For those who mourn the quiet brilliance of Detectorists, this one’s for you. Mackenzie Crook, the show’s creator and star, takes a look back at the series in a special retrospective airing on BBC Two. This isn’t a new episode, mind you. The series concluded in 2022. Instead, it’s a chance for Crook to reminisce about the fictional Essex town of Danebury, its eccentric metal-detecting enthusiasts, and the gentle humour that made Detectorists a critical darling.
It’s only a 15 minute look back so won’t go into too much detail but Crook is expected to discuss the genesis of the show, his inspiration for the characters, and the challenges of bringing his vision to life. He’ll also share some behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including how advice from Ricky Gervais shaped his approach to directing.
Detectorists, for the uninitiated, centred on the lives of a group of metal detectorists, their hopes of finding buried treasure, and the often-hilarious realities of their hobby. The show was praised for its depiction of everyday English life, and its surprisingly poignant exploration of friendship and community. It was also lauded for its quiet charm, a welcome antidote to the often frenetic pace of modern television.
This short doco will be followed by a repeat showing of the 2015 Detectorists Christmas Special at 10:15 PM
Mackenzie Crook Remembers – Detectorists airs Monday, December 23, 2024, at 10 PM on BBC Two.