British crime dramas Vera and Shetland are often ranked among the best, alongside Line of Duty, Broadchurch, and Prime Suspect. Now another series is drawing comparisons: Whitstable Pearl, streaming free on Channel 4, has fans calling it just as good—if not better.
What is Whitstable Pearl?
The police procedural, produced by AcornTV, is based on Julie Wassmer’s best-selling book series. Kerry Godliman stars as Pearl Nolan, a local restaurant owner who starts a detective agency after earlier police training. She becomes embroiled in a case when she discovers the body of her close friend Vinnie. The supporting cast includes Howard Charles, Frances Barber, Sophia Del Pizzo, Isobelle Molloy, and Rohan Nedd.
Three seasons of six episodes each have been broadcast. AcornTV recently announced the show had been axed and would not return for a fourth series, disappointing fans seeking closure.
Critical and audience praise
One critic described the series as “a solid balance of the sombre, the suspenseful, and the cosy-mysterious.” Another praised Godliman: “British comedian Kerry Godliman finally has the lead role her talents deserve.”
Audience reviews echoed the acclaim. One viewer on Rotten Tomatoes wrote: “Excellent! I am loving the humour, which is an unexpected bonus. The storylines are great and it's very well acted. Most enjoyable.” Another on IMDB said: “What a great series. I swear, no one makes mystery series better than the Brits. The cast is wonderful. The setting is evocative and new to viewers.”
A fan compared it to Vera and Shetland: “Really liked this. I thought this was a really enjoyable show! Three episodes in and hope they do more. I found it just as entertaining as Father Brown, Vera or Shetland. Everything doesn't have to be as deep as Broadchurch to be entertaining.”
Other comments described it as “delightful” and “a fun and cosy mystery series” for fans of Midsomer Murders, Doc Martin, and Father Brown.
Whitstable Pearl is available to stream free on Channel 4 and U.
