Classic UK police procedural Dalziel & Pascoe set for reboot via BritBox-ITV partnership

Debuting in 1996, Dalziel & Pascoe ran for 11 seasons

UK commercial broadcaster ITV and BBC Studios-owned streamer BritBox are partnering to bring a reboot of classic British detective series Dalziel & Pascoe to the screen.

Commissioned by BritBox, the six-part series is described as a “fresh and contemporary reimagining” of the original BBC drama, which ran from 1996 to 2007.

ITV’s director of drama, Polly Hill, and commissioner and head of scripted comedy, Nana Hughes, have worked with BritBox on the series, which will be produced by All3Media’s West Road Pictures (Ridley) and is based on the books by Reginald Hill. The show centres on the relationship between seasoned detective Dalziel and rookie cop DS Pascoe.

The parts were originally played by Colin Buchanan and the late Warren Clarke. Casting for the reboot has yet to be announced.

To be directed by Isher Sahota (Run Away), it will begin shooting in the north of England this Spring. It will air on ITV and Scottish broadcaster STV, and stream on ITVX and STV Player, as well as BritBox in the US and Canada. All3Media International is handling global distribution.

Jon Farrar, exec VP of programming at BritBox, said: “Dalziel & Pascoe has always been about friction, intellect and the uneasy bond of opposites, forged in pursuit of truth. Their chemistry, wit and moral clarity perfectly complement this richly layered mystery. It’s timeless crime storytelling that not only honours but sharpens its legacy.”

Hughes added: “It’s a genuine privilege to bring Reginald Hill’s much-loved Dalziel & Pascoe back to the screen for a new audience. At the heart of this series is the enduring, unexpected chemistry between two very different detectives, and we’re excited to explore that new dynamic.”