Dalziel and Pascoe

The show is based on the mystery novels of Reginald Hill, and only the first three series (eleven episodes) plus the first two episodes of Series 4 were entirely adapted from his books; all later stories except 'Dialogues of the Dead' were written exclusively for television.

The series was axed in 2008 due to falling viewing figures, as part of a mass cull of BBC dramas by newly appointed station controller Peter Fincham, after twelve series.

Actor Warren Clarke described his character Dalziel as 'a perfect pig' who is 'vulgar, loud and rude' but also 'a great humanitarian' who gets very good results.

Navin Chowdhry's character PC Sanjay Singh only appeared for one series; his departure was later explained in-story by Dalziel as being because Wieldy was getting 'misty-eyed' over him, prompting Dalziel to transfer Singh 'up north' to protect everyone involved.

The character Detective Sergeant Dawn 'Spike' Milligan shares her surname with comedian Spike Milligan, referenced through her nickname.

There was a notable three-year gap in the Australian home media releases between Series Two and Three, and again between Series Ten and Eleven.

In January 2026, ITV confirmed a contemporary reimagining of the series with the lead detective roles reinterpreted as female, casting Kerry Godliman as DI Andrea Dalziel and Nina Singh as DS Paige Pascoe, produced by West Road Pictures for BritBox and ITV, set to begin filming in spring 2026.