Classic Crime Drama Dalziel and Pascoe To Return in New Series

Classic Crime Drama Dalziel and Pascoe Set to Return in Bold New ITV Series

One of Britain’s most beloved crime dramas is officially heading back to screens, as ITV confirms it is developing a brand-new version of Dalziel and Pascoe, bringing the iconic detective partnership into a fresh era for modern audiences.

The revival will reimagine Reginald Hill’s celebrated crimefighting duo – the abrasive, instinct-driven Detective Superintendent Andrew Dalziel and his thoughtful, by-the-book colleague Detective Inspector Peter Pascoe. While the new series promises a contemporary edge, producers insist it will remain faithful to the sharp character dynamics and moral complexity that made the original stories so enduring.

Dalziel and Pascoe last appeared on television between 1996 and 2007, starring the late Warren Clarke as the gruff and uncompromising Dalziel, alongside Colin Buchanan as the more cerebral and idealistic Pascoe. Over the course of an impressive 12-series run on the BBC, the drama built a loyal following and became a staple of British crime television, praised for its sharp writing, dark humour, and psychologically rich storytelling.

Now, nearly two decades after the original series ended, ITV is betting that the timeless appeal of Hill’s characters can resonate once again – not just with long-time fans, but also with a new generation of viewers raised on high-end crime drama.

According to ITV drama boss Nana Hughes, the decision to revive Dalziel and Pascoe was driven by the enduring strength of the central relationship at its heart.

“It’s a genuine privilege to bring Reginald Hill’s much-loved Dalziel and Pascoe back to the screen for a new audience,” Hughes said. “At the heart of this series is the enduring, unexpected chemistry between two very different detectives, and we’re excited to explore that new dynamic in a way that feels both respectful and fresh.”

While casting details have yet to be announced, insiders suggest the new adaptation will lean into contemporary themes and modern policing challenges, while preserving the friction, intellect and uneasy mutual respect that defined the original partnership. Dalziel’s unorthodox methods and rough-edged worldview are expected to clash once again with Pascoe’s more progressive, rule-driven approach – a contrast that has always been central to the drama’s appeal.

The revival will draw inspiration directly from Reginald Hill’s novels, rather than serving as a straight remake of the BBC series. This allows the creative team to revisit familiar ideas while reshaping them for today’s social and cultural landscape.

Internationally, the series will be available in the United States and Canada via BritBox, where EVP of Programming Jon Farrar described the show as a natural fit for modern audiences hungry for character-led crime drama.

“Dalziel and Pascoe has always been about friction, intellect, and the uneasy bond of opposites, forged in pursuit of truth,” Farrar explained. “It’s timeless crime storytelling that not only honours but sharpens its legacy.”

Production is scheduled to begin in the North of England in spring 2026, with filming expected to embrace the region’s gritty realism – a hallmark of the original series. The new drama will consist of six episodes and will air on ITV and STV in the UK, with streaming available on ITVX and STV Player.

For fans of classic British crime television, the announcement has already sparked excitement and debate. Many view the return of Dalziel and Pascoe as part of a wider trend of reviving iconic detective dramas, while others are keen to see whether the new version can live up to the formidable legacy left by Clarke and Buchanan.

What is clear is that the core appeal of Dalziel and Pascoe – its sharp dialogue, moral tension, and richly flawed characters – remains as compelling today as it was at the height of its popularity. As ITV prepares to reintroduce the detectives to the small screen, the revival represents both a tribute to Reginald Hill’s enduring creation and a test of whether one of Britain’s greatest crime partnerships can thrive once again in a modern television landscape.