ITV has unveiled its latest crime drama, A Taste for Murder, delivering a sun-soaked, suspenseful tale set against the stunning backdrop of Capri, Italy. Premiering on ITV1 on April 29, 2026, and available to stream in full on ITVX, the six-part series promises viewers a captivating blend of family drama, culinary intrigue, and a web of deception that lurks beneath the island’s idyllic surface.
Created by Matt Baker—well known for his work on Professor T—and directed by Jon Jones, A Taste for Murder is adapted from Baker’s own novel. The show is produced by Megan Ott. At its heart is DCI Joe Mottram, portrayed by Warren Brown, a detective chief inspector from the Met Police who is reeling from the sudden death of his wife, Sofia. Seeking solace and a change of scenery, Joe travels with his teenage daughter, Angelica (played by Beau Gadsdon), to visit his in-laws, Chef Gennaro (Urbano Barberini) and Elena Da Vinale (Phyllis Logan), who run a beloved seaside restaurant on Capri.
But what was meant to be a restorative holiday quickly takes a dark turn. According to Digital Spy, Joe’s plans to reconnect with his daughter and process his grief are interrupted when a local man’s body is discovered on the beach. The prime suspect? Luca (Alessandro Fella), Gennaro’s nephew and the restaurant’s sous-chef. With family ties at stake and the local police closing in, Joe finds himself reluctantly drawn into the investigation.
Complicating matters further, Joe must work alongside local Inspector Lara Sarrancino, played by Cristiana Dell’Anna. The two detectives initially clash—Joe, the outsider with a heavy heart, and Lara, fiercely protective of her patch and her methods. Yet as the investigation deepens, they form what Wales Online describes as a “hesitant partnership,” tackling a series of unusual crimes that shake the tranquil façade of island life.
“Police work is the last thing on Joe’s mind but when a local man’s body is found on a beach and Gennaro’s nephew and sous-chef, Luca, is arrested for murder, Joe can’t avoid getting involved in the investigation and soon finds himself clashing with local Inspector Lara Sarrancino,” according to the official synopsis shared by Digital Spy. The show’s creators have placed a strong emphasis on family, trauma, and healing, framing the murder mystery as much as a story about relationships as about crime-solving.
The cast is a veritable who’s who of British and European television. Warren Brown, familiar to audiences from The Responder, Luther, and Trigger Point, brings depth to the role of Joe Mottram—a man caught between personal tragedy and professional duty. Beau Gadsdon, best known for her roles in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and The Crown, portrays Angelica, whose relationship with her father is tested as they both grapple with loss. Phyllis Logan, beloved for her work in Downton Abbey, plays Elena Da Vinale, the witty and fiercely loyal matriarch of the family. Urbano Barberini, recognized from Casino Royale and Demons, embodies Gennaro, the legendary chef whose restaurant serves as both a sanctuary and a stage for family drama.
Rounding out the ensemble are Alessandro Fella as Luca, Gaia Scodellaro as Daria—a kitchen worker and divorcee—Marouane Zotti as Gianni Gallo, the deputy inspector with the Naples police, and Alessandro Bedetti as Daniele, a young man whose romantic entanglements add yet another layer to the story. Additional cast members include Giuseppe Bonifati as Andrea Carlotti and Hattie Gotobed as Emily O’Brien, each contributing to the show’s rich tapestry of characters.
One of the series’ most distinctive elements is its integration of Italian culinary culture into the narrative. As Joe becomes involved in the investigation, he also learns to cook—guided by Gennaro and Elena. These lessons do more than fill empty stomachs; they provide crucial insights and clues that help unravel the mysteries at hand. “His exploration of Italian dishes provides insights and clues into the crimes he is investigating and ultimately help him to become a better cook, father and detective,” as highlighted by Digital Spy and Wales Online.
But beneath Capri’s postcard-perfect vistas, secrets fester. As the series progresses, the dazzling Mediterranean setting gives way to a “web of deception that forces Joe to confront a truth he never saw coming – and which turns his world upside down,” according to the official synopsis. The show deftly explores themes of grief, resilience, and the complexities of family, all while delivering the twists and turns that crime drama fans crave.
For those eager to dive in, all six episodes of A Taste for Murder are available to binge on ITVX, with weekly airings every Wednesday at 9pm on ITV1 until June 3, 2026. The early drop on ITVX—preceding the originally slated May 13 release date—means viewers can get a head start on unraveling the mystery.
Critics and fans alike have drawn comparisons to other beloved series such as Death in Paradise and The Madame Blanc Mysteries, thanks to its sun-drenched setting and its blend of light and dark elements. Yet, the show carves out its own identity with its focus on the emotional aftermath of tragedy, the healing power of food, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
Matt Baker, the series creator, has emphasized that the show is as much about navigating loss as it is about solving crimes. “It looks at the difficulties of maintaining loving relationships when coping with trauma and grief, alongside a series of outlandish murders that are very much the product of the beautiful Mediterranean island on which the series is set,” Baker told Digital Spy.
Whether you’re tuning in for the breathtaking Capri scenery, the culinary escapades, or the intricate murder mystery at its core, A Taste for Murder offers a fresh twist on the classic detective drama. With its compelling characters, evocative setting, and thoughtful exploration of love, loss, and redemption, ITV’s latest offering is set to become a must-watch for crime drama enthusiasts and newcomers alike.