Will The Chelsea Detective Season 4 happen? Acorn TV shares a major update about the crime drama

The Chelsea Detective    Source: Amazon Prime Video
The Chelsea Detective Source: Amazon Prime Video

If you’ve been wondering whether The Chelsea Detective is making a comeback, we have great news for you. After months of speculation from loyal fans, Acorn TV has officially confirmed that Season 4 of the popular British crime drama is on the way. The streamer, known for offering top-quality international thrillers, announced that filming has already started in London, and yes, Adrian Scarborough is back as DI Max Arnold.

Don Klees, SVP of Programming, Acorn TV, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to be returning to Chelsea for yet another mystery-packed season of The Chelsea Detective, a true fan favorite among our passionate subscribers. We’re excited to be back on the case with the talented Adrian Scarborough and Vanessa Emme as the stakes have never been higher for DI Max Arnold, DS Layla Walsh and their team. The Acorn TV audience is sure to be titillated this season by the slew of baffling new cases in and around Chelsea.”

Whether it’s the picturesque (and often deadly) backdrop of Chelsea or the nuanced detective duo that keeps you coming back, the fourth season promises to deliver more of what viewers love: layered mysteries, character-driven stories, and a few emotional turns. With The Chelsea Detective Season 4 expected to premiere in 2026, there’s already a buzz building in the crime drama fan community.

This time, Max Arnold and Layla Walsh (Vanessa Emme) will investigate four intense new murder cases, all connected to the high society of West London, from fashion and wellness to family secrets and architectural rivalries. And yes, according to the creators, there’s even a hint of romance coming for our tough-but-lovable lead detective.


A familiar cast returns in The Chelsea Detective Season 4, and things get personal

The Chelsea Detective Source: Amazon Prime Video
The Chelsea Detective Source: Amazon Prime Video

One of the show’s biggest strengths has always been its cast, and The Chelsea Detective Season 4 continues that tradition. Sophie Stone once again joins Scarborough and Emme as the no-nonsense forensics chief, Ashley Wilton; Lucy Phelps as tech wiz DC Jess Lombard; and Peter Bankolé as DC Connor Pollock, completing the dynamic team. And let’s not forget Frances Barber, who returns as Max’s spirited Aunt Olivia, still full of warmth, sass, and a touch of wisdom.

What makes this season stand out is how personal the stakes feel. From a fashion mogul unraveling under pressure to a chilling double murder connected to the architecture world, these stories are not just crimes; they are social commentaries wrapped in gripping whodunits. As Max navigates the upscale yet secretive world of Chelsea, we get to see deeper layers of his own story unfold.


Behind the scenes: The team driving The Chelsea Detective Season 4

The Chelsea Detective Source: Amazon Prime Video
The Chelsea Detective Source: Amazon Prime Video

Creator Peter Fincham, who’s been with the show since day one, says it best:

“It’s amazing to think we’re about to start filming the fourth series.”

Along with Executive Producer Ella Kelly, Fincham promises “something rather special” this time, hinting at bold storytelling and even knottier mysteries.

The writing team of Fincham, Glen Laker, and Liz Lake returns to craft the new episodes, with direction led by Richard Signy and Audrey Cooke. Their combined experience adds a cinematic touch to each episode, especially given the show's 90-minute format. With Acorn TV, Germany’s ZDF, and Expectation all supporting the series again, fans can trust that the production quality and storytelling will stay exceptional.


With The Chelsea Detective Season 4 premiere locked in, a beloved cast back on set, and compelling new mysteries lined up, this stylish British detective drama shows no signs of slowing down.

Mark your calendars, mystery lovers. Chelsea’s deadliest secrets are far from over.

Edited by Yesha Srivastava