Acorn TV Commissions British Crime Drama Whitstable Pearl

Acorn TV has ordered the new British crime drama Whitstable Pearl with Acorn Media Enterprises from Buccaneer Media (Marcella).

Based on the novels The Whitstable Pearl Mystery and Disappearance at Oare by Julie Wassmer (EastEnders) and brought to the screen for the first time by Norwegian filmmaker Øystein Karlsen (Exit, Dag, Lilyhammer), the new six-part series will feature Kerry Godliman (Ricky Gervais’ After Life) in the lead role as Pearl Nolan.

The story explores the dark undercurrents of murder and debauchery swirling beneath the surface of the picturesque 16th century English seaside town of Whitstable, famous for its native oysters and buffeted by the prevailing winds and spray of the North Sea.

Distributed internationally by Cineflix Rights, the Acorn TV original series will begin production in Whitstable on October 26. The series will exclusively premiere on Acorn TV in North America, New Zealand, Australia, and the U.K. in 2021.

Julie Wassmer said, “I am absolutely thrilled that the dream team of Buccaneer and Acorn is about to begin shooting the TV series based on my Whitstable Pearl Mystery crime novels and that a wealth of talent is involved in the entire production—in which Whitstable itself will have a starring role alongside the brilliant Kerry Godliman!”

Kerry Godliman said, “I’m over the moon to be portraying Pearl Nolan in Whitstable Pearl. Her character has such a big heart and I can’t wait to get stuck into bringing Julie’s vision of Pearl’s life juggling Whitstable, murder, seafood and romance to life!”

Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises, noted, “Acorn Media Enterprises is excited to commission television adaptations of Julie Wassmer’s popular seaside mysteries. We’re thrilled to have Kerry Godliman in the lead role and are sure our subscribers worldwide will love this character, picturesque seaside setting and intriguing mysteries.”

Tony Wood and Richard Tulk-Hart, joint CEOs of Buccaneer Media, said “Building a show with Acorn has been a terrific experience and has led to so many exciting collaborations, behind and in front of the camera. We’re delighted to be bringing Julie’s hugely-loved world to the screen for the first time.”