When it comes to comedy crime dramas, few shows have matched the success of Death in Paradise and its spin-off Beyond Paradise. Both BBC series have firmly established themselves in the British police procedural genre, offering a warm, light-hearted twist on a traditionally serious format. Now, a "delightful and wonderful" comedy crime drama is streaming for free on Channel 4, and fans are making flattering comparisons.
The series in question is Harry Wild, an Irish detective comedy-drama created by David Logan and co-written with Irish author Jo Spain. Robert Quinn, Rob Burke, Ronan Burke, and Emer Conroy have served as co-directors. Jane Seymour leads the cast as Harriet "Harry" Wild, delivering what critics and audiences have called an outstanding and "dynamic" portrayal, described as "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 plot 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 "cosy" crime series spans five seasons, and Channel 4 is offering it for free.
Harry Wild first premiered on AcornTV in April 2022. A second series arrived in October 2023, with a third following in May 2024. The fourth series launched in May 2025, and a fifth instalment premiered on June 22, with fresh episodes dropping weekly.
Critical reception
Critics have largely responded favourably. 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 added: "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 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."
Fan reactions
Viewers have taken the series to heart. 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 goes further, claiming 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 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."
A Rotten Tomatoes viewer review states: "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."
One fan said: "Cozy wonderful mystery. Full of lovable characters. Funny, intelligent, captivating and easy to escape into." Another 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."
Harry Wild is available to stream for free on Channel 4.
