A major update has arrived for one of the most anticipated new UK television projects of the year: a fresh British crime series led by Golden Globe–nominated actor Freddie Highmore, best known for his acclaimed performance as Dr. Shaun Murphy in The Good Doctor. The series, which has been quietly building momentum behind the scenes, has just received a significant production milestone that signals its shift from development into full-scale execution—and fans are already buzzing.
According to the latest announcement from the production team, the crime drama—tentatively titled The Harbour—has officially locked its main cast and secured its filming schedule. Cameras are expected to roll in early spring across several coastal locations in southwest England, giving the project a distinct regional identity. For Highmore, the series marks an important homecoming, bringing him back into the heart of British television after years leading one of American network TV’s most successful medical dramas.
Highmore will play Detective Julian Hart, a sharp yet introspective investigator assigned to a troubled seaside town where crime runs deeper than the calm landscape suggests. Known for bringing emotional precision and quiet complexity to his roles, the actor is expected to deliver a performance that blends psychological depth with the textured realism characteristic of modern British noir.
Producers say the series will tap into the atmospheric style of titles like Broadchurch and Happy Valley, but with a more character-centric structure that highlights Hart’s own unraveling personal history. “Freddie brings a level of vulnerability and intelligence that this role absolutely needs,” said executive producer Naomi Fletcher. “The story is less about chasing criminals and more about examining the damage they leave behind—in the victims, in the community, and in the people trying to solve the cases.”
The huge update also includes news that Highmore is serving as an executive producer, giving him creative influence over the tone, pacing, and thematic direction of the show. His growing footprint behind the camera has not gone unnoticed; having produced multiple seasons of The Good Doctor, he has earned a reputation for thoughtful, actor-driven collaboration. Insiders report that he has been directly involved in script development and casting, signaling a hands-on approach to shaping the project.
Perhaps the most exciting reveal for fans is the introduction of a high-profile supporting cast. The series will feature BAFTA winners and rising talents alike, including a respected stage actress in the role of Hart’s estranged sister and a breakout newcomer portraying a local journalist determined to uncover the truth behind a decades-old disappearance.
The network behind the series has yet to confirm a premiere date, but the production update suggests the drama will likely debut in late 2025. Streaming platforms are reportedly already in discussions for international distribution, reflecting growing global interest in Highmore’s post–Good Doctor career moves.
With a gripping premise, a polished creative team, and a star returning to his British roots, The Harbour is shaping up to be one of the standout crime dramas of the coming year. And with Freddie Highmore leading the charge, expectations are—and rightfully should be—very high.