Harry Wild, the Irish detective comedy-drama created by David Logan and co-written with Irish author Jo Spain, is now streaming free on Channel 4. The AcornTV series has drawn frequent comparisons to BBC favourites Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, with viewers describing it as a cosy, delightful alternative.
The show stars Jane Seymour as Harriet 'Harry' Wild, a recently retired English professor. The official synopsis says: "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." Seymour is supported by Rohan Nedd, Kevin Ryan, Rose O'Neill, Amy Huberman and Danielle Ryan. Robert Quinn, Rob Burke, Ronan Burke and Emer Conroy share directing duties.
Release history
Harry Wild first premiered on AcornTV in April 2022 and now runs to five seasons. The second series arrived in October 2023, the third in May 2024, and the fourth in May 2025. The fifth season premiered on June 22, with a new episode released each week.
What critics say
Critics have largely been won over. 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 noted the addition of Joe Lando: "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 third review said: "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 have been equally devoted. One IMDB review reads: "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 goes further, ranking it above Death in 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 adds: "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."
More viewer praise
A Rotten Tomatoes viewer wrote: "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 viewer described it as a "Cozy wonderful mystery. Full of lovable characters. Funny, intelligent, captivating and easy to escape into."
One glowing review concludes: "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 streaming now on Channel 4.
