Lovejoy

Lovejoy follows the misadventures of a charming but unscrupulous antiques dealer working in East Anglia. Known among collectors as a 'divvie', he has an uncanny knack for spotting genuine treasures and excluding forgeries, which keeps him in demand and occasionally in trouble. Episodes pair small-time schemes, shady buyers, and puzzles around rare objects, as Lovejoy uses wit, local contacts, and a bent moral compass to secure sought-after pieces. He relies on a tight circle of friends and rivals, which keeps the dialogue snappy and the stakes personal. Settings shift from dusty barns to elegant country houses, giving each episode its own atmosphere without resolving larger mysteries too quickly. Recurring supporting characters bring loyalty, comic relief, and occasional moral pressure.

Premiering in 1986, Lovejoy was created by Ian La Frenais and novelist Jonathan Gash, adapting Gash's antique mysteries for television and anchored by Ian McShane in the title role. It introduced viewers to the behind-the-scenes world of buying and selling.

The show holds a 7.3/10 user rating (51 votes) and earned steady audience approval for mixing light comedy, drama, and mystery. Recurring themes include authenticity versus deception, moral ambiguity in trade, and the loyalty of small communities. Audiences often singled out McShane's sly delivery as a series highlight.

Lovejoy helped popularize on-screen interest in antiques and forgery, influencing later shows about collectors and dealers. Ian McShane's roguish portrayal became closely associated with the character's name among viewers. It helped boost public interest in antiques fairs and restoration trade, and fans still reference his knack for spotting fakes.

While Lovejoy didn't rack up major industry awards, the series ran long and maintained a loyal following. Critics often praised McShane's charm and the show's insider look at the antiques trade, even if it wasn't a formal awards magnet. Its reruns and home video kept the audience engaged over years.