The beloved ITV detective drama McDonald & Dodds is back for its fourth season, bringing its signature blend of quirky charm and intricate mysteries to the stunning streets of Bath. Premiering on July 21, 2024, on ITV1 and ITVX, this season sees Jason Watkins reprising his role as the meticulous, unassuming DS Dodds, alongside Tala Gouveia as the sharp, intuitive DCI Lauren McDonald. Their odd-couple dynamic—his methodical puzzling, her bold ambition—continues to captivate audiences, delivering character-driven crime-solving that’s as heartwarming as it is clever.
Season 4 introduces three feature-length episodes, each a standalone mystery packed with emotional depth and playful twists. Filmed at The Bottle Yard Studios and across Bath’s iconic locations like Royal Crescent and Abbey Green, the series leans into its picturesque setting, making the city a character in its own right. The opener, “The Rule of Three,” throws McDonald and Dodds into a baffling case: a middle-aged woman, missing for 35 years, is found shot dead in a rented flat, her identity stripped by the killer. DNA reveals she’s Anne Holgate, leading the duo to probe the secrets of Bath’s elite, including her wealthy twin brother, Mark Holgate, played by Toby Stephens.
The guest cast is a dazzling highlight, with episode one alone boasting Lost in Space star Toby Stephens, singer Pixie Lott as Lola Baker, Gentleman Jack’s Lydia Leonard as Lucy Holgate, and Gregory’s Girl icon John Gordon Sinclair as a tree surgeon. Daniel Lapaine, Dipo Ola, and Line of Duty’s Ace Bhatti also join, adding star power to the intricate plot. Episode two features singer Will Young, while episode three, “Wedding Fever,” brings The Crown’s Victoria Hamilton as a photographer sparking a rare romantic hint for Dodds, alongside Midsomer Murders alum Jason Hughes.
Returning regulars include Claire Skinner as Chief Superintendent Mary Ormond, Charlie Chambers as DC Goldie, and newcomer Bhavik C. Pankhania as tech-savvy DC Lee, whose expertise aids the duo’s investigations. The series, created by Robert Murphy, balances humor and heart, with Watkins’ Dodds revealing a surprising social side—pub nights with eclectic mates—while McDonald grapples with her loner status after moving from London. Critics praise the show’s “soothing Sunday TV” vibe, blending cozy mystery with sharp plotting, though some note the third episode’s convoluted twists.
Despite its cancellation by ITV in January 2025, leaving no fifth season, McDonald & Dodds Season 4 shines as a testament to its enduring appeal. With 1.5-hour episodes streaming on BritBox in the U.S. since May 23, 2024, and available on ITVX in the UK, fans can savor the duo’s chemistry and Bath’s Georgian charm. This season’s mix of quirky cases, stellar guests, and the undeniable bond between McDonald and Dodds makes it a must-watch farewell to a British TV gem.
