Cast of Cooper and Fry: Main Characters & Season 2

Any crime drama fan who’s been craving a fresh pair of detectives knows the feeling: you find a new series, settle in, and hope the chemistry clicks. Cooper & Fry, which landed in 2025, delivers that spark with Robert James-Collier and Mandip Gill as the lead duo.

Season 1 episodes: 5  • 
Main cast members: 6  • 
Release year: 2025  • 
Filmed in: Ireland

Six key facts about the series, one pattern: the show blends a strong cast with a striking Irish backdrop, but some details about its future remain fuzzy.

The implication: the series has a solid foundation, but the lack of network clarity leaves fans guessing where to tune in.

Will there be a season 2 of Cooper and Fry?

According to Wikipedia (encyclopedic database), filming on an eight-episode second series took place in summer 2026. That suggests a renewal happened quietly, though no official network announcement has been made. Manchester Evening News (regional news outlet) reports that the first series brought to life four Stephen Booth novels, and the second series is expected to adapt The Devil’s Edge, Fall Down Dead, One Last Breath, and The Murder Road.

The catch: even with filming reportedly complete, the network hasn’t confirmed a premiere date. Fans may need to wait until 2027 for the second season to air.

Is Cooper and Fry worth watching?

Critical reception is still developing, but early indicators are positive. The show’s IMDb rating sits around 7.2/10 (as of this writing, from IMDb (film database)). Radio Times (UK TV listings guide) praised the cast chemistry and the visual contrast between the Peak District setting and the actual Irish filming locations. A standout is the performance of Robert James-Collier, known for Coronation Street, who brings a gritty edge to DC Ben Cooper.

For those who prefer a completed story, the open-ended finale is a trade-off. The series is worth watching for the cast alone, but be prepared for an unresolved season 2 question.

How many episodes are in Cooper and Fry season 2?

Season 1 contains exactly 5 episodes, as confirmed by Wikipedia (encyclopedic database). For season 2, the same source reports an eight-episode order, which is more typical for a British crime drama. However, until the network announces a release date, the episode count remains unconfirmed.

The pattern: a second season with eight episodes would give the show room to explore deeper character arcs and more complex cases, a common upgrade for successful crime dramas.

Who are the main cast members of the Cooper and Fry TV series?

• Robert James-Collier as DC Ben Cooper (Wikipedia (encyclopedic database))
• Mandip Gill as DC Diane Fry (Wikipedia (encyclopedic database))
• Lorcan Cranitch as DI Paul Hitchens (Wikipedia (encyclopedic database))
• Barry O’Connor as DS Todd Eland (Wikipedia (encyclopedic database))
• Niamh McCann as ? (role not yet specified) (Wikipedia (encyclopedic database))
• Charlotte Bradley as Isobel Cooper (and as Gemma, per IMDb) (IMDb (film database))

Who plays Gemma in Cooper and Fry?

Gemma is played by Charlotte Bradley, according to IMDb (film database). In the series, she takes on the role of Isobel Cooper, Ben’s mother, but some sources list her as Gemma. The dual name may be a script change or a misattribution, but the actress is the same.

Where is Cooper and Fry filmed?

Though the story is set in the fictional town of Edendale in Derbyshire’s Peak District, the show was actually filmed in Ireland. Radio Times (UK TV listings guide) confirms production took place during summer 2025 in Dublin and County Wicklow. TV Guide (UK TV listings) lists specific Wicklow locations: Bray, Glendalough, Newtown Mount Kennedy, Glendarragh, Lough Dan, Roundwood, and Cloghleagh Forest. Also used were Dublin’s Poolbeg and County Kildare’s Ballymore Eustace and Kilteel.

Why was Cooper and Fry filmed in Ireland?

According to WalesOnline (Welsh news), actor Robert James-Collier described filming during one of the hottest summers Ireland has ever known. The decision to film in Ireland likely stems from the scenic landscapes that can double for the Peak District, combined with attractive tax incentives for TV productions. The show’s visual identity benefits from the lush greenery and dramatic coastlines of Wicklow, which add a layer of atmosphere not easily replicated in the actual Peak District.

Pros and Cons of Cooper & Fry

Timeline: Cooper & Fry key dates

• 2025 – Series premiere of Cooper & Fry” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow”>Wikipedia (encyclopedic database))
• Summer 2026 – Filming of an eight-episode second series reportedly took place” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener nofollow”>Wikipedia (encyclopedic database))

The pattern: the gap between the premiere and the reported season 2 filming is about a year, typical for a crime drama that needs to produce eight episodes. The trade-off is that fans face a long wait for the next installment.

Clarity check: what we know vs. what’s still open

What the cast and critics say

The show’s story is set in the Peak District, specifically the fictional town of Edendale in Derbyshire.

– Radio Times (UK TV listings guide)

Cooper and Fry is set in the fictional town of Edendale in Derbyshire’s Peak District, but filmed in Ireland.

– Wikipedia (encyclopedic database)

These two perspectives highlight the show’s central paradox: a British story told through an Irish lens. For the production team, that choice was a deliberate creative and financial decision.

For fans of crime drama, the decision to invest in Cooper & Fry is straightforward: the first season offers a strong cast and beautiful scenery, but the wait for season 2 requires patience. For the producers, the next step is to confirm a renewal or risk losing the audience’s attention.

Frequently asked questions