Later this summer, Netflix will finally debut the star-studded adaptation of British television personalityRichard Osman’s bestseller,The Thursday Murder Club, one of the most popular British crime novel series of recent years. In light of that adaptation’s pending arrival, which featuresDavid Tennantin its stacked cast, anotherDoctor Whoalum is set to star in an adaptation of a different set of successful British crime novels.
British network Channel 5 has confirmed, cited viaRadio Times, that an adaptation ofStephen Booth’s best-sellingCooper and Frynovels will be heading viewers' way, joining the likes ofThe TeacherandThe Madame Blanc Mysteriesin the network’s line-up. The series is set to starMandip Gill, most famous for portrayingDoctor Whocompanion Yaz alongsideJodie Whittaker’s titular Time Lord. She will be joined by aDownton Abbeyfavorite inRobert James-Collier,also known for his work inThe Inheritanceand as Martin Evershed inAckley Bridge,with the pair playing the novels' lead puzzle-solving duo. A synopsis for the first season reads:
“Thrown together to investigate a string of mysterious deaths they must learn to work together to get results. As their personal lives begin to intertwine, a unique friendship begins to form… but it won’t always be easy.”
‘Cooper and Fry’ Will Focus on Quality Over Quantity With Its Planned Episode Structure
The green-lit first season will consist of four two-hour episodes, with themismatched detectivessolving cozy crimes around the picturesque Peak District. Each episode is scheduled to tackle a different novel, with Season 1 focusing on the first four novels:Black Dog, Dying to Sin, Blind to the Bones,andDancing with the Virgins. In light of this new series and the many other exciting additions to Channel 5’s upcoming slate, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted for Paramount UK,Sebastian Cardwell,said:
“We’re incredibly proud to unveil this new slate of scripted commissions, which showcases the breadth and ambition of 5’s storytelling. From brand new thrillers and character-driven mysteries to the much-anticipated return of audience favourites, we’re continuing to build a rich and distinctive drama offering. These titles reflect our commitment to delivering compelling, accessible British drama that resonates with viewers across the UK. We look forward to announcing further titles in the coming months.”
Mandip Gill and Robert James-Collier will star in the new detective seriesCooper and Fry. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the best of British television and check out Gill’sDoctor Whonow.
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