I love a good period mystery, but Miss Scarlet and the Duke really captivated me because of the sizzling chemistry between Eliza Scarlet and Inspector William ‘Duke’ Wellington. The writers and actors did an amazing job building up their relationship with subtle hints in season one. Luckily, Seasons 2 and 3 promise even more romantic moments and intriguing mysteries.
About the Show and Cast
Nearly 8 million people watched Miss Scarlet and the Duke, a MASTERPIECE Mystery series set in 19th century Victorian London. Kate Phillips, known for her roles in Peaky Blinders and the Downton Abbey movie, stars as Eliza Scarlet, an impatient and intelligent detective who takes over her father’s detective business after he dies.
Eliza, who is broke and not interested in marrying for money, is determined to run her own business. Not even her childhood friend, Scotland Yard Detective Inspector William Wellington (The Duke), can stop her. Stuart Martin, known for Jamestown, plays William Wellington. Together, they reluctantly solve crimes while an undeniable attraction simmers between them.
The main cast includes Andrew Gower from Poldark, Kevin Doyle as Eliza’s father Henry Scarlet (also from Downton Abbey), Ansu Kabia from World on Fire, and Cathy Belton from Philomena. The show is a fantastic addition to the Masterpiece family of British period dramas.
Season 2 Release Date
After a long wait, Miss Scarlet and the Duke returned! According to MASTERPIECE Mystery on PBS, the show premiered on Sunday, October 16th, 2022, at 8/7c. The official U.K. premiere was on June 14th, 2022, on Alibi. You can watch the entire season on PBS Passport or catch new episodes as they air on PBS and the PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel.
Season 3 Release Date & Where to Watch
In July 2022, Masterpiece confirmed that fans wouldn’t have to wait long for Season 3. It premiered on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 8/7c on PBS. However, in a special Thanksgiving twist, PBS released the entire Season 3 on November 24, 2022, on PBS Passport, letting fans watch it ahead of its January premiere. There’s even more good news: the series has been renewed for Season 4.
Watch the New Official Trailer and Read the Season 2 Synopsis
The official synopsis for Season 2 describes six action-packed episodes where Eliza competes for cases, trades insults, and partners with her friend/rival, The Duke. Their relationship continues to simmer with tension and romance.
What to Expect in Season 2
The trailer hints at more romantic tension between Eliza and William over six mystery-filled episodes. In interviews, Kate Phillips, who plays Eliza, emphasizes that her character is still focused on proving herself as a private detective and won’t let anything, not even The Duke, get in her way. She describes the season as “Witty, Bouncy, and Romantic.”
Stuart Martin, who plays William Wellington, reveals that viewers will get a deeper emotional look at his character, finding out what makes him tick. He describes the new season as “Full of fun!”
The Romance
As for the romance, Kate Phillips suggests fans will enjoy the ongoing sparring and comedy between Eliza and William. Stuart Martin adds that their emotional depth has increased, making their interactions even more engaging and fun.
Series Creator Rachael New
Series creator Rachael New, in a separate interview, shares her excitement for Season 2. She reveals her Jane Austen influence, seeing The Duke as “a little bit more Knightley than Darcy.” She promises Season 2 will be more fun but will still focus on the show’s core premise: a woman in a man’s world trying to stay in the game.
More Thoughts on Seasons 2 & 3
With more character development, romance, and fun, Season 2 of Miss Scarlet and the Duke is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of romantic period dramas. Mark your calendars for October 16th.
Where to Watch the First Season
If you need to catch up or want a refresher on Season 1, it’s available for streaming on PBS Passport and the PBS Masterpiece Amazon Prime Channel. You can also purchase it digitally or on DVD.
Are you excited to watch the next seasons of Miss Scarlet and the Duke? Has it become one of your favorite shows? Let me know in the comments below!
