Though it was widely reported that Lewis had ended, ITV maintained that the series would likely continue. They’ve now renewed the series for an eighth season of six one-hour episodes. Production will begin next month.

There’s no word on when they’ll start airing. Here in the US, Lewis is carried by PBS. It should be noted that, few years back, PBS made two seasons out of three of the UK seasons. As a result, these new episodes would be season seven here in the States.

Here’s the official press release:

ITV commissions a new series of Lewis starring Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox from ITV Studios

The ‘perfect’ detective team of Lewis and Hathaway are set to return to ITV in six new episodes of Lewis, one of ITV’s best-loved and most enduring dramas.

Kevin Whately and Laurence Fox reprise their roles as the detectives who investigate grisly murders against the backdrop of the beautiful university spires of Oxford. But this time it’s different…

After an extended break from the Police, Hathaway has been promoted to Inspector. When the chemistry that exists with Lewis eludes Hathaway, retired Lewis is drafted back to renew their partnership. It’s a new dynamic for our detectives, but one they’ll have to come to terms with quickly if they are to achieve results.

The combination of Robbie Lewis’s instinct for tracking murderers and unraveling motives and Cambridge graduate James Hathaway’s deep thinking and erudite approach has served the duo well in the past.

An ITV Studios production, Lewis will be produced by Chris Burt who has been at the helm for 30 episodes of Lewis since the series first screened in 2006. The Executive Producer is Mammoth Screen’s Michele Buck, who continues to produce the series for ITV Studios.

ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November has commissioned the new episodes and Controller of Drama Victoria Fea and Head of Drama Series, Jane Hudson will oversee the drama for ITV.

“Viewers have a great deal of respect for Inspector Lewis and a huge loyalty to Kevin Whately,” said Steve. “Together with Laurence, he has forged a formidable partnership and we’re delighted to have them back on ITV.”

Executive Producer Michele Buck added: “Lewis has a special place in the hearts of the ITV audience. Each story is intriguing and complex and viewers relish the fine writing, acting and excellent production values.”

The new series will go into production in March 2014 and once again feature the beautiful locations in and around the city of Oxford, including the Cherwell and Isis rivers and the magnificent university colleges.

Also reprising her role in the new series is Clare Holman, who was introduced to viewers as forensic pathologist Laura Hobson in the 1995 Morse film, The Way through the Woods, and has continued to appear in Lewis. Rebecca Front will also return to the series as Chief Superintendent Jean Innocent who is frequently at odds with Lewis over his investigative style.

The new films – 6 x 60 minutes – will be written by Helen Jenkins (Lewis, Holby City) and the final two part episodes written by Steve Coombes (New Tricks, Hustle, Outlaws).

Director Nick Renton (Lewis, Inspector George Gently, Silent Witness) will direct the first two-part film, ‘Entry Wounds’.

Michele continues: “We’re delighted ITV have commissioned series 8 of Lewis. Since we started producing the series in 2006, Lewis has achieved a reputation for thought provoking stories and we’re determined to continue to set high standards.”

The creator of Morse, Colin Dexter, continues his association with Lewis acting as consultant on all aspects of production.

ITV Studios Global Entertainment distributes Lewis internationally.

What do you think? Do you like this series? Are you glad to hear there will be more episodes?