The Chelsea Detective – Series two
The Chelsea Detective is a great show if you’re into classic British crime dramas.
Adrian Scarborough absolutely nails it as DI Max Arnold, a bit of an eccentric detective who lives on a shabby houseboat in the middle of rather posh Chelsea.
This fancy backdrop adds a lot of character, with the juxtaposition of Max investigating murders amidst all the glitz and glamour of one of London’s wealthiest areas then going back to live on the set of Rosie and Jim. It’s not just about solving the crime; it’s about exploring the lives of the rich and privileged, who are often not quite as polished as they appear. The cases have everything from art heists to scandalous family secrets.
The storytelling sticks to the tried-and-true formula of classic British crime dramas—methodical investigations, a bit of tension, and the kind of polite procedural tone that feels uniquely British. Its pacing is reminiscent of the likes of Vera or Midsomer Murders, a good mix of cosy charm and dark secrets with a touch of Line of Duty sprinkled on top. Nothing groundbreaking, but with a bit more narrative depth than your average “whodunnit.”Thoroughly enjoyable for fans of old-school British detective stories.
Max is joined by DS Layla Walsh in season two, and together they dive into all sorts of Chelsea-based mysteries that seem more personal and ethically complicated cases, involving everything from luxury retirement homes and the murky world of stolen art to more political stuff like a murder that resurrects the dark history of apartheid in South Africa.
Each episode tends to explore moral ambiguities within Chelsea’s privileged world, and this approach works well in depicting how dark undercurrents flow even in London’s wealthiest corners. Whether it’s art heists gone wrong or entrepreneurs caught up in scandals, the crimes often highlight themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the costs of wealth.
It’s definitely one to add to your watchlist if you like your detective stories with a bit of humour, a bit of heart and a lot of Chelsea charm.
The series is available on DVD and digital now, alongside The Chelsea Detective Series 1 & 2 Box set thanks to Acorn Media International and follows the recent run of series one on U&Drama.
With a third series in production, now is the perfect time to discover this must-watch detective drama.
