The BBC's revival of the beloved crime drama Lynley has been met with a wave of criticism from viewers, many of whom took to social media to voice their disappointment within minutes of the first episode airing.
A Harsh Verdict from the Audience
The four-part series, which debuted on 05 January 2026, reintroduces the iconic detective duo from Elizabeth George's novels. Leo Suter takes on the role of the aristocratic DI Tommy Lynley, with Sofia Barclay playing his working-class partner, DS Barbara Havers. Their first case involves unravelling the murder of a wealthy landowner.
However, the contrasting styles of the new leads failed to win over a significant portion of the audience. One viewer remarked that the show felt like a "jumble" of other detective series, calling it "a little formulaic." Another stated they were unimpressed less than ten minutes into the episode, citing a lack of the original series' charm and no chemistry between the new actors.
Criticism of Acting and Production
The criticism extended beyond the character dynamics. Some viewers attacked the core production values of the reboot. One particularly scathing post on X (formerly Twitter) declared: "@bbc I don't know much about #lynley original series, but everything about this new series is terrible. The acting is terrible and the camera work is just strange. Too many clichés. It just feels cheap."
This sentiment was echoed by others who found the reboot lacked the substance of the original 2001 series, which starred Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small. The consensus among critics was that this new interpretation failed to capture the magic that built the franchise's devoted fanbase.
Star Response and a Glimmer of Praise
Despite the backlash, lead actor Leo Suter had expressed his honour in taking on the role. In an interview with the Express, he called it a "privilege" to play a character with such a large existing following. Suter, who was only eight years old when the first series aired, said he studied Parker's performance but knew their version would be distinct, released 25 years later.
Not all feedback was negative. A handful of viewers offered praise, albeit primarily focused on the lead actor's appearance. One fan gushed, "Oooo Lynley is rather easy on the eyes," while another admired how Leo Suter suited his wardrobe.
The full four-part series of Lynley is now available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to judge the controversial reboot for themselves.
