The new 75-minute episode is to air later this year, updating fans of the cult hit series on the lives of its characters, five years since Series 3.
Photo: Detectorists. Image shows from L to R: Lance Stater (Toby Jones), Andy Stone (Mackenzie Crook)
11 May 2022 | British Comedy Guide
BBC Four‘s acclaimed comedy Detectorists is coming back to screens for a new special.
The feature-length, 75-minute episode is to air later this year, updating fans of the cult hit series on the lives of its characters, five years since the end of Series 3.
Debuting in 2014, nineteen episodes of the sitcom-cum-comedy drama have aired to date, focusing on best friends and metal detecting enthusiasts Andy (Mackenzie Crook), Lance (Toby Jones), and their fellow local metal detecting club members in the small town of Danebury.
The last episode concluded with Andy and Lance stumbling across a stash of gold coins, having very narrowly missed the hidden trove of ancient treasure for the previous two series.
Written and directed by Crook, like his recent new television incarnation of Worzel Gummidge, the series is noted for its mix of light drama, whimsical humour, and beautiful rural setting and scenery.
Production on the new special of the triple BAFTA-winner is understood to begin shortly, made by Treasure Trove Productions, Channel X North and Lola TV.
Crook says: “It was 2017 when we were last in Danebury and I miss my old friends in the DMDC [Danebury Metal Detecting Club]. I’ve had a story percolating for a while and I thought it was worth getting Lance, Andy and the rest of the band back together for.
The affection expressed for Detectorists over the years has been incredible and I hope fans of the show will enjoy this new, extended episode.”
Producer Gill Isles said: “It’s absolutely thrilling to be spending the summer back in Danebury with Mackenzie and the team. There is so much love for the show that I can’t wait for everyone to see what Mackenzie has in store in this next chapter.”
The news was announced by Jon Petrie, the BBC‘s new Director of Comedy, in a speech at the BBC Comedy Festival in which he revealed the corporation is set to invest extra £10 million into comedy over the next two years. A number of other commissions were announced today, including new series of Bad Education.
