Protect and Serve, a new crime drama from Big Talk Studios, has secured a commission at ITV, co-created by Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton, The Red King), who leads the cast, and Helen Black.
The series, which will be distributed by ITV Studios, is written by Black. The Leeds-set drama focuses on a Detective Inspector (Andoh) tasked with investigating the shooting of a teen boy living in a care home.
Polly Hill, director of drama at ITV, commented, “I’m delighted to commission Protect and Serve as I have been wanting to find a show with Adjoa Andoh for some time. We have a shared ambition, together with Big Talk, to make a great police series that also has something to say. Helen Black’s scripts uncover the scandal in privatized children’s care homes while Araba [Andoh’s character] lets us see what cost there is to becoming a high-ranking Black policewoman. It’s a show we are very proud to be making for ITV with such a great team.”
Big Talk Studios Chief Executive Kenton Allen will EP the series alongside Andoh and Black. Jenny van der Lande, who introduced and developed the drama and executive produces alongside Chris Clough, added, “This crime drama will be anchored by the extraordinary Adjoa Andoh, creating a TV detective who we hope audiences will take to their hearts as she unravels a complex case which lays bare the shocking scandal of unregulated children’s care homes. Helen’s wonderful scripts are underpinned by original research and are full of her trademark wit, heart and humanity; providing the cornerstone for Nimer’s fantastic storytelling.”
The series will commence filming in early 2027.
