McDonald & Dodds: Cancellation and Future Prospects

Introduction

McDonald & Dodds, the beloved British crime drama, has been a fan favorite since its 2020 debut on ITV, thanks to its charming mix of humor, heart, and clever mysteries set in Bath. Starring Jason Watkins as the reserved DS Dodds and Tala Gouveia as the ambitious DCI Lauren McDonald, the show built a loyal following over four seasons. But in January 2025, ITV announced its cancellation, citing ratings that didn’t meet the threshold for a recommission, leaving fans reeling after a Season 4 cliffhanger involving a marriage proposal.

The news, reported by RadioTimes.com, sparked hope from the stars, who believe the show could find a new home. This situation reflects the challenges of modern TV, where even popular shows face tough decisions. For fans of British crime dramas like Father Brown or Unforgotten, the cancellation raises questions about the genre’s future. Let’s explore why McDonald & Dodds was axed, the stars’ optimism, and what might come next.

The Journey of McDonald & Dodds: From Debut to Cancellation

McDonald & Dodds premiered in March 2020, introducing viewers to an unlikely detective duo: DCI Lauren McDonald, a fast-paced former Met officer, and DS Dodds, a methodical investigator who hadn’t seen field action in over a decade. Filmed in Bath’s picturesque streets, the show’s blend of cozy mysteries and character-driven storytelling won over audiences. Its first season, originally titled Invisible, was a hit, leading to renewals for three more seasons, with Season 4 airing in July 2024. 

The series featured guest stars like Robert Lindsay and Joanna Scanlan, adding to its appeal. According to IMDb, the show’s smart writing and the leads’ chemistry made it “comfort TV” with clever twists. However, ITV cancelled it on January 16, 2025, after Season 4’s ratings fell short, as confirmed by an ITV spokesperson to RadioTimes.com. The cliffhanger ending, with McDonald accepting a proposal, left fans wanting more. Failing to secure high enough viewership, despite international success, was a key mistake that led to the show’s end on ITV.

Why Was McDonald & Dodds Cancelled?

The cancellation boiled down to one main issue: Season 4’s ratings didn’t meet ITV’s threshold for a recommission, as stated by an ITV spokesperson to RadioTimes.com. While exact figures aren’t public, Jason Watkins noted the show “held its own” in viewership, suggesting a decline from earlier seasons. Television today is a tough business—networks rely on data like live viewership, catch-up numbers, and cost-per-episode to make decisions. Watkins hinted at broader industry challenges, saying it’s a “hard time for television.” 

Budget constraints and competition from streaming platforms like Netflix and BritBox can pressure networks to prioritize high-performing shows. Another ITV drama, Vera, also ended in 2025 after 14 seasons, per RadioTimes.com, showing even long-running series aren’t immune. A common mistake is underestimating the shift to streaming, where viewers may watch later on ITVX, not boosting live ratings. This misalignment likely contributed to the cancellation, leaving unresolved storylines and disappointed fans.

Stars Speak Out: Hopes for a New Home

Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia didn’t take the cancellation lying down. At the Radio Times Covers Party 2025, they shared their hopes for McDonald & Dodds to find a new broadcaster. Gouveia told RadioTimes.com, “There could be other channels that want to do it. I guess it all depends on the budgets people have, because it is a show that people will watch.” Watkins emphasized their on- and off-screen chemistry, saying, “We’re very close, and I think that always showed on screen. 

That was one of the unique features of our show.” Their optimism is grounded in the show’s broad appeal—Gouveia noted fans from all demographics, even in remote places like a Greek village, recognized them. This global reach, coupled with unresolved plots like McDonald’s engagement, makes the show a strong candidate for revival. A mistake would be assuming no platform will take a chance—fan support and the stars’ enthusiasm could sway a streamer like BritBox.

Similar Shows That Found New Life

The TV graveyard isn’t always final. Several shows have been revived after cancellation, offering hope for McDonald & Dodds. Lucifer, cancelled by Fox after three seasons, was picked up by Netflix, running for three more seasons, per TheWrap. Brooklyn Nine-Nine moved from Fox to NBC after Season 5, continuing for three additional seasons. Manifest, axed by NBC after three seasons, found a home on Netflix for a final season. 

These revivals often stem from strong fan campaigns and streaming platforms’ willingness to cater to niche audiences. McDonald & Dodds has a similar profile—its cozy crime format and international sales make it appealing to services like BritBox or Acorn TV. A common mistake is underestimating fan power; shows like S.W.A.T., revived by CBS after fan outcry, show that vocal support can make a difference. If fans rally, McDonald & Dodds could follow suit.

The Impact on Fans and the Industry

The cancellation hit fans hard, especially after Season 4’s cliffhanger. On Reddit, a post by u/ikindalikekitkat on January 17, 2025, garnered 199 votes and 107 comments, with fans calling the news “devastating.” Many felt cheated by the unresolved wedding storyline, a sentiment echoed on X. This emotional response shows how deeply fans connect with characters like McDonald and Dodds. In the industry, cancellations reflect the shift from traditional TV to streaming, where platforms like Netflix prioritize bingeable content over live ratings. 

McDonald & Dodds’ international success, noted by Gouveia, suggests it could thrive on a streamer. However, networks risk alienating viewers by cancelling popular shows without clear communication. The industry’s move toward data-driven decisions can overlook loyal audiences, but streaming services offer a lifeline for shows with dedicated followings.

What the Future Holds for British Crime Dramas

British crime dramas remain a powerhouse, with shows like Father Brown (renewed for Season 13), Professor T (Season 4 aired in 2025), and Unforgotten (Season 6 aired in 2025) thriving. These series, like McDonald & Dodds, blend mystery with character-driven storytelling, appealing to global audiences via platforms like BritBox and PBS. 

However, cancellations like McDonald & Dodds and Vera highlight the genre’s challenges—networks must balance costs with viewer demand. Streaming has boosted the genre’s reach, with Professor T gaining U.S. fans via PBS Passport. A mistake is over-relying on live ratings when streaming numbers are significant. The genre’s future looks bright, with new shows like The Bay Season 5 and Karen Pirie Season 2 set for 2025, per TV Guide. McDonald & Dodds could fit this landscape if revived by a streamer.

FAQs

Will there be a Season 5 of McDonald & Dodds?
As of July 2025, ITV has cancelled McDonald & Dodds after four seasons, with no confirmation of a fifth. Stars Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia hope another network or streamer will pick it up, but no deals are confirmed. Fans should watch for updates on platforms like BritBox.

Why was McDonald & Dodds cancelled?
ITV cancelled the show because Season 4’s ratings didn’t meet the recommission threshold, per RadioTimes.com. Despite strong viewership earlier, declining numbers and industry challenges like budget constraints led to the decision, leaving fans frustrated.

Where can I watch McDonald & Dodds?
All four seasons are available on ITVX in the UK and BritBox internationally. In the U.S., it aired on PBS, with streaming on BritBox. Check local listings for availability, as access may vary by region.

What other shows are similar to McDonald & Dodds?
Fans can enjoy Father Brown, Professor T, Unforgotten, Midsomer Murders, or The Madame Blanc Mysteries on Channel 5. These offer cozy mysteries and strong character dynamics, available on ITVX, BritBox, or PBS.

How can fans help revive McDonald & Dodds?
Fans can stream episodes on ITVX or BritBox, engage on social media with hashtags like #SaveMcDonaldAndDodds, and support petitions. Showing demand could attract streamers like Netflix or Acorn TV, as seen with Lucifer.

What shows have been revived after cancellation?
Lucifer (Fox to Netflix), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox to NBC), and Manifest (NBC to Netflix) were revived due to fan support and streaming potential. These successes suggest McDonald & Dodds could find a new home.

Conclusion

McDonald & Dodds’ cancellation after four seasons shocked fans, especially with its unresolved Season 4 cliffhanger. While ITV cited low ratings, the stars’ hope for a new home and the show’s global appeal keep revival possibilities alive. Examples like Lucifer and Brooklyn Nine-Nine show that fan support and streaming platforms can breathe new life into cancelled shows. The British crime drama genre remains strong, with Father Brown and Unforgotten thriving, but cancellations highlight the industry’s challenges. Fans can stream all seasons on ITVX or BritBox and advocate for the show’s return. Share your thoughts below—do you think McDonald & Dodds will find a new home?