Detective drama with "excellent" characters based on popular novels finally lands UK release date

An adaptation of the Anna Pigeon detective novels is finally coming to UK screens. Anna Pigeon aired on the USA Network stateside and will debut at 8pm on Tuesday 6 October on U&Drama.

Starring Chicago P.D.'s Tracy Spiridakos as the titular character, it follows Anna, a former city slicker who gives up her fast-paced life to become a National Park Service park ranger after experiencing a devastating loss.

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While working as a park ranger Anna's focus turns to solving crimes that have taken place within national park grounds.

Per Radio Times, episode one will see Anna "toying with whether she should leave the park when she discovers the body of fellow ranger Sheila Drury, a death that is blamed on a mountain lion, but the explanation doesn’t sit right with Anna.

"Upon weighing up the evidence it becomes clear to her that there's more to the story."

On Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer said the show had "excellent" characters and storylines, calling it a "fun, easy watch".

Another wrote: "After years of reading and rereading these wonderful books, I'm delighted to find this show!"

While a third said: "It is easy to relate to the protagonist; she is a woman who, despite the pain she experiences, tries not to give up and to keep moving forward. In this series, you will find nature, mystery, and survival."

Critics were a little more divided, with The Wrap writing: "While the crime drama isn’t must-see watercooler television, the show bops along with a pleasing rhythm, modest plot puzzles and a jaunty heroine brought to life by the charismatic Spiridakos."

While The Hollywood Reporter called it a "bad series", adding: "It’s packed with leaden writing, flimsy plotting and boasts several dismal performances - but it’s primarily a forgettable series that’s designed to be forgettable, and therefore succeeds entirely."

Anna Pigeon premieres at 8pm on Tuesday 6 October on U&Drama.

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Stephanie is a freelance news writer, who previously covered WWE and AEW for Digital Spy.

After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she studied journalism at Birkbeck University.

Outside of her work at Digital Spy, she writes about pop culture, with a special focus towards Irish media and how it intersects with politics.