Art Detectives arrives as a polished blend of art-world intrigue and classic British mystery comfort viewing, a show that feels right at home alongside series like Midsomer Murders or The Chelsea Detective. As someone who very much enjoyed True Blood, I am always glad to see Stephen Moyer take on new roles. Here, he gets a character that leans into his natural charm without relying on the supernatural intensity he is best known for, and it suits him.
The six-part series follows Moyer as DI Mike Palmer, head of the Heritage Crime Unit, where murders, forgeries, and high-stakes heists intertwine with priceless artifacts. His partner, DC Shazia Malik (Nina Singh), brings sharp instincts and grounded energy that nicely balance Palmer’s art-obsessed approach. Their dynamic is one of the show’s biggest strengths. It feels warm, lightly snarky, and unpretentiously smart.
Each episode explores a different corner of cultural crime. The cases range from smuggled Viking treasure to sabotage at a wine tasting, and even a death tied to a wealthy Titanic enthusiast. Some mysteries land more strongly than others, but the variety keeps the series lively. The show treats art history as more than decoration. When it digs into why an artifact matters or how a forgery is pulled off, it becomes genuinely engaging.
Palmer’s personal storyline adds another layer. His father, Ron (Larry Lamb), is a notorious art forger whose sudden reappearance complicates his life on and off the job. The emotional tension is handled with restraint and never overwhelms the weekly cases. Palmer’s developing romance with museum curator Rosa Conaghan (Sarah Alexander) gives the show a gentle softness that rounds out its tone.
Visually, Art Detectives is inviting. The museums, auction houses, and estates provide a warm and textured backdrop that enhances the series’ mix of comfort and intrigue. It feels like a relaxed weekend mystery with a slightly higher artistic IQ.
Moyer anchors the show with ease. He brings sincerity and charisma to Palmer, making him believable as both a detective and an art lover. As a longtime fan of his from True Blood, it is refreshing to see him thrive in a completely different space.
If there is one drawback, it is that the show occasionally plays things a bit safe. Some twists are easy to anticipate, and the emotional beats can feel familiar. Even so, this consistency adds to the cozy appeal. It is clever, character-driven, and confidently made.
For fans of cultured mysteries, Art Detectives is an entertaining and thoughtful watch where every painting and historical object might hide a motive. And for those who enjoy seeing Stephen Moyer in new territory, it delivers exactly what you want.
Jessie Hobson