The BBC is once again dusting off its detective hat, bringing back a beloved character to British television screens. On Monday, January 5, 2026, at 8:30pm, viewers will be treated to the premiere of Lynley, a fresh reboot of The Inspector Lynley Mysteries—a series that first captivated audiences back in 2001. This time, the classic crime drama has been reimagined for a new era, promising to honor the original’s legacy while introducing a dynamic new cast and a contemporary edge.
At the heart of this much-anticipated revival are Leo Suter and Sofia Barclay, stepping into the shoes of Detective Inspector Thomas “Tommy” Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, respectively. Suter, best known for his role as Harald Sigurdsson in Vikings: Valhalla, takes on the role of the aristocratic, Oxford-educated Lynley, while Barclay, recognized from Ted Lasso and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, brings her own fearless energy to the working-class, straight-talking Havers. According to the BBC, the reboot aims to capture the intrigue and character-driven storytelling that made the original series a staple, while also reflecting the changing times and sensibilities of modern Britain.
The original Inspector Lynley Mysteries, starring Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small, ran from 2001 until 2008, becoming a mainstay of British crime drama. Adapted from Elizabeth George’s bestselling novels, the series explored the unlikely partnership between Lynley, set to inherit the title of Earl of Asherton, and Havers, whose gritty, working-class background and maverick attitude often put her at odds with authority—and with Lynley himself. The new adaptation, simply titled Lynley, preserves this core dynamic, with Suter and Barclay tasked with breathing new life into these iconic roles.
“It’s such a privilege getting to play a character who already has a devoted fan base,” Suter told The Mirror this week. “I was only eight years old when the first Lynley series came out on TV, so it was a little before my time. But I really enjoyed watching Nat Parker’s interpretation as part of my preparation for the role.” Suter, who had never read George’s novels before auditioning, described the process as a “wonderful discovery,” adding, “It’s important to pay respect and homage to the previous version but also to be brave enough to put out one’s own interpretation of the character.”
The reboot’s casting choices have already generated considerable buzz. Barclay’s own background is particularly intriguing: though she plays the down-to-earth Havers, the actress is actually the granddaughter of the late British billionaire Sir David Barclay, one half of the self-made Barclay brothers who built a vast business empire from humble beginnings. Despite her privileged upbringing and education at Westminster School, Barclay has carved out her own path in the acting world, training at New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre School and earning roles in high-profile projects. “I’ve always been interested in doing something creative. I’ve always liked art, theatre, singing, and films,” she told Vanity Fair in 2009. Her mother, Ferzana, hails from India, while her father, Aidan Barclay, is heir to the Barclay family fortune.
Joining Suter and Barclay is a robust supporting cast. Daniel Mays, known for his work in 1917, Line of Duty, and Des, plays Detective Chief Inspector Brian Nies—a veteran officer who, according to screenwriter Steve Thompson, “has done the beat, been in uniform for years, and finally got the promotion. And he looks at Lynley and can’t avoid thinking that this guy is just dripping with privilege, and it makes him resentful.” Niamh Walsh appears as Helen Clyde, Lynley’s love interest and an estate agent he met at Oxford, while Michael Workéyè, Joshua Sher, Nadia Parkes, Jack Archer, Eloise Thomas, Tom Forbes, Oliver Wellington, Sophie Harkness, and Helene Maksoud round out the ensemble, each bringing depth to the world of the Three Counties Major Investigation Team.
The new series consists of four feature-length episodes, each running 90 minutes and airing weekly on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. As reported by Express and BBC, the opening episode finds Lynley and Havers investigating a suspicious death on Salcott, a small estuary island. The case quickly spirals, involving a priceless piece of art and leading the detectives to uncover not one but two crimes. The pair, initially struggling to see eye to eye, soon realize they must rely on each other to uncover the truth and prove themselves to their skeptical boss, DCI Nies.
The second episode, airing on January 12, sees Lynley and Havers tackling a missing person case involving a young estate agent with ties to Lynley’s past. As the investigation heats up, the pressure mounts from DCI Nies to make an arrest, testing the fledgling partnership between Lynley and Havers.
While the series draws on Elizabeth George’s original novels for inspiration, the creative team has made it clear that this reboot is not a simple retread. “It did become clear that the Lynley version we were making was going to be quite different—not least by virtue of the fact that our show will be released 25 years later!” Suter explained to BBC. The new Lynley seeks to bridge the gap between old and new, honoring the legacy of Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small while updating the setting, themes, and character dynamics for a 2026 audience.
For fans of the original series, the return of Lynley is a chance to revisit a beloved world, now reimagined with a fresh cast and a modern sensibility. For newcomers, the show offers a compelling entry point into the world of British detective drama, complete with high-stakes investigations, complex characters, and the ever-present tension between privilege and grit.
With its star-studded cast, rich source material, and a production team committed to both tradition and innovation, Lynley is poised to become one of the must-watch dramas of 2026. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Elizabeth George’s novels, a lover of British crime series, or simply in search of a gripping new mystery, Lynley promises to deliver intrigue, drama, and a healthy dose of British charm every Monday night.
As the opening credits roll once again for DI Lynley and DS Havers, a new chapter begins—proving that some mysteries are simply too good to stay unsolved for long.
