Broadchurch meets Sherlock: Whitstable Pearl is the “best-kept secret” crime drama that will defy expectations

There’s more to be found than just delicious oysters in the British seaside town of Whitstable, or at least there is according to crime drama Whitstable Pearl. In what’s been called the “best-kept secret” detective series, local restaurateur Pearl Nolan (Kerry Godliman) moonlights as a private detective who solves coastal-based crimes. Combining winning elements of some our favourite shows, including Broadchurch and Sherlock, let's just say it will defy all your crime drama expectations.

You see, single mother Pearl finds herself embroiled in a series of local mysteries, from missing persons to cold cases, and they often involve a bit of conflict with DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles). With series 3 about to be released on U&Drama, we’d highly recommend tuning in - but first, here's everything you need to know about the series, including the cast, plot, and release date.

What is Whitstable Pearl about?

Whitstable Pearl is based on the mystery novels by Julie Wassmer. Single mother Pearl Nolan and her sassy widower mother, Dolly – played by the brilliant Frances Barber – work at Pearl’s seafood restaurant, The Whitstable Pearl, where the pair not only spend time shucking oysters, but also solving crimes.

Like other detective or crime-based series of the genre, Whitstable Pearl plays with the idea that “small towns are essentially hotbeds of festering secrets – buried crimes, decades-old resentments, illicit sexual encounters,” as one critic described it. The first two series have involved murders, affairs, domestic abuse, kidnapping and poison pen letters. And here we were thinking the only thing menacing about Whitstable were the seagulls on the harbour.

Also heating up the drama is Pearl's will-they-won’t-they relationship with DI Mike McGuire (played by Howard Charles), who moves down from the Big Smoke in London to the Kent coast; but things are complicated further by Tom (Robert Webb), her recent schoolteacher boyfriend, too.

What will happen in Whitstable Pearl series 3?

In series 3, Pearl’s private detective business is booming, and she finds herself involved in more diverse investigations, including reopening an infamous local cold case and the death of a famous food critic. Pearl is joined once again by her feisty mum Dolly – and she’s still going strong with boyfriend Tom, but it’s navigating her complex relationship with DCI Mike that still proves to be Pearl’s most challenging case yet.

Creator Julie Wassmer is as excited for the new series as we are – and gave a shout out to the global fans of the series: “I’m thrilled that Whitstable Pearl will be returning for a third season, as are those all around the world who have taken this series to their hearts – together with its magical setting," she says.

Who's in the cast of Whitstable Pearl series 3?

The cast of Whitstable Pearl series 3 includes:

• Kerry Godliman (After Life) as Pearl Nolan, a single mum who runs the Whitstable Pearl
• Howard Charles (Top Boy) as DCI Mike McGuire, a dour police detective who moves to Whitstable from London
• Frances Barber (Doctor Who) as Dolly Nolan, Pearl's widowed mother and co-manager of the Whitstable Pearl
• Robert Webb (Peep Show) as Tom Grant, Pearl's boyfriend, a local school teacher
• Sophia Del Pizzo (Shelley) as DS Nikki Martel, Mike's work partner
• Isobelle Molloy (EastEnders) as Ruby Williams, a waitress at the Whitstable Pearl
• Rohan Nedd as Charlie Nolan, Pearl's son

How can I watch Whitstable Pearl series 3?

While Whitstable Pearl series 3 aired in the US on Acorn TV in 2024, the series is finally landing on British TV on U&Drama, and will be available to stream from Friday July 25. Catch up with Pearl’s previous case with the first two series of the show, which are available to stream on U&Drama here.