A critically acclaimed crime drama that became a record-breaking hit in North America has finally arrived for British audiences, and it's completely free to watch. 'Art Detectives', which features stars from EastEnders and True Blood, is now streaming on UKTV's free services.
What Is 'Art Detectives' About?
The series follows the Metropolitan Police's Heritage Crime Unit, a small, specialised team tackling high-stakes crimes in the glamorous yet ruthless worlds of art and antiques. Led by DI Mick Palmer (Stephen Moyer), an art-loving but weary detective, and his ambitious new partner DC Shazia Malik (Nina Singh), the duo investigates bizarre and murderous cases driven by greed and obsession.
Their investigations span a wide range of intriguing scenarios, including:
- The theft of precious Viking gold.
- The murder of a wealthy collector obsessed with the Titanic.
- A vintage wine tasting that turns deadly.
- The brutal killing of a vinyl record enthusiast.
- The mysterious disappearance of a priceless Chinese vase.
A Stellar British Cast
The show boasts a compelling cast that will be familiar to UK viewers. Alongside Moyer and Singh, the series features Sarah Alexander as Rosa, a museum curator and Mick's love interest. However, a standout fan-favourite is EastEnders icon Larry Lamb, who plays Ron, Mick's charismatic but wayward father. Ron has the dubious distinction of being one of Britain's most notorious art forgers, adding a complex personal layer to the professional investigations.
Critical Acclaim and UK Release Details
The show has already proven its quality and popularity. Upon its launch in North America in June 2025, it earned the title of Acorn TV's most-watched premiere ever. It also holds an impressive 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its stylish and sophisticated twist on the classic buddy-cop formula.
Stephen Moyer himself praised the series, highlighting the clever writing that weaves together intriguing storylines with notable art and history. He expressed his excitement at leading the cast alongside his co-stars.
For UK fans who have been eagerly awaiting its arrival, the wait is over. The entire series is available to stream for free right now on UKTV's streaming service, UKTV Play (branded as U). It is also airing on the free-to-air channel U&DRAMA. For those who prefer physical media, the drama will be released on DVD on 8 December 2025.
