Detectorists

Agreed!

G

Yes indeed Jamie. I'm enjoying it. Well acted; delightfully subtle wit and humour, and no moronic canned laughter track. It's filmed around Framlingham, Suffolk.

Nice title music from Johnny Flynn too. And this evening we got to see him on-stage.

John.

Have just caught up with this, I love it. Beautifully written, well-observed and brilliantly acted by a superb cast. It's the sort of thing that could only really have been made in England - full of oddballs, losers and eccentrics who are treated with affection, not disdain, it's sharp comedy without malice.

For anyone interested, there was a similar comedy called "People Just Do Nothing" on BBC3, about an absolutely hopeless bunch of idiots who run a pirate radio station from a block of flats in Brentford. Well worth watching.

Details here

Another fan here. Superbly done, it'll be a real shame if they don't make another series.

I wonder if we recognise something..?

It is good though.

It just gets better and better, doesn't it? Episode 6 is perfect.

"I said sexist. Not sexy."

Thanks Jamie, I would have missed this otherwise.

Great series.

I am a detectorist.

Yes, we are a lot like that.

Ron

Perfect indeed! It seems there is to be another series late next year - hope it's as good!

It's full of nicely played out pathos. I love the way the  "Queue Here" sign outside the hall for the Open Day was revealed when Lance walked away after his phone call.

Yep, a great series. Kudos to MacKenzie Crook for writing and directing it.

I also thought Rachael Stirling was absolutely outstanding, and a great role for her. Loved the guy playing the mad farmer as well.

The good news is that it's coming back next year. Here's a press release I got from the Beeb yesterday:

Written, directed by and starring Mackenzie Crook, and co-starring Toby Jones, the series has been critically acclaimed and gained BBC Four's highest ever viewing figures for a new comedy.

The story follows the relationship between two friends who share a passion for metal detecting. When Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) are together, they’re like an old married couple. They gripe at each other, but there is a true bond underneath it all. Each has his own slightly dysfunctional life but together they dream of finding a priceless Saxon hoard that will cement their place in detecting history.

Alongside Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, series one featured Rachael Stirling (Tipping The Velvet, The Bletchley Circle), Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Being Human, Luther) and Lucy Benjamin (EastEnders, Casualty).

Mackenzie says: “I couldn't be happier with how Detectorists has gone down and the response it has got from audiences. The opportunity to meet these characters again and tell some more of their stories is very exciting.”

Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, says: “We’re proud that Mackenzie’s labour of love has connected so deeply with the BBC Four audience, who have taken these characters to heart. It couldn’t happen to a nicer, more multi-talented and harder working person.”

Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor, BBC Four says: “I’m so pleased that we’re going to be able to bring the Detectorists back - it was a perfect slice of BBC Four comedy, beautifully written and observed, wry and movingly performed, with real depth to its entrancing world.”

Detectorists is produced by Channel X North and Lola Entertainment. Detectorists series two  is commissioned by Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning and Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor, BBC Four. Executive Producers are Alan Marke, Jim Reid (Channel X North) and Jonno Richards, Lisa Thomas (Lola Entertainment).Producer is Adam Tandy. BBC commissioning executive is Kristian Smith.

Press appreciation for Detectorists:

“One of the best new sitcoms of the year” The Independent

“Fields of mud filled with comedy gold” Sunday Telegraph

“Beautifully acted and written, Detectorists is a rare treasure” The Times

"Observant, honest and very funny” Daily Telegraph

“Detectorists has been a joy” Sunday Times

“This new sitcom, written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, is brilliantly - and gently - hilarious” Daily Mirror

“Sweet, clever and rich in well observed detail” Daily Express

“An astute script, sublime acting and deft characterisation” Daily Telegraph

“Mackenzie Crook wrote and directed this series… and he should be proud, it’s an understated triumph” The Independent

“This has a charming folksy feel and its laughs are subtle but sweet…..it is a lovely surprise like expecting to dig up a tin can but finding a Saxon hoard” Sunday Times Culture

“Mackenzie Crook strikes gold” Daily Express

The DVD set is available for £12.50 (inc post) from The Big River Company.

I've just ordered it.

John.

Just watched all available episodes with Swmbo

Mrs. Sniper - they all look like da abnormals (English not being her native language) 

Sniper - Well, thats because they are abnormal

Mrs. Sniper - You have to be da abnormal to do dat?

Sniper - I'm sure it helps 

Mrs. Sniper - Do you like it?

Sniper - Yes, it is a bit like 'Last of the Summer Wine'

Mrs.Sniper - Do they have da abnormals in dat show too?

Sniper - Yep

Mrs.Sniper - Maybe you like da aborrnals cos you are an abnormal also?

Sniper - Yep

Mrs. Sniper - Shall we watch another?

Sniper - Yep.

Is this just a pilot - or do you think you might get a series?

It's too good for TV, it is positively Beckettian in its bleakness. A season at the National beckons, surely.