It’s never too late to bring back a beloved detective drama... especially if it’s called Lovejoy. The hit British series, which aired 71 episodes on the BBC from 1986 to 1994 and earned a loyal fanbase in the process, is making a grand return in what’s set to be the TV reboot of the decade - and there’s a Slow Horses twist. Yes, really.
You see, the series isn’t just being brought back by anyone, but by the actual team behind our favourite spy series Slow Horses. Lovejoy fans will remember the show's star Ian McShane, who played the roguish antiques dealer with a knack for exposing art scams and, while it’s looking unlikely he’ll return, we do have a hunch as to who might step into his famous shoes.
While we patiently wait for Lovejoy to arrive on our screens, here’s everything you need to know about the reboot, including the plot, potential cast and expected release date.
What was the original Lovejoy series about?
The popular BBC drama first aired in 1986 and was adapted from the novels by John Grant, which he wrote under the pen name Jonathan Gash. Set in East Anglia, the series revolves about charismatic yet roguish antiques dealer, Lovejoy, who’s rather skilled at spotting genuine artefacts and scams. Lovejoy is both a dealer and detective, spending his time scouring salesrooms and auction halls for treasure, while also getting caught up in underhand scams and devious deals. Yes, he’s roguish, but he’s also loveable and earned himself an army of fans during the eight years he graced our screens with his presence.
What will happen in the Lovejoy reboot?
The series will be produced by See Saw, the production company behind Slow Horses and Sweetpea, who will turn John Grant’s books into a premium returning crime drama. According to Deadline, See Saw wants to create a “contemporary reimagining of the Lovejoy novels that will strip away the nostalgia of the 1980s adaptation and return to the unrulier spirit of the books.”
Grant’s long-time literary agent, Lisa Moylett, says of the reboot: “Jonathan Gash created an extraordinarily vivid and complex Lovejoy. A morally ambiguous, often unpleasant anti-hero brought to life through taut prose and page-turning stories steeped in the shadowy world of antiques. It was essential that any new adaptation kept the books front and centre.
"See-Saw’s bold, assured vision, led by Lisa Gilchrist and Helen Gregory, demonstrated exactly how to preserve the books’ wit and grit while reimagining them for today’s audience. We are thrilled to work with them to bring this remarkable legacy back to the screen.”
Who’s in the cast of the Lovejoy reboot?
As it stands, no cast members have been confirmed for the Lovejoy reboot. However, given the series has the producers of Slow Horses behind it, could we see Gary Oldman stepping into the shoes of the beloved detective? Here’s hoping!
Was the original Lovejoy series any good?
Yes – in fact, many fans have been calling for a reboot for quite some time. Ian McShane was fantastic as the titular character, capturing all the roguish charm he has in the original books and winning over audiences in the process. Fans have called the series “perfect British escapism”, “simply wonderful” and “like a pair of comfortable shoes”. If you’re looking for an example of excellent British TV, Lovejoy is it.
How can I watch the Lovejoy reboot?
See Saw hasn’t yet shared a release date or broadcaster for the Lovejoy reboot, but we’d expect production to begin soon. As soon as we have a confirmed release date, we’ll share it here.
What other great detective dramas can I watch now?
For the ultimate comfort watch, we’d recommend The Brokenwood Mysteries. Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) and Detective Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland) are the unlikely duo who team up to investigate everything from vineyard deaths (the poor wine critic!) to local scandals and stag party disappearances. It’s entertaining, quirky, and just a little bit addictive. You can watch The Brokenwood Mysteries on U. We’d also suggest catching up on Rose and Maloney, which stars Sarah Lancashire as one half of the titular detective duo who take on claims of miscarriages of justice. You can watch Rose and Maloney on Prime Video. For more great detective dramas you can watch now, check out our round-up here.
