Channel 5 Launches ‘Cooper & Fry’, A New Detective Drama

Channel 5 premiered its latest detective series, Cooper & Fry, on November 21, 2023, bringing to life the bestselling novels of Stephen Booth. The show features a compelling cast, including Mandip Gill, known for her roles in Doctor Who and Hollyoaks, as DC Diane Fry. She is partnered with local officer DC Ben Cooper, portrayed by Robert James-Collier, a familiar face from Downton Abbey. Set in the picturesque Peak District, the series follows the mismatched detectives as they tackle a series of unusual cases while navigating their contrasting personalities.

The adaptation covers four of Booth’s early novels: Black Dog, Dying to Sin, Blind to the Bones, and Dancing with the Virgins. According to co-creators Ben Court and Caroline Ip, adjustments were necessary to the source material, particularly concerning the dynamics between the main characters. While they aimed to remain faithful to the essence of Booth’s books, Ip noted, “The books are so rich we can’t include everything.”

Character Dynamics and Adaptation Challenges

The series showcases a diverse cast, including Charlotte Bradley as Isobel, Ben’s mother, and Lorcan Cranitch as DI Paul Hitchen, their superior. Other notable cast members include Barry O’Conor as DS Todd Eland and Niamh McCann as Tracey Garnett.

Ip highlighted how the actors’ chemistry influenced the portrayal of Cooper and Fry. “In the original version of the script, Cooper and Fry were much more combative. But when we saw the interaction between actor Rob James-Collier and Mandip Gill, there was so much warmth between the pair,” she explained. Their dynamic transformed from combative to more like “squabbling siblings,” which the creators found pleasing.

Court emphasized that avoiding the clichéd “will-they-won’t-they?” narrative was crucial for maintaining the integrity of their partnership. “We’ve changed Fry a bit. She almost had too much going on in the books, so we simplified her,” Ip added, explaining the need to balance plot and character development.

Episode Release and Future Plans

The series consists of four feature-length episodes, each lasting approximately two hours. Following the premiere, the remaining three episodes will be released weekly, with the next installment scheduled for November 28, 2023.

With a blend of engaging storytelling and strong character relationships, Cooper & Fry aims to attract both fans of the novels and new viewers alike, setting the stage for a promising detective drama on Channel 5.