Acorn TV has finally put an end to the suspense for fans of Stephen Moyer's cozy British mystery series. The streaming service has officially renewed Art Detectives for a second season, with cameras set to roll this month in Belfast and Northern Ireland. The news comes over a year after the show's first season debuted to critical acclaim.
Starring Moyer—best known for his role in True Blood—as DI Mick Palmer, an art enthusiast with a knack for solving crimes, the series follows the Heritage Crime Unit as they navigate the glittering yet dangerous world of high-end art. Alongside DC Shazia Malik, played by Nina Singh, Palmer tackles murders and thefts tied to forgeries, priceless antiques, and the shadowy figures who covet them. Season 1 wove cases involving a fake Vermeer, Old Master paintings, and artifacts from the Titanic, earning a stellar 89% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
According to the announcement from Black Dog Television and Dynamic Television, the new season will kick off with a two-part special in December, followed by a full six-episode season in 2027. Moyer expressed his excitement in a statement, saying, "Great art, rare antiques, expensive collections and a battered satchel – what’s not to love about Mick Palmer? I’m really looking forward to filming these eight new episodes and reuniting with the brilliant Nina Singh." He added that the season is "packed with drama, excitement, tension and surprises."
Returning to steer the ship are creators Dan Gaster, Will Ing, and Paul Powell, alongside directors Jennie Paddon (Death in Paradise), Declan Recks (Faithless), and newcomer Sam O’Mahony (The Wise Guy). Larry Lamb will reprise his role as Mick's art-forging father, Ron, who ended Season 1 locked away in an open prison. Further casting details remain under wraps, but the creative team has already proven their ability to craft compelling mysteries.
Collider's Maggie Lovitt gave Season 1 a 9/10, calling it "one of the best British mysteries on Acorn TV in recent years." The show's blend of cozy charm and high-stakes art crime has resonated with audiences, making its renewal a welcome relief after months of uncertainty. For fans of the genre, this is a perfect time to catch up on mystery thrillers that nail it from opening frame to final credits.
Acorn TV continues to solidify its reputation as a go-to destination for British mysteries, with recent renewals including Inspector Ellis Season 2 and Harry Wild Season 5. The platform's commitment to fresh, engaging content like Art Detectives ensures viewers have plenty to look forward to. As production gears up, stay tuned for more updates on what promises to be another thrilling season of art, crime, and clever detective work.
