Acorn TV & ZDF Order Fourth Season of The Chelsea Detective

Acorn TV and ZDF have ordered a fourth season of the British crime drama The Chelsea Detective, which is set to return in 2026.

Season four consists of four feature-length episodes and stars Adrian Scarborough (Killing Eve) and Vanessa Emme (Dublin Murders), who are reprising their roles as Detective Inspector Max Arnold and Detective Sergeant Layla Walsh.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be returning to Chelsea for yet another mystery-packed season of The Chelsea Detective, a true fan favorite among our passionate subscribers,” said Don Klees, senior VP of programming at Acorn TV. “We’re excited to be back on the case with the talented Adrian Scarborough and Vanessa Emme as the stakes have never been higher for DI Max Arnold, DS Layla Walsh and their team. The Acorn TV audience is sure to be titillated this season by the slew of baffling new cases in and around Chelsea.”

Additionally, Sophie Stone (Shetland) returns as Chief Forensics Officer Ashley Wilton, Lucy Phelps (Grace) as research and tech queen DC Jess Lombard, Peter Bankolé (Peaky Blinders) as officer DC Connor Pollock, along with Frances Barber (Whitstable Pearl) as Max’s Aunt Olivia.

“The Chelsea Detective began during lockdown in a world of social distancing and Covid tests. It’s amazing to think that we’re about the start filming the fourth series,” said creator and executive producer, Peter Fincham. “Max Arnold, Layla Walsh and their colleagues continue to discover different and surprising sides of Chelsea. It’s the perfect location for a detective series, and there’s so much more to come, all thanks to the brilliant team on both sides of the camera.”

“It’s a joy to be back with Adrian, Vanessa, Lucy, Peter and Sophie and the inimitable Frances Barber,” added Ella Kelly, creator and executive producer. “It is a glorious collection of people, the cast, the incredible guests, the formidable crew, the writers, Peter, Glen, Liz and directors Richard Signy and Audrey Cooke. We have four knotty murders plus something rather special in store.”

Season four was written by Fincham, Glen Laker and Liz Lake. Richard Signy and Audrey Cooke are directing.

The Chelsea Detective is produced by Acorn TV’s Acorn Media Enterprises, Germany’s ZDF and the BBC Studios invested indie Expectation Entertainment.