ITV’s latest police procedural, Lynley, has arrived with immediate critical and viewer acclaim, establishing itself as one of the strongest new British crime dramas of the year. Starring Daniel Mays as the principled but haunted Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Leo Suter as his sharp, unorthodox partner Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, the series brings fresh energy to the genre while staying faithful to Elizabeth George’s bestselling Inspector Lynley novels.

Premiering on January 5, 2026, Lynley follows the partnership between Lynley — an aristocratic Scotland Yard detective with a tragic past — and Havers, a working-class sergeant whose blunt instincts and refusal to conform often clash with Lynley’s more measured approach. The six-episode first season adapts three of George’s early novels, beginning with A Great Deliverance, in which the duo investigates the brutal murder of a young girl in a remote Yorkshire village. What starts as a seemingly isolated crime quickly unravels into a web of family secrets, religious fanaticism, and long-buried trauma.

Daniel Mays, one of Britain’s most versatile actors, brings quiet intensity and moral complexity to Lynley — a man whose privileged background and personal losses make him both empathetic and distant. Viewers have praised his ability to convey deep sorrow and restrained anger, calling it “one of his finest performances yet.” Leo Suter, known for roles in The Last Kingdom and The Devil’s Hour, delivers a fiery, authentic Havers — stubborn, fiercely intelligent, and unafraid to challenge authority. Their dynamic — prickly at first, then slowly built on mutual respect — is the beating heart of the series.

The supporting cast is equally strong: Anna Wilson-Jones as Lynley’s estranged wife Helen, Michael Maloney as the calculating Chief Superintendent Nies, and Fiona Shaw in a guest role as a formidable witness. The production values are impeccable: sweeping Yorkshire landscapes, moody cinematography by David Luther, and a haunting score by Anne Dudley that amplifies the sense of isolation and dread.

Critics have been enthusiastic. The Guardian awarded four stars, calling it “a welcome return to thoughtful, character-driven British crime drama,” while The Telegraph praised the “perfectly judged tension between Mays and Suter.” Early audience scores on ITV Hub and Rotten Tomatoes sit at 89%, with viewers describing it as “addictive,” “emotionally layered,” and “the best new detective series in years.”

What sets Lynley apart from other procedurals is its refusal to rush the mystery or rely on gimmicks. Each case is given room to breathe, allowing the personal lives of the detectives to intersect meaningfully with the investigations. Lynley’s grief over past losses and Havers’ struggle against class prejudice add depth without overshadowing the crimes themselves.

The series also subtly addresses contemporary issues — rural isolation, institutional mistrust, the impact of trauma — while staying rooted in the classic British detective tradition. It’s intelligent, atmospheric, and emotionally honest, proving that a well-told mystery still has the power to captivate.

For fans of Broadchurch, Line of Duty, or Unforgotten who crave smart writing, complex characters, and cases that linger, Lynley is essential viewing. With Season 1 already renewed for a second run based on early performance, the future looks bright for this compelling new addition to the British crime landscape.

All six episodes are available on ITVX and BritBox. If you’ve been missing the thoughtful, slow-burn detective drama, Lynley is here to remind you why the genre endures.