5 has acquired all 27 series of one of the world’s longest-running crime dramas – Taggart – in a deal with the show’s creators, STV Studios.

All 110 episodes of the hit Scottish drama, which originally ran from 1983 to 2010, will be made available on 5’s streaming service.

Created by Glenn Chandler, Taggart is set in Glasgow and follows a team of detectives from the fictional Maryhill CID as they investigate complex and often grisly murder cases. A cultural phenomenon during its original run, the show is renowned for its iconic characters, clever whodunnits, witty dialogue and one of the most recognisable taglines in TV history: “There’s been a murder…”

Viewers reliving Taggart or discovering it for the first time on 5 will spot early screen appearances from some of the UK’s finest actors, including Jason Isaacs, Alan Cumming, Dougray Scott and Celebrity Traitors stars, Celia Imrie and Mark Bonnar.

42 years after its first episode aired, Taggart remains popular with drama fans across the globe, with STV Studios selling the series to over 140 territories worldwide.

Cherry Vantreen, Director, Acquisitions and Co-Productions at 5 and Paramount UK, said: “Taggart is one of the UK’s most iconic detective dramas and we’re thrilled to welcome it to our line-up on 5. It’s a timeless favourite that perfectly complements our growing catalogue of quality drama boxsets.”  

Camilla Cope, Commercial Director at STV Studios, said: “A generation has passed since Taggart’s original run came to an end in 2010, but the love for this iconic cornerstone of Scottish television history has never waned. Its gritty realism and authentic portrayal of Glasgow had a significant influence on future crime dramas – not just in the UK, but globally too. Taggart remains a hugely important part of STV Studios’ legacy and we’re delighted to have found the show a new streaming home on 5.”