iewers who tuned into the season six premiere of ITV’s hit detective drama, Grace, have praised the opening episode as “excellent”.

The crime series, which has been hailed by fans as ITV’s ‘best’ drama, stars John Simm as Brighton-based detective Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, who investigates grisly crimes for the East Sussex police with the help of DI Glenn Branson (Richie Campbell).

Since its premiere in 2021, this gripping and gritty police drama has hooked audiences. It’s proven to be a hit amongst fans and critics alike thanks to its twisty and complex mysteries and John Simm’s compelling lead performance.

Keep reading to find out what viewers are saying about season six so far.

WATCH: Behind the scenes of ITV’s Grace

What have viewers said about season six?

It’s safe to say that fans are pleased to have the detective drama back on their screens. Taking to X, one person wrote: “Good to have #Grace back, a powerful opening episode of the series and nice to see a few familiar faces from other shows,” while another added: “Such a great series, glad it’s back.”

two police officers standing by water© Sally Mais
John Simm as DS Roy Grace and Richie Campbell as DS Branson in Grace

A third viewer penned: “Wonderful to have @ITV #Grace back on my telly. Excellent 1st episode of the new series,” while another commented on the riveting plot, adding: “So many twist and turns in tonight’s episode of #Grace.”

What to expect from Grace season six

Season six consists of four new, film-length episodes, each based on the book series by best-selling author Peter James, including the titles: Left You Dead, Capture You Dead, Dead Man’s Game and One Of Us Is Dead.

The series picks up several months on from the arrest of ACC Cassian Pewe, who in season five, shared intel about Sandy’s murder and the threat to Bruno’s life.

JOHN SIMM as DS Roy Grace in Grace© Sally Mais
The series centres around Brighton-based detective Detective Superintendent Roy Grace

The synopsis continues: “Grace and his team are soon thrown into four challenging investigations: a missing persons case with a dark web of secrets at its core, a university campus plagued by a sinister stalker, a tragic death on a Brighton council estate, and a fatal car crash where all is not as it seems.

“As the series progresses, Grace realises that for the sake of his family, he must pursue the truth about Sandy’s murder and unearth old wounds in order to see justice done, but this journey comes with truly devastating consequences for Roy.”

two men in suits standing in front of police car© Jonathan Browning
Viewers are loving the new season

Reprising their roles alongside John and Richie are Zoë Tapper, who plays Cleo Morey, Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy, Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl and Juliette Motamed as DC Vee Wilde.

Meanwhile, guest stars include Rishi Nair, Ali Khan, Sara Powell, Chizzy Akudolu, Dylan Corbett-Bader, Peter De Jersey and Amir Wilson.

What has John Simm said about the new series?

Season five ended on a major cliffhanger, which saw Grace receive a threat from the Benchdale gang through his former and corrupt boss, Cassian Pewe, who revealed that Grace’s ex-wife Sandy owed them money and they’ll be coming for her son, Bruno.

John Simm as DS Roy Grace and Richie Campbell as DS Glenn Branson in Grace © ITV
The show first premiered on ITV in 2021

On where viewers find DS Grace at the start of season six, John explained: “Well, the fallout from the Cassian Pewe debacle is still hanging over everybody, the team are being investigated, and also that chilling warning that he gives at the end of the last series, that they’ll be coming for Bruno.

“So, we find him and Glenn with that hanging over them, really, but, you know, we’re also straight into a new case to solve too!”