‘Whitstable Pearl’ Season 3 Delights Fans with Coastal Mysteries, Romance, and Kerry Godliman’s Standout Performance
By Laura Benson, Television Reviewer
Los Angeles, CA – January 5, 2026
Acorn TV’s charming British crime drama Whitstable Pearl has returned triumphantly for its third season, blending cozy mysteries with heartfelt character development against the picturesque backdrop of Kent’s seaside town. Starring Kerry Godliman as the resourceful Pearl Nolan—a restaurant owner turned private detective—the series continues to captivate audiences with its mix of suspense, wit, and simmering romance.
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Based on Julie Wassmer’s popular “Whitstable Pearl Mysteries” novels, Season 3 finds Pearl’s detective agency flourishing alongside her family restaurant. After a brief hiatus, DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles) returns to Whitstable, reenergized and committed to personal healing. The duo forms a formidable team, tackling cases where Pearl often proves more independent—needing Mike far less than he relies on her expertise and intuition.
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Romantic tensions escalate as cracks appear in Pearl’s relationship with boyfriend Tom (Robert Webb), while Mike confronts the truth about his wife’s death. Viewers are left wondering if the pair will finally acknowledge their deep mutual feelings, adding emotional depth to the procedural format.
Produced by UK independent Buccaneer, the Acorn TV Original boasts executive producers Tony Wood and Richard Tulk-Hart (Buccaneer), Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer (Acorn Media Enterprises), Øystein Karlsen, Mike Walden, and Julie Wassmer. Debbie Pisani produces, with Mike Walden leading writers alongside Sarah Louise Hawkins, Joe Ainsworth, Ciara Conway, and Kit Lambert. Directors David Sant and Steve Brett helm the six episodes, distributed internationally by Cineflix Rights.
The season premiered October 21, 2024, with weekly drops:
Episode 301: “Girl, Whitstable Beach” – A young mother missing for seven years is spotted on the beach, prompting Pearl to investigate her disappearance and sudden return.
Episode 302: “Death, the Devil and the Fool” – A child vanishes at the Whitstable Psychic Fair, forcing skeptical Pearl to team with a psychic.
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Episode 303: “Oysters Kilpatrick” – During a getaway with Tom, a food critic dies at Pearl’s restaurant, forcing her to choose between romance and duty.
Episode 304: “Prisoners of the Past” – Pearl searches for her son Charlie, unexpectedly back from Canada, uncovering secrets about Mike’s history.
Episode 305: “Walking with Ghosts” – A Halloween ghost tour guide witnesses a beach burial, but the body vanishes—Pearl digs deeper.
Episode 306: “Someone Like Me” – A taxi driver’s murder links to an attempted assassination on a banker; Mike gains closure on his wife’s death.
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Godliman’s nuanced portrayal anchors the series, blending dry humor with determination. Charles brings brooding vulnerability to Mike, their chemistry a highlight. Supporting players like Frances Barber as Dolly add spark.
Part of Acorn TV’s robust lineup—including My Life Is Murder, Harry Wild, and classics like Doc Martin—Whitstable Pearl exemplifies the streamer’s focus on premium British mysteries. With its scenic Whitstable locations and balanced tone, Season 3 reinforces the show’s status as a comforting yet clever favorite.