Midsomer Murders star bags new role in detective drama perfect for Death in Paradise fans
Fans of the beloved murder mystery programme Death in Paradise are being urged to discover another British crime drama situated on an island - and it showcases one of Britain's most renowned fictional sleuths. Bergerac, a reimagining of the classic 1980s BBC series that starred John Nettles, has secured approval for a second series on U&Original after receiving largely favourable reviews.
The programme, featuring Brassic's Damien Molony as the eponymous detective Jim Bergerac, is welcoming fresh faces to its cast for the upcoming season. Midsomer Murders favourite Adrian Edmondson is arriving as Nigel, a romantic prospect for Zoë Wanamaker's Charlie, whilst Red Eye's Lesley Sharp is being brought in as Monica.
Developed by Being Human's Toby Whithouse, the series already boasts an impressive ensemble, with the inaugural season's roster also featuring Life On Mars star Philip Glenister, Big Boys' Robert Gilbert and Grantchester's Luke Nunn, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Filming has officially commenced on the show's second series, which takes place on the Channel island of Jersey.
The official description for 2025's Bergerac states: "Troubled detective Jim Bergerac is forced to confront a troubling past case when a wealthy woman is murdered, pushing him to overcome personal demons and reignite his investigative prowess to navigate family tensions and law enforcement scrutiny."
The debut series holds an exceptional 100% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers awarding it broadly positive assessments. The Times described it as a "darker, more pained take on our Jersey detective", gushing: "Welcome back, Jim."
Digital Spy penned: "While there are familiar threads that pay homage to the classic show... there is one simple tweak to the way in which the case goes on to unfold that makes an impactful difference to this new iteration of the Bergerac series."
The Age proclaimed: "There is no shortage of grim crime series being produced in Britain, and on its own terms this Bergerac is a good example of the genre done right."
The Nightly declared: "The character is very watchable, and Damien Molony is able to persuasively carry Bergerac's darkness and dynamism."
Yet some viewers weren't won over, with one grumbling: "What a shame, it's all got too serious. None of the understated humour of the original series, which I've started watching again. Far better."
Another moaned: "Probably the most complete collection of cliches possible. Every element we have seen many times. Main character totally unlikeable."
Still, one supporter rushed to defend the programme on IMDb, posting: "Loved it. Bergerac is a great character and the actors are all well rounded. Haven't seen the original but judged on its own it's a fantastic free to air crime drama. Hope there is a follow up season. So much more to develop with some of the sideline characters. Not perfect but it holds up as a great binge."
Another viewer praised it as "brilliant", confessing: "I have fond memories of the original with the gorgeous John Nettles (before he moved to Midsomer), so there is always a bit of anxiety regarding a remake. However, this Bergerac, with the mesmerising Damien Moloney is a different deal altogether."
A third admitted they were "glued to the box", stating: "Let me say at the outset, I have never seen the original Bergerac so I'm coming to this series from a fresh, unbiased viewpoint.
"Apart from the first (overlong) twenty minutes or so which was endeavouring to show the depth to which Bergerac had sunk, I really enjoyed the series. I'm glad I stayed with it.
"Yes, it was a bit predictable but that doesn't bother me. The highlight was the wonderful Philip Glenister who's brilliant in whatever he does."
All six episodes of Bergerac season 1 are available to stream now on U.
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