Detectorists (2014)
A quietly extraordinary BBC Four comedy about friendship, patience, and the eternal human hope of finding something wonderful just beneath the surface.
Detectorists - Series Information
- Original Title: Detectorists
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Mackenzie Crook
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 2, 2014 (United States - TV-14), October 2, 2014 (Canada - 14+), October 2, 2014 (United Kingdom - 15), October 2, 2014 (Mexico - B-15)
- Networks: BBC Four
- Alternative Titles: The Detectorists (US)
- Production Companies: Channel X, Lola Entertainment
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Detectorists - Plot
The lives of two eccentric metal detectorists, who spend their days plodding along ploughed tracks and open fields, hoping to disturb the tedium by unearthing the fortune of a lifetime.
Detectorists - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for the gentle charm of the series:
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Detectorists - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mackenzie Crook
Main Cast
- Mackenzie Crook
- Toby Jones
- Rachael Stirling
- Gerard Horan
- Divian Ladwa
- Laura Checkley
- Pearce Quigley
- Sophie Thompson
- Orion Ben
- Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Writers
- Mackenzie Crook
Executive Producers
- Jim Reid
- Lisa Thomas
- Alan Marke
- Kristian Smith
- Jonno Richards
Detectorists - FAQs
Where can you stream Detectorists online?
Detectorists is available to stream on Acorn TV and fuboTV. Free viewing options include Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Plex, and The CW. You can also buy or rent episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies.
Did Detectorists win any major awards?
Detectorists earned considerable recognition, winning the BAFTA for Best Scripted Comedy in 2015. The show also received multiple nominations across its run, with Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones both praised for their performances. Its quiet brilliance earned it a devoted critical following.
Who are the main actors in Detectorists?
The show centres on Mackenzie Crook as Andy Stone and Toby Jones as Lance Stater, two friends united by their passion for metal detecting. The supporting cast includes Rachael Stirling, Gerard Horan, Divian Ladwa, Laura Checkley, Pearce Quigley, Sophie Thompson, Orion Ben, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards.
Why is Detectorists considered a modern classic?
Detectorists stands apart from typical sitcoms through its gentle pace, warmth, and genuine emotional depth. Written and directed entirely by Mackenzie Crook, it finds profound meaning in an unlikely hobby, celebrating friendship, patience, and the quiet beauty of the English countryside without a single cynical note.
How many seasons and episodes does Detectorists have?
Detectorists ran for three series on BBC Four, each containing six episodes, plus two special episodes collected in a specials season. That brings the total to 18 episodes across the main run. The series concluded in 2017, leaving fans with a beautifully complete story.
Is Detectorists based on a true story?
Detectorists is not based on a specific true story, but creator Mackenzie Crook drew on genuine research into the metal detecting community to craft its authentic world. The hobby, the camaraderie of detecting clubs, and the thrill of unearthing hidden history are all rooted in real-life enthusiast culture.
What makes the Detectorists ending so memorable?
The Series 3 finale delivers one of British television's most quietly devastating and joyful endings. Without spoiling it, the final scene rewards the patience of both the characters and the audience in a way that feels earned, poetic, and deeply moving — a perfect conclusion to the series' central emotional journey.
What shows are similar to Detectorists?
Fans of Detectorists often enjoy other warmly observed British comedies. Phoenix Nights and Fawlty Towers share its affection for eccentric characters, while The Office captures a similar workplace intimacy. For broader recommendations, Platonic and The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin offer comparable gentle wit.
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