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ITV crime drama

Express Published Jul 1, 2026 Reviewed Jul 3, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
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The ITV crime drama *Lewis* aired for a total of nine series before concluding in 2015.
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Kevin Whately stated he felt 'incredibly fortunate to have shared a decade of fantastic worldwide success with Laurence and with the most brilliant crew, cast and production team anyone could wish for, and all that time with the loyal support of so many fans and of our backers ITV and WGBH Boston.'
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The country was captivated by the ITV crime drama when it initially launched a decade ago. Lewis aired for a total of nine series before concluding in 2015, leaving viewers deeply disappointed.

A direct continuation of the beloved Inspector Morse, the programme centred on Detective Inspector Robert Lewis (played by Kevin Whately) and his younger colleague DS James Hathaway (Laurence Fox). The detective pair were charged with unravelling intricate murders in and around Oxford's academic community.

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Yet throughout, there were numerous twists and turns as they confronted decades-old secrets, complicated cases, longstanding grudges and sinister acts of vengeance, reports the Mirror.

Despite the series ending more than 10 years ago, the detective drama has received widespread acclaim, with numerous viewers demanding its comeback.

Regrettably, actors Kevin and Laurence confirmed they were stepping away from their roles, with Kevin reflecting on portraying DI Lewis for decades.

He said: "I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared a decade of fantastic worldwide success with Laurence and with the most brilliant crew, cast and production team anyone could wish for, and all that time with the loyal support of so many fans and of our backers ITV and WGBH ‎Boston."

Discussing the show throughout the years, many have drawn comparisons to the original Inspector Morse series, with numerous people believing it surpasses it.

One viewer remarked: "The continuing adventures of Detective Inspector Lewis and his trusted sidekick Detective Sergeant Hathaway stand out for the strength of production values, acting, writing, and direction that are credits to the Masterpiece: Mystery!".

Another enthusiast wrote: "Even better than Inspector Morse. This is a review of Series One to Seven of LEWIS (also known as INSPECTOR LEWIS). I never imagined that a sequel series could surpass the original (INSPECTOR MORSE), but this is what has happened."

A further viewer commented: "Only One Complaint: It's Over!! Just binged the whole series with my husband over the past few weeks, and to my surprise, I'm sitting here a little tearful that it's over. I will miss these characters deeply. Once in a while, I get really attached-such a well-produced and classic body of work."

While a fourth contributor shared: "The Perfect Series. Normally, a good television series only lasts for four years before the suits step in and ruin it. This amazing series was perfect from start to finish. Nothing about the arc of the characters was forced or oblique."

And as one admirer noted: "Kevin Whately brought the heart and soul of this iconic character, with acknowledgment of his mentor and predecessor in his portrayal and realisation of Lewis's evolution and coming to maturation. The pairing with Hathaway, with his own comparisons and contrasts with that of DCI Morse, is a brilliant extension of the original."

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