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Spring is in full force, and there are certain expectations that go along with that. The weather turns warm, the animals start acting a bit randy, and a new series of Grantchester premieres…except that this year, there was no new series of Grantchester (and the snow took a good while to clear out, too).
For those who aren't familiar with Grantchester, it's a detective drama set in the 1950s in a small Cambridgeshire village of the same name. Anglican vicar Sidney Chambers (James Norton) helps overworked DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green) solve crimes. The combination of gruff DI Keating and patient, intuitive Chambers makes an excellent crime-solving team.
The Uncertain Future Grantchester Series 4
In the autumn of 2017, Grantchester creator and writer James Runcie mentioned that it had been difficult to find time for a fourth series due to the incredible demand on star James Norton's time. In addition to movies and a number of smaller roles in various shows, he also occupies a lead role in hit show Happy Valley and the new show McMafia.
Runcie indicated that there were no concrete plans for a fourth series at that time, and speculated that the show might have to “do a Death in Paradise” and replace a leading actor.
Some have speculated that Norton may be under consideration to be the next James Bond, so that certainly wouldn't help his schedule. We're pleased for him, but we can't help but wish he could have stayed under the radar just a bit longer before flashier shows ran away with him.
Grantchester Series 4 News
The good news is that as of April 12th, Grantchester is officially coming back. The bad news is that Series 4 will be James Norton's last. After that, the series will have to continue on with a new vicar. Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton has been quoted as saying, “We want to assure them that the series they love will continue with brilliant new episodes and a captivating new vicar.”
All signs point to Robson Green continuing on as Detective Geordie Keating.
Grantchester Series 4 will begin production in June of 2018, and no official premiere date has been set.
Where to Watch Grantchester
Just in case you haven't yet seen the first three seasons of Grantchester, we've included links below:
- Streaming: Series 1-3
- DVD: Series 1 | Series 2 | Series 3
If you've already watched and re-watched all the episodes more times than any sane person should, you can also check out the books. The show was based on a series of short story collections, also written by James Runcie (the creator and screenwriter for the TV series). Runcie is currently working on a prequel to the Grantchester mystery books, and it will be available in May 2018.
- Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death
- Sidney Chambers and the Perils of the Night
- Sidney Chambers and the Problem of Evil
- Sidney Chambers and the Forgiveness of Sins
- Sidney Chambers and the Dangers of Temptation
- Sidney Chambers and the Persistence of Love
Are You Excited for Series 4 of Grantchester?
Unfortunately, it seems we'll have a bit of a wait for Series 4 of Grantchester – but it's great to know we'll get it eventually. What are you watching in the meantime?
After founding I Heart British TV in 2016 as a resource for her granny, Stefanie has grown I Heart British TV into a resource that serves millions of British TV fans every year. When not writing posts or editing contributions to the site, you can probably find her working on the latest print edition of the British TV Streaming Guide.
I like mik’s ending! The problems with the direction taken by Season 4’s are
a) Despite the stars in Sidney’s eyes at the prospect of regaining a sense of purpose and replacement for Amanda, he and Violet would probably both be dead within a year in 1960s’ racist South. Her father would be further devastated, after losing a son to racial hate in England.
b) It completely drops the Amanda angle. She is in a very bad social position for the 1950s and ’60s, considering she has left her husband and is raising her child alone. Are we just callously to forget her?
I also thought of a conclusion: Mrs. M (now remarried) and Leonard decide they need to find a way to reunite Amanda with her father and allow Sidney and her to marry. They plan to visit Mr. Kelson, ostensibly on church or community business. Changing the subject to the former closeness between her father and her, he is made to feel he needs his daughter and grandchild. He decides to invite them to lunch. He is delighted with Grace, and Amanda could hardly be happier.
Amanda can be happier, as the scheming friends also think of a way she and Sidney can marry. If he downgrades to a lay minister and takes up clinic psychology or social work, helping Geordie FOR PAY this time. This sacrifice for love by Sidney allows him to have almost all he wants.
Daisy Coulam, take note!
It’s been announced that James Norton will be leaving the Grantchester series during season four. I don’t think that I’ll be watching after Sydney leaves. Too bad Daisy couldn’t have worked out a way for Sydney and Amanda to wind up together, and let it play out for the series finale. I don’t think the series will last without him. It could’ve been done with Amanda being charged with her husbands’ murder, Sydney and Geordie taking the entire series to get her cleared, and then she and Sydney being able to marry by the end of the season, end of story.
Geordie Keating (Robson Green) & Sidney Chambers (James Norton) make this show very real. I love the time setting & the honesty of Sidney, he’s fighting to be human & who he has promised to be. Sidney’s beliefs have rubbed a little bit off on Geordie. Love the show – please don’t cancel – keep those stories coming. We don’t have great shows like this in the US –
Inspector Lewis, Dr blake mysteries, Foyle’s War have been filling the gap for me..and I do have the DVDs of Grantchester..love Geordie and Sydney