For anyone who hasn't seen the detectorists, it gives a very British perspective on this sort of work, and is one of the best British comedies of the last ten years: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detectorists

So does Time Team, and they're back making new episodes.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtpbubYLW2fdf9ySyCS0f...

The British perspective on this is really the Portable Antquities Scheme at https://finds.org.uk/ which has been running for over 20 years.

You'll find details of research papers and the Staffordshire Hoard, probably one of the largest collections of Anglo-Saxon metalwork ever found https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staffordshire_Hoard

Mackenzie Crook also made (and stars in) Worzel Gummidge, which despite being a kids' show about a talking scarecrow, feels like very much a partner of the Detectorists and is just as lovely. Toby Jones appearing as every member of the bonfire committee is a particular treat.

Agreed, it's fantastic. It's not just a brilliant and warm comedy, it's also apparently a really accurate and well-researched depiction of the metal detecting world.

Detectorist was the perfect "the world is a normal place" show during the early days of the pandemic.

Absolutely the best fictional story of the genre. Lovingly made, with nuance and some sadness: Diana Rigg, real life mother of Rachael Stirling, (who was cast as her daughter in this series) died during its later series, reflected in plots.

The theme music by Johnny Flynn and Dan Michaelson is perfect.

This show is a great example of how good TV comes from good writing, not high budget.