If you enjoy British detective series where each episode feels like a standalone movie, The Chelsea Detective might be your next obsession. This crime drama combines gripping investigations with a very modern, very human lead — and it's all set against the glossy backdrop of one of London’s wealthiest districts.
What Is The Chelsea Detective About?
Premiering in 2022 on Acorn TV, The Chelsea Detective follows DI Max Arnold (played by Adrian Scarborough), a thoughtful, soft-spoken investigator who lives on a shabby houseboat while solving brutal crimes among Chelsea’s rich and powerful. Behind the manicured facades and designer interiors lies a world of secrets, envy, and darkness — fertile ground for murder. Like Sherlock, each episode is a feature-length, self-contained story. This format allows for rich storytelling, deep character exploration, and a cinematic pacing rarely seen in procedural TV.
The series is filmed on location in London, primarily in Chelsea and surrounding areas along the River Thames. You'll spot real streets, galleries, historic buildings, and even floating homes — including Max Arnold’s houseboat, which adds authenticity and charm to the series' aesthetic.
So far, The Chelsea Detective includes:
| Season 1 (2022) | 4 episodes |
| Season 2 (2023) | 4 episodes |
| Season 3 | In production |
| Season 4 | Officially confirmed, with a release date expected in 2025 |
Each episode runs about 90 minutes, making it more like a mini-movie than a standard TV episode.
Whether you're here for the clever mysteries, the London scenery, or just a fresh take on the classic British detective, The Chelsea Detective delivers something quietly compelling. With its cinematic episodes, understated lead, and crimes hiding behind polished Chelsea facades, it’s a show that doesn’t shout — but definitely stays with you. A must-watch for anyone who believes the best mysteries are solved with a sharp mind… and maybe a bit of tea on a houseboat.
