Toby Jones has poured cold water on hopes that the cult-followed BBC comedy Detectorists might return.
Misfit detectorists – never metal detectors, that’s what they use – Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones) were last seen scouring the fields in the show’s supersized 2022 Christmas special.
Touted as the show’s swansong, Jones has now said that a return after the feature-length episode is highly unlikely.
The cult series, which was written and directed by star Crook, first aired in 2014 on the Beeb, but found a whole new section of fans during the Covid lockdowns and then again when the episodes dropped on Netflix.
In a new interview, Jones laughed as he referred to the show’s final special, telling Deadline: ‘Once you’ve maybe found the Holy Grail there’s very little place to go.’
He continued: ‘The idea of coming back after that would be very hard and also… it’s very British and not very American – but there is a certain virtue to leaving people wanting more.’
The show centred around middle-aged hobbyists Andy and Lance’s time away from their nine to fives, as they combed the field of the (fictional) town of Danebury looking for trophies long-lost from the Romans or Saxons.
This low-key charm proved infectious. ‘Those who found it felt they’d discovered something special,’ Crook told the Guardian about the show’s slow-burn success.
After a scene-stealing stint in The Office, Crook said that when writing Detectorists, it was exactly that type of comedy he wanted to avoid. ‘I deliberately set out to write something uncynical and removed from the awkward ‘cringe comedy’ that was prevalent at the time,’ he said.
Instead, Detectorists leaned into a witty but heartfelt rapport between its leads to find the laughs.
Crook also addressed the possibility of the show’s return in the same interview, recognising that there is fan demand for more, but reiterating that he has hung up his metal detector.
‘I won’t be making any more Detectorists, but nobody should be sad,’ he told the publication. ‘We made just the right amount. Having said that, I know Toby is keen to do a live stadium tour…’
The show was met with glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike, currently holding an 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.
TV viewers took to Google reviews to gush about the show, labelling it one of the best comedies of late and one they keep coming back to.
‘I admit I have rewatched the whole series several times now and still laugh at the same things,’ wrote Elli Jilek. ‘One of the best comedic series to come out in recent times.
‘If you want some genuine entertainment for your soul and mind, it’s a must-see!’
Jason Crowther shared another rave review, writing: ‘I can honestly say that I have not viewed such a beautifully crafted show in years.’
Duncan Spencer chimed in writing: ‘How many times can you watch a Brit TV comedy? As it turns out, quite a lot. It’s my favourite comedy EVER.’
Detectorists is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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