ITV’s celebrated detective drama, McDonald and Dodds, is poised to return to screens for a fourth outing, bringing the mismatched yet effective duo back to the historic streets of Bath. Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia reprise their lead roles as the unassuming DS Dodds and the ambitious DCI Lauren McDonald. They are joined once again by Outnumbered star Claire Skinner as Chief Superintendent Ormond and Charlie Chambers as DC Goldie. The team also welcomes a fresh face this series, with Bhavik C. Pankhania, known for his work in World On Fire, stepping in as DC Lee.
The opening episode, titled The Rule of Three, promises a particularly grim investigation. The detectives are called to a rented flat where a middle-aged woman has been found shot dead. The perpetrator has gone to great lengths to strip the scene of identification, yet DNA analysis unearths a startling revelation: the victim is a missing person who vanished on her way home from school 38 years prior. This discovery pulls McDonald and Dodds into the orbit of one of Bath’s wealthiest families as they attempt to uncover where the woman has been for nearly four decades and who finally wanted her silenced.
True to the programme’s tradition, the series opener features a stellar guest line-up. Viewers can expect to see Toby Stephens (Lost In Space), singer Pixie Lott, and Lydia Leonard (Gentleman Jack). The cast is further bolstered by Daniel Lapaine, Dipo Ola, John Gordon Sinclair, and Line of Duty alumnus Ace Bhatti.
Streaming Giants and Viewer Habits
While linear television gears up for high-profile returns, the streaming landscape continues to command immense attention, particularly in the German market which often serves as a barometer for broader European viewing trends. Recent data from Netflix reveals a fascinating tug-of-war between nostalgia and new releases.
The current charts indicate a massive resurgence of interest in Stranger Things. In a testament to the show’s cultural dominance, nearly every season has re-entered the top rankings, with interest in the upcoming Season 5 driving viewers to revisit earlier chapters. Alongside the sci-fi juggernaut, the thriller series Absentia has secured multiple spots in the top ten with its first three seasons, while newer limited series such as The Beast in Me and The Crystal Cuckoo are also capturing audiences.
The Film Library and Content Volume
For those preferring a single sitting, the film charts offer a diverse mix of genres, currently leaning heavily towards early festive favourites and thrillers. Titles such as Jingle Belle Heist, Champagne Problems, and A Merry Little Ex-Mas suggest that audiences are already seeking seasonal comfort. These sit alongside grittier fare like Criminal Squad 2, Frankenstein, and the Liam Neeson vehicle Non-Stop.
The sheer volume of content available is staggering. Industry data suggests that as of mid-2024, the platform hosted roughly 5,360 films, presenting a distinct challenge for the indecisive viewer. This library is expanding at a relentless pace; in 2024 alone, 589 new Netflix Originals were released, averaging about 13 new productions or series continuations every single week. Whether viewers choose the cosy crime of Bath or the supernatural thrills of Hawkins, the battle for screen time remains fiercer than ever.
