Harry Wild, the Irish detective comedy-drama created by David Logan and co-written with Jo Spain, has been capturing the hearts and imaginations of audiences since it first premiered. The series, co-directed by Robert Quinn, Rob Burke, Ronan Burke and Emer Conroy, stars Jane Seymour as Harriet “Harry” Wild.
The show’s official plot states: “A recently retired English professor discovers a real knack for investigation and cannot help but interfere with the cases assigned to her police detective son.” Alongside Seymour, the cast includes Rohan Nedd, Kevin Ryan, Rose O’Neill, Amy Huberman and Danielle Ryan.
Fans compare it to Death in Paradise
Viewers have been quick to draw favourable comparisons with BBC series Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, with fans calling the series a “delightful gem” and saying they are completely hooked. One IMDB user wrote: “A Gem! Jane Seymour is wonderful in this comedy as Harry Wild, a recently retired English professor. Harry is not some old stodgy retiree but a vibrant, sassy and often hilarious amateur sleuth who can't help but correct improper grammar even when dangerous situations arise. This series delivers it all; comedy, mystery, heart, in a well-acted and filmed package.”
Another IMDB user review, which says the show is better than Death in Paradise, states: “I put this on in the background just because, and I expected it to be just as cheesy as Death in Paradise or Beyond Paradise, which let's face it, are OK. They are mediocre at best. This is a little better, and reminds me of reruns of Murder She Wrote. The acting in this is much better, I mean it does have Jane Seymour in it... it is well written and the dialogue, more often than not, is realistic. Overall it's not a bad show and kind of sucks you in to watch it. You don't know why... you just do.”
On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer said: “I'm not used to watching TV shows based in Ireland so I didn't know exactly what to expect. Harry Wild is a well-acted, well written and funny series. I especially like Jane Seymour's character. I love that she is an incredibly intelligent, feminine (tough and soft) and a no holds bar type of older woman.” Another wrote: “Cozy wonderful mystery. Full of lovable characters. Funny, intelligent, captivating and easy to escape into.”
A further glowing review reads: “Delightful. This type of show has been done a million times, but this one is delightful in its simplicity, dry wit, and lack of dark character pasts that ruin the characters. Altogether fresh and entertaining. I love it and hope it continues for many more seasons. And I truly pray they change NOTHING.”
What critics say
Critics have largely been impressed with the series. One reviewer wrote: “Jane Seymour is such a joy to watch that this slight and slightly silly amateur-sleuth series immediately becomes something you could easily idle away a couple of hours on.”
Another critic said: “The addition of Joe Lando has given Harry Wild a new dynamic, and we’re looking forward to seeing him and Jane Seymour working together in the show’s fifth season.” A different review noted: “Harry Wild stars a very game Jane Seymour in the most dynamic role she’s had in some time. But the mysteries and backstories need to be tightened up for the show to succeed.”
Where to watch Harry Wild
Harry Wild is available to stream for free on Channel 4. The series has five seasons, with the first having premiered on AcornTV in April 2022. The second season arrived in October 2023, the third in May 2024, and the fourth in May 2025. The fifth season recently premiered on June 22, with new episodes releasing each week.
