'Five-star' BBC crime drama based on top-selling book hailed 'best series of all time'

BBC viewers are rushing to praise a classic crime drama that's available to stream for free. Dalziel and Pascoe, based on the best-selling mystery novels of the same name, follows two detectives as they investigate crimes in the fictional Yorkshire town of Wetherton. The blunt and outspoken Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel (played by Warren Clarke) isn't afraid to ruffle feathers in his pursuit of justice. Despite his tough exterior, Dalziel's sharp intelligence and instincts make him an exceptionally skilled investigator.

His personality stands in stark contrast to that of his younger colleague, Detective Inspector Peter Pascoe (Colin Buchanan). Thoughtful and well-educated, Pascoe approaches investigations with logic and reason, though his strong moral compass often puts him at odds with Dalziel. However, it's their contrasting styles that make them such an effective team, each balancing the other out to form the perfect crime-solving partnership. The BBC series ran from 1996 to 2007, spanning 12 series and a total of 61 episodes. Opening up about the success of the series, Buchanan admitted it was largely to do with the chemistry he shared with Clark.

He explained: "The relationship between Warren and I just works. We get on well off screen and our chemistry - if that's the right word - transfers onto screen. The films are of a consistently high standard. It's quality drama and this in turn attracts great talent to come and appear in the series."

The series is inspired by Reginald Hill's acclaimed mystery novels, which began with A Clubbable Woman in 1970 and concluded with the 24th instalment, Midnight Fugue, in 2009.

The best-selling novels were incredibly well received, with millions of copies sold worldwide. All 12 series of the show are available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, and are accessible on ITVX.

Dalziel and Pascoe has received glittering reviews from fans, with one writing: "Best British cop series of all time. Line of Duty a close second."

A second agreed: "Hard hitting fast paced drama...well thought out stories. The characters are very real. Can't always guess who is the bad guy...I like that!"

Awarding the show a five-star rating, another echoed: "I just just sat and binge watched the whole series and enjoyed every minute of it. Andy Dalziel is an absolute one off and I have loved watching him."

A fourth said: "This was a great series. Great plots, acting and unusual characterization. I wish it would come back on the BBC TV. As good as David Jason's, Inspector 'Frost' episodes."

Another posted: "Brilliant, Warren Clarke is fantastic in this superb detective series, if you like Inspector Morse & Lewis you should like this, each episode is like a film.