'The Last Detectives': Why This New BBC Crime Drama Could Be Your Next Must-Watch

If you're looking for a new crime drama to get invested in, the BBC's upcoming series 'The Last Detectives' could be one to add to your watchlist. The six-part police drama has already attracted attention following the release of its first-look images, offering viewers a glimpse of a murder mystery series that combines traditional police investigations with humour, friendship and second chances.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, 'The Last Detectives' follows two detectives whose professional partnership becomes the centre of the story. The series was previously announced under the title 'Old Town Murders', before being renamed ahead of its BBC debut.

A New Crime Drama With a Welsh Setting

One of the biggest draws of 'The Last Detectives' is its setting. Rather than placing its investigations in a familiar major city, the drama takes viewers to Tenby, where beautiful coastal scenery provides the backdrop for a succession of murder cases.

Filming took place in Tenby, Cardiff and along the South Wales coastline, with locations including the town's harbour and surrounding landmarks featuring in the series. The contrast between the idyllic seaside setting and the darker crimes at the heart of the story could give the series a distinctive atmosphere.

The BBC describes the drama as being filled with wit and humour while remaining grounded in its characters, suggesting that it will not be an entirely grim police procedural.

Meet the Detectives at the Heart of the Story

Leading the cast are Mark Lewis Jones as DI Glyn Walsh and Steffan Rhodri as DS Sion Dearden. The pair play old friends and investigative partners whose understanding of one another becomes crucial as they attempt to solve increasingly complicated cases.

Glyn returns from bereavement leave earlier than expected before becoming involved in the investigation into the murder of a university professor. The case takes the detectives into the university community and exposes secrets beneath Tenby's peaceful exterior.

And that is only the beginning. The detectives subsequently find themselves dealing with a series of unusual cases, including the poisoning of a head teacher who drowns while wild swimming and a mysterious death involving a triathlon.

More Than Just Murder Mysteries

While the investigations provide the central hook, 'The Last Detectives' is also designed to explore the personal lives of its characters. The BBC drama focuses on themes including friendship, new beginnings, second chances and finding meaning later in life. That character-driven approach could help distinguish it from more conventional crime series where the investigation takes precedence over everything else.

The format should also give each mystery room to develop. The six episodes are structured around three main investigations, with each case unfolding across two episodes. That means viewers can expect more time to explore the clues, suspects and twists rather than having every mystery wrapped up within a single episode.

A Strong Supporting Cast

The series also features Bethan Mary-James as DC Remy Jones, Jordan Davies as DC Neil Miller and Julie Graham as forensic biologist Pamela Thomas, alongside Catherine Ayers. Behind the scenes, Welsh writer Matthew Barry, whose credits include 'Men Up' and 'The Guest', created, wrote and executive produced the series.

The production comes from Quay Street Productions for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, in a co-commission with BBC Cymru Wales, and has received Welsh Government support through Creative Wales.

When Is 'The Last Detectives' Coming to BBC One?

An exact UK release date has not yet been announced, although the BBC has confirmed that 'The Last Detectives' will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

With its combination of murder mysteries, an unusual coastal setting, a strong central partnership and plenty of character drama, 'The Last Detectives' could offer something slightly different for fans of British crime television. For viewers searching for their next BBC mystery to binge, this new Welsh crime drama is certainly one to keep on the radar.