The beloved show ran for 15 seasons – and fans say it’s one of the best British crime dramas ever made
Neela Debnath Screen Time Reporter
20:01, 16 May 2026
A Touch of Frost with David Jason and Lennie James(Image: ITV)
Crime drama enthusiasts on the hunt for their next binge-watch should give one a go that’s tailor-made for fans of Inspector Morse and Midsomer Murders. A Touch of Frost first aired on ITV back in 1992 and was originally adapted from the novels by R. D. Wingfield, before forging its own path, reports the Express.
The compelling series, that remains a classic, followed the experienced Detective Inspector William Edward ‘Jack’ Frost (portrayed by David Jason), who frequently butted heads with his superiors while working on various cases. Frost was regularly accompanied by various junior officers as he tackled some deeply troubling crimes across the years.
Alongside lead star Jason, A Touch of Frost also featured Bruce Alexander as Superintendent Norman Mullett, John Lyons as DS George Toolan, and Arthur White as PC Ernie Trigg. Throughout the series’ run, Frost was joined by a host of supporting characters portrayed by some well-known faces, including a pre-Midsomer Murders Neil Dudgeon, The Walking Dead’s Lennie James, True Blood star Stephen Moyer, Emmerdale star Sally Dexter, and Hustle’s Robert Glenister, amongst others.
David Jason led A Touch of Frost(Image: ITV)
A Touch of Frost also marked the early appearances of several actors, including Damian Lewis, Marc Warren, Jim Sturgess, Colin Buchanan and Ben Daniels. A Touch of Frost prompted a shift in the public’s perception of lead star Jason, transforming him from a predominantly comic actor – owing to his legendary role as Del Boy Trotter in Only Fools and Horses – into a serious dramatic performer.
Numerous viewers have previously sung the praises of A Touch of Frost on IMDb, with one person titling their glowing 10/10 review: “A top British Crime Drama.” The user explained: “A Touch of Frost is one of many British Police Crime dramas: Midsomer Murders, Taggart, Morse, Wycliffe there seem to be several of them. But Frost is undoubtedly the best.”
A second viewer hailed A Touch of Frost as “one of the best British crime series” and said: “I’m an avid watcher (and reader) of British Detective/Crime movies, serials and novels… and this is one of the best. Second only to the Inspector Morse series, David Jason has created a singular character in Jack Frost.”
A third fan remarked: “Truly entertaining and gritty- well worth watching.”
The viewer went on to add: “The most obvious plus, is the perfect performance of David Jason, who brings a sense of grit and humour to his role.”
Another highly-rated review declared it to be an “excellent balance of mystery and humor [sic]”.
A Touch of Frost ran for 15 seasons(Image: ITV)
The audience member elaborated: “Outstanding acting, writing, and humor. I wish that there were more television shows like this available on television.
“I really like the Frost character whose intelligence,wit, quirkiness,and compassion really makes this a first-rate show [sic].”
A Touch of Frost ran for a total of 15 seasons, with the final series airing back in 2010.
Speaking about his choice to step away from the role, Jason said at a press conference in 2008: “Frost is getting a little long in the tooth.
“I still enjoy doing it and it’s a great part but I just think he’s got to retire. It’ll be a sad day.”
A Touch of Frost is streaming on ITVX now.