Move over, Shetland and Broadchurch — there’s a charming new murder mystery in town!
BBC has just commissioned Old Town Murders, a fresh 6-part crime series that’s already being called the “longed-for” cosy crime drama we’ve all been waiting for. Set in the stunning seaside town of Tenby in Wales, this witty and twisty show blends breathtaking coastal views with perplexing murders, buried secrets, and heartwarming friendship.
Mark Lewis Jones (Baby Reindeer, The Crown, Men Up) stars as DI Glyn Walsh, a detective returning early from bereavement leave, while Steffan Rhodri (Gavin & Stacey, Steeltown Murders, Men Up) plays DS Sion Dearden. The two old friends and former partners — both battered by personal hardships — are thrown back together and find new purpose (and maybe a second chance at life) while solving baffling murders in their idyllic hometown.
What starts with the killing of a university professor quickly unravels into a series of cases full of humour, heart, and shocking twists. The unlikely duo even end up living under the same roof, adding extra layers of banter and tension to the investigations.
Joining them is a stellar supporting cast including Julie Graham (Shetland, This City is Ours) as forensic biologist Pamela Thomas, plus Catherine Ayers, James Bamford, and Bethan Mary-James.
Created and written by Matthew Barry (Men Up, The Guest), the series is described by BBC as a “charming crime series brimming with humour and grounded in character.” It’s where picture-perfect Wales meets murder mystery — think stunning coastal scenery, quirky locals, deep friendships, and the kind of clever plotting that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Fans of Keeping Faith, Steeltown Murders, and This City is Ours are already calling it their next obsession. One early buzz described it as “This City is Ours meets Keeping Faith” with a big dose of warmth and wit.
Filming is underway in Tenby, Cardiff, and along the south Wales coast, with the series heading to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2026 (international streaming details to follow).
Old Town Murders promises the perfect mix: beautiful locations, clever crimes, laugh-out-loud moments, and emotional stories about friendship, reinvention, and starting over later in life.
Don’t sleep on this hidden gem — the picturesque town of Tenby has never looked so deadly (or so addictive)!
Are you excited for Old Town Murders? Who’s your favourite Welsh crime drama of all time? Drop your thoughts below — and get ready for the twists!
