New Tricks (2004 – 2015)

Following a disastrous hostage situation, Superintendent Sandra Pullman finds herself unexpectedly leading the cold case unit – a department stripped bare of resources and support. Determined to tackle the backlog of unsolved crimes, she makes a bold decision: assembling a team of three former police officers. But these aren’t the men she remembers. Jack Halford is still haunted by personal tragedy, Brian Lane struggles with an unhealthy reliance on medication and obsessive tendencies, and Gerry Standing finds his charm has faded along with the years. While their experience is undeniable, it's clear that policing has moved on – a reality complicated further by a modern police force often at odds with their established methods.

After decades on the force, James Bolam, Alun Armstrong, and Dennis Waterman are proving that even seasoned detectives can be pushed to adapt. This gripping new drama reunites these beloved actors as three retired investigators, each with their own distinct style, who find themselves unexpectedly called back into service. Tasked with cracking cold cases in a newly formed special unit, they quickly discover that their classic methods often collide with modern policing techniques. Adding another layer of complexity is Amanda Redman, playing the unit’s commander – a role she accepts more out of necessity than enthusiasm. Following a career setback, she's determined to prove herself, and her by-the-book approach frequently puts her at odds with the charmingly unorthodox trio under her command.

Meet Brian Lane, Jack Halford, and Gerry Standing: brilliant, unconventional detectives who aren’t afraid to color outside the lines – or break a few rules – to crack a case. Season 8 plunges them into a series of baffling mysteries across London, from the suspicious death of a respected paleontologist at the Natural History Museum to a hit-and-run accident involving a cyclist, and beyond. Their investigations lead them through the murder of a homeless man on the Underground, the perplexing disappearance of a scientist aboard the Eurostar to Paris, and even into the dangerous world of a notorious biker gang’s leader. A stellar lineup of guest stars joins the cast this season, including Sheila Hancock, Keith Allen, Peter Davison, and many more. But it's not just the cases that weigh on them; personal struggles surface as Brian grapples with doubts about his marriage, Sandra re-evaluates her place at UCOS, Jack confronts emotional turmoil during a particularly challenging case, and Gerry cautiously dips his toes back into dating – with predictably mixed results.

Sandra Pullman leads UCOS – the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad – a unit dedicated to breathing new life into cold cases left behind by other investigations. Comprised of former police officers who’ve chosen early retirement, Pullman's team possesses a unique blend of experience and perspective. Series nine takes an unexpected turn when Jack Halford announces his departure, sending shockwaves through the squad. Before they can even begin to understand his reasons or convince him otherwise, a mysterious figure from Whitehall Intelligence, Stephen Fisher, intervenes with a baffling request: solve a century-old murder – and they only have 24 hours to do it.

Following a disastrous hostage situation, Superintendent Sandra Pullman finds herself unexpectedly leading a unit dedicated to cold cases – and saddled with dwindling resources and minimal support. Determined to crack these long-unsolved mysteries, she makes a bold decision: assembling a team of three former police officers. The problem? Times have moved on, leaving her recruits struggling to adapt. Jack Halford is still haunted by the loss of his wife, Brian Lane relies heavily on medication and obsessive routines, and Gerry Standing’s legendary charm has faded with time. While they possess invaluable experience, their methods clash sharply with a modern police force that isn't always receptive to their old-school approach. Now, these men must not only confront cunning criminals but also navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world of law enforcement.

The Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad is facing a fresh chapter – and a dramatically different lineup. Veteran Gerry Standing, brought to life by Dennis Waterman, remains the steadfast heart of the team, but everything else has shifted. Following DS Sandra Pullman’s departure at the end of the previous series (Amanda Redman), ambitious DCI Sasha Miller steps in as the new leader, played with compelling force by Tamzin Outhwaite. Alongside Gerry, Steve McAndrew (Denis Lawson) and Dan Griffin (Nicholas Lyndhurst) round out the squad, ready to tackle a backlog of cold cases under this new command.