The BBC's revival of the beloved crime drama Lynley has met with immediate and fierce criticism from viewers, who took to social media to brand the new series 'terrible' and 'formulaic' just minutes into its debut episode.
A Harsh Verdict from the Audience
Broadcast on 5 January 2026, the four-part reboot, based on Elizabeth George's novels, reintroduces the unconventional detective duo of DI Tommy Lynley (Leo Suter) and DS Barbara Havers (Sofia Barclay). Their first case involves unravelling the murder of a wealthy landowner. However, the show's attempt to modernise the series, which originally aired in 2001, appears to have backfired with a segment of its audience.
One viewer complained online that the opening felt like a 'jumble' of other detective shows, citing the 'opposite' backstories, the detective's vintage car, and a formulaic meet-cute. 'It's a little formulaic. But nice scenery,' they conceded.
Another was more scathing, stating: 'Less than 10 minutes in and I already don't like #lynley. It does not have the charm of the original Inspector Lynley series, and there's no chemistry between these two new versions.' A third viewer echoed the sentiment, calling the acting 'terrible', the camera work 'strange', and the overall production 'cheap'.
Star Acknowledges the Challenge
Despite the negative reception, lead actor Leo Suter had previously spoken of the 'privilege' of taking on such an iconic role with a large, pre-existing fanbase. In an interview with the Express, Suter, who was only eight when the original series aired, said he enjoyed watching Nathaniel Parker's interpretation but knew their version would be distinct.
'I think it's important to pay respect and homage to the previous version but also to be brave enough to put out one's own version/interpretation of the character,' Suter explained. His co-star, Sofia Barclay, completes the new investigative pairing tasked with winning over sceptical fans.
Mixed Reactions and Future Prospects
Not all feedback was negative. Some viewers praised Suter's appearance, with one commenting on his suitability in a suit. However, the dominant narrative in the early reaction centres on a perceived lack of the original's charm and the crucial on-screen dynamic between the two leads.
The BBC drama is available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to form their own judgement on whether this contemporary take on the classic detective franchise can overcome its rocky start. The broadcaster will be hoping that the strength of the source material and word-of-mouth can turn the tide of public opinion.
