See-Saw Films acquired rights to adapt John Grant's detective novels for a 'Lovejoy' reboot
The original BBC series ran from 1986 to 1994 with Ian McShane as the charismatic antiques dealer
The reboot will be a contemporary reimagining of the beloved comedy-drama series
Executive producers from See-Saw will collaborate with author John Grant on the project
📖 Full Retelling
British production company See-Saw Films, known for hits like 'Slow Horses' and 'Heartstopper,' has acquired the rights to adapt John Grant's detective novels written under the pen name Jonathan Gash, announcing plans for a contemporary reboot of the beloved BBC comedy-drama 'Lovejoy' in London on March 4, 2026, capitalizing on the original series' enduring popularity since its run from 1986 to 1994. The reboot will reimagine the classic series that originally starred Ian McShane as the roguish, fourth wall-breaking antiques dealer Lovejoy, with See-Saw's team of executive producers including Lisa Gilchrist, Helen Gregory, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and Simon Gillis leading the project alongside author John Grant and his agent Lisa Moylett. The original series, which also featured notable performances from Chris Jury, Dudley Sutton, Phyllis Logan, and Malcolm Tierney, ran for 71 episodes across six series during its eight-year run on BBC television.
🏷️ Themes
Reboots, British television, Detective dramas, Adaptations
Ian David McShane (born 29 September 1942) is an English actor. His television performances include the title role in the BBC series Lovejoy (1986, 1991–1994), Al Swearengen in Deadwood (2004–2006) and its 2019 film continuation, and Mr. Wednesday in American Gods (2017–2021).
# British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
The **British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)** is the national broadcaster of the United Kingdom. Headquartered at **Broadcasting House** in London, it holds the distinction of being the world's oldest national broadcasting organization and the largest broad...
British television comedy drama series (1986–1994)
Lovejoy is a British television comedy-drama mystery series, based on the novels by John Grant under the pen name Jonathan Gash. The show, which ran to 71 episodes over six series, was originally broadcast on BBC1 between 10 January 1986 and 4 December 1994, though there was a five-year gap between ...
In computing, rebooting is the process by which a running computer system is restarted, either intentionally or unintentionally. Reboots can be either a cold reboot (alternatively known as a hard reboot) in which the power to the system is physically turned off and back on again (causing an initial...
Mar 4, 2026 4:25am PT Brit Detective Series ‘Lovejoy’ Getting Reboot as ‘Slow Horses’ Banner See-Saw Acquires Book Rights By Alex Ritman Plus Icon Alex Ritman @alexritman Latest Producer of Microbudget Viral Hit ‘VelociPastor’ Teams With Fellow Crunchyroll Veterans to Launch Digital Agency Unknown Film Organization 20 hours ago ‘Bring Her Back’ Star Billy Barratt Signs With CAA 21 hours ago ‘Hamnet’ Producer Hera Pictures Taps Martha Hood for New Head of Film Development Role 21 hours ago See All “Lovejoy” the hit BBC comedy-drama mystery series that ran from 1986 to 1994 and starred Ian McShane, is to return to screens. See-Saw Films , the British banner known for “Slow Horses” and “Heartstopper,” has acquired rights to adapt John Grant’s original detective novels (written under the pen name Jonathan Gash). Plans are now underway for a contemporary reimagining of the series, which saw McShane play the eponymous roguish and fourth wall-breaking antiques dealer. Chris Jury, Dudley Sutton, Phyllis Logan and Malcolm Tierney also starred. The original show ran for 71 episodes over six series. Executive producers for See-Saw include Lisa Gilchrist, Helen Gregory, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Simon Gillis. Joining them will be Grant and his agent Lisa Moylett. Popular on Variety The deal was negotiated by Simon Gillis and Laura Mazzola, head of Business and Legal Affairs , on behalf of See-Saw and Sheila David of Catapult Rights Limited on behalf of Dr Grant. Variety ‘s sister publication Deadline was the first to report on the news. Jump to Comments More from Variety Apple TV Sets First Look Deal With ‘Imperfect Women’ Creator Annie Weisman Ruby Modine, Cody Saintgnue, James Paxton and More Join Indie Drama ‘Sicklerville’ AMC Networks Expands Tool to Help Advertisers Determine Whether Commercials Spur Consumers to Respond Film Festival Chiefs, Including Thierry Frémaux, Rally to the Defense of Berlinale Boss Tricia Tuttle as Her Future Hangs in the Balance Why Mayor K...
