Mayo

Synopsis

Mayo is a British detective drama television series that first aired in 2006, starring Alistair McGowan as the titular character, Sebastian Mayo. The show follows Mayo, a quirky and down-to-earth private investigator with a knack for solving unusual cases. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant British countryside and urban settings, the series explores the intersection of witty humour and intriguing mysteries. With his unconventional methods and dry wit, Mayo navigates complex cases and a diverse cast of characters, blending drama and light-hearted moments to create an engaging experience for viewers seeking clever storytelling in crime drama.

Cast

• 

  Alistair McGowan

  DI Gil Mayo

• 

  Louise Brealey

  Scene-of-Crime Officer Harriet 'Anorak' Tate

• Huw Rhys

  DC Martin Kite

• 

  Jessica Oyelowo

  DS Alex Jones

• 

  Lucy Evans

  Julie Mayo

Reviews

Critical reception of Mayo was mixed but leaned positively, with many appreciating Alistair McGowan's unique charm and the show's refreshing take on the detective genre. On IMDb, Mayo holds a solid rating of 7.5 out of 10, reflecting generally favorable audience opinions. Reviewers often highlighted McGowan's performance as a standout, noting his ability to balance humour with a serious investigative role. For instance, some critics praised the show's blend of classic detective tropes with a contemporary and comedic edge, which made it distinguishable from other crime dramas at the time. However, certain critics felt that the pacing occasionally faltered and that some plotlines might have benefited from deeper development. While not universally acclaimed, Mayo was regarded as a creative and enjoyable addition to British television's crime drama repertoire, appealing particularly to fans of witty and character-driven mysteries.