The Northumbria Mysteries, the BBC’s new detective drama starring Grantchester’s Robson Green, is on TV today – and it sounds like one you won’t want to miss, if you’re a fan of cosy crime shows.
The popular British actor takes on the lead role as ex-con and gambler Joe Ruby, who is trying to make better choices and carve out a fresh start for himself.
He will make up one half of an unlikely crime-solving duo along with detective Rose O’Connell, who is played by Liz White (Unforgotten).
BBC
Related: Best streaming services UK 2026 – including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer and Apple TV
“If you like your drama to have a weekly dose of clever mystery and a unique but likeable crime fighting duo at its heart, then The Northumbria Mysteries is your brand-new binge watch,” teased the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, Helen Munson.
“Set along the coastline and in the countryside of beautiful Northumberland, expect murder, intrigue, and a reluctant duo who just can’t help getting in each other’s way.”
If this sounds like your next must-watch, keep reading for everything you need to know about the new drama that’s set against the sweeping Northumberland coastline and its surrounding market towns…
BBC
What time is The Northumbria Mysteries on TV today?
The BBC series will premiere in the daytime slot of 2pm on BBC One on Friday, 23 October.
The first episode of The Northumbria Mysteries has a runtime of around 45 minutes, with the first four episodes of the series also becoming available on BBC iPlayer on the same day.
Along with Robson Green and Liz White, The Northumbria Mysteries cast also includes Gurjeet Singh, who plays DS Raj Singh, and Simon Callow as Father David.
BBC
When asked about the detective genre in general, Liz White revealed that she has been “watching quite few of them over the last couple of years”, but pointed to Ludwig season two as one she has been “particularly enjoying”.
“David Mitchell is fantastic at riding the line between comedy and drama. I’m thrilled there will be a third series of that,” she said.
Meanwhile Gurjeet Singh said: “I do love a whodunnit! They’re definitely a British institution. And we have so many iconic detective characters and duos. From Luther to Broadchurch, Death in Paradise to Vera. But I think one of my favourites has to be Sherlock and Watson. I loved the Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman Sherlock series.”
Where will The Northumbria Mysteries fit among these iconic dramas? That’s for audiences to decide.
The Northumbria Mysteries will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.
The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of Dolly Parton’s life, is here. Buy Dolly in newsagents or online.
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).