Stephen Moyer, the actor who charmed audiences as the vampire Bill in True Blood, is set to reprise his role as DI Mick Palmer in the acclaimed mystery series Art Detectives. The show, which has been praised for its clever storytelling and Moyer's compelling performance, will return with a two-part special this December on Acorn TV, ahead of its full second season in 2027.
The special, titled Art Detectives: The Roman Bronze, will premiere on Monday, December 7, with the second episode following on December 14. The official synopsis reveals a gripping plot: a wealthy antiquities collector is found murdered, and DI Palmer and his partner DC Shazia Malik (Nina Singh) quickly realize this is no simple burglary gone wrong. Their investigation leads them through a Mayfair gallery, a forgery workshop, and even the House of Lords as they hunt for a missing Roman bronze.
Meanwhile, Mick faces personal turmoil as he contemplates Rosa's potential move to London and tries to visit his art-forging father, Ron, who is in prison—a situation made more complicated by the fact that Mick is the one who put him there. This adds a layer of emotional depth to the high-stakes mystery, promising a special that is both intellectually engaging and character-driven.
The first season of Art Detectives earned rave reviews, with Collider's Maggie Lovitt calling it "one of the best British mysteries on Acorn TV in recent years," though she lamented its short six-episode run. The upcoming special will be written by Dan Gaster, Will Ing, and Paul Powell, with Jennie Paddon directing. Alongside Moyer and Singh, the special will feature Sarah Alexander (known for Pennyworth and The Forsytes) as Rosa and Larry Lamb (Gavin & Stacey, EastEnders) as Ron.
Moyer's return to Art Detectives comes on the heels of his standout role in the third season of Netflix's hit thriller The Night Agent, where he played the intense executioner known as The Father. His versatility as an actor is on full display, shifting from a ruthless villain to a nuanced detective with ease.
For fans of British crime dramas, Art Detectives offers a fresh take on the genre, blending art history with police procedural elements. The special promises to be a must-watch for the holiday season, and with the full second season arriving in 2027, there's plenty to look forward to. If you're a fan of shows like Keira Knightley's Black Doves, which also returns for a second season, this is right up your alley.
As the December premiere approaches, fans can catch up on the first season of Art Detectives on Acorn TV. The special is set to be a highlight of the streaming service's winter lineup, and with its intricate plot and strong performances, it's sure to satisfy both longtime viewers and newcomers alike.
