The BBC has revived its detective drama Lynley after an 18-year hiatus, drawing sharp criticism from viewers. Based on a long-running book series, the new adaptation has been called 'charmless, clichéd and cheap,' with fans expressing strong dissatisfaction. The original series aired from 2001 to 2008.
The BBC's decision to reboot the Lynley detective drama marks a return to the popular series after 18 years away from screens. Originally broadcast from 2001 to 2008, the show drew from a well-established book series by Elizabeth George, following the investigations of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner Sergeant Barbara Havers.
Viewers of the new iteration have been vocal in their disappointment. Many have described the revival as 'charmless, clichéd and cheap,' highlighting a perceived drop in production quality and storytelling depth compared to the earlier version. One particularly frustrated response captured the sentiment: 'everything about this is terrible!' This backlash underscores the challenges of revisiting beloved formats in an era of high viewer expectations for adaptations.
The reboot aims to introduce the characters and mysteries to a new audience while appealing to longtime fans. However, the initial reception suggests that not all are convinced by the fresh take. As discussions continue online, the series' future may depend on whether the BBC addresses these concerns in subsequent episodes.