Harry Wild, the Irish detective comedy-drama from AcornTV, is now streaming for free on Channel 4, and viewers are calling it a 'delightful gem' and a 'captivating hidden gem'. The show has drawn enthusiastic praise, with fans unable to resist comparing it favourably to BBC favourites Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise.
Created by David Logan, who co-wrote it with Irish author Jo Spain, the series has been co-directed by Robert Quinn, Rob Burke, Ronan Burke and Emer Conroy. Jane Seymour stars as Harriet 'Harry' Wild, a role that critics and audiences have described as 'dynamic' and 'a joy to watch'. She is joined by Rohan Nedd, Kevin Ryan, Rose O'Neill, Amy Huberman and Danielle Ryan.
What is Harry Wild about?
The official synopsis reads: "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." The series spans five seasons, first premiering on AcornTV in April 2022. A second series followed in October 2023, a third in May 2024, a fourth in May 2025, and a fifth instalment launched on June 22, with a new episode arriving each week.
Critics' verdict
Critics have largely enjoyed the show. One review said: "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 noted: "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 further review added: "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."
Viewer reactions
Audiences are equally hooked. One IMDB user posted: "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 review claimed Harry Wild surpasses Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise: "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 same review continued: "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."
One Rotten Tomatoes review 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 impressed fan wrote: "Cozy wonderful mystery. Full of lovable characters. Funny, intelligent, captivating and easy to escape into."
A further viewer commented: "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."
Harry Wild is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
