The beloved ITV detective drama McDonald and Dodds has been dropped after four successful series, leaving its loyal fanbase in shock.
The network confirmed that the show, featuring Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia, won't return for a fifth season due to dwindling viewership numbers.
An ITV spokesperson stated that the fourth series didn't hit the necessary targets for renewal, causing dismay among viewers who felt the show ended too soon, reports the Mirror.
Devastated fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment. One viewer lamented, "So sad about this! SUCH a great series! No more #Chipsandbutter @TalaGv #McDonaldandDodds," while another commented, "That's a shame I enjoyed this."
A third fan expressed, "Bitterly disappointed as this was a fabulous series."
Others continued to share their grief, with one saying, "Damn, it was really good," and another stating, "Gutted! One of the better crime dramas on tv."
The picturesque Bath locations were also a point of praise, with a fan noting, "That's a shame. I really enjoyed it - and the locations in and around Bath were lovely. #McDonaldAndDodds."
The frustration was palpable as another fan remarked, "Cancelled? Good grief. A first rate pair of actors, playful scripts and a great location. I despair at times, I really do."
The series concluded with a hopeful note as Lauren accepted a marriage proposal, suggesting that the show had plans for a future that will now remain unrealised. Previously, star Jason Watkins had discussed the 'cosy crime' label attached to the show.
The actor delved into the complexities of McDonald and Dodds, explaining: "I think if you're making a show with cosy crime in mind, that's very dangerous. Although it's a whodunnit, McDonald and Dodds is quite a complex show. In terms of the script, you've got this great conundrum puzzle, but then it might touch on the cultural misappropriation of the blues and obviously, because of our relationship, some of the people we meet display a slight shadow of racism.
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"But it's all played in a very subtle way and instead of it being a gritty documentary about one of those serious subjects, it's actually something that is enjoyable to an audience [but] touches on much more serious subjects," adding, "In terms of the murders themselves, I think we never underestimate that. And I always think before we go into a murder [and] we see a body, that is somebody who has died. Even though there is humour, there is variety and a kind of lightness of touch, the actual murders themselves have huge consequences and they power the stories. Cosy crime is not a word that I would use with this show."
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