. The series is executive produced by Gaster, Ing, and Powell for Black Dog Television, Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer for Acorn TV/Acorn Media Enterprises, Daniel March and Klaus Zimmermann for Dynamic Television, and Stephen Moyer. Candida Julian-Jones produces.
Art Detectives is an Acorn TV Original Series produced by Black Dog Television, Acorn Media Enterprises, Dynamic Television, and Northern Ireland Screen. Dynamic Television is the worldwide distributor and Acorn TV holds North American rights.
