P.D. James’ Dalgliesh Novels Set for New Series Adaptation

Acorn TV and Channel 5 have commissioned the new detective drama Dalgliesh based on P.D. James’ best-selling Inspector Dalgliesh Mysteries.

Commissioned with Acorn Media Enterprises and all3media international from New Pictures, with additional funding from Northern Ireland Screen, Dalgliesh will consist of three two-part films, each consisting of 2×60-minute episodes: “Shroud for a Nightingale,” “The Black Tower” and “A Taste for Death.” Bertie Carvel (Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Agatha Christie’s The Pale Horse, Doctor Foster) will star as Inspector Adam Dalgliesh.

Production begins this December in Northern Ireland, premiering on Acorn TV in North America, New Zealand and Australia and on Channel 5 in the U.K. in 2021. Distribution rights for the rest of the world are held by all3media international. The series will follow the detective from mid-70s England to present day as he solves unusual murders and reveals buried secrets. The lead writer is Helen Edmundson and the director is Jill Robertson. Georgie Fallon will produce and the drama will be executive produced by Elaine Pyke of New Pictures.

Catherine Mackin, managing director of Acorn Media Enterprises, noted: “Acorn Media Enterprises is thrilled to work with Channel 5, New Pictures and all3media international to commission new adaptations of P. D. James’ beloved Dalgliesh Mysteries. Acorn TV subscribers around the world are sure to love these contemporary adaptations starring Bertie Carvel as the iconic detective.”

Sebastian Cardwell, Channel 5’s deputy director of programs, ViacomCBS Networks UK, said: “P.D. James was one of Britain’s great crime writers and we’re incredibly excited to be creating new adaptations of her work.”

Elaine Pyke, New Pictures, noted, “It’s a great honor to bring these much-loved detective mysteries to life for fans of the books but also for new audiences. We are incredibly excited by the talent they are attracting and the opportunity to work with Acorn TV and Channel 5.”