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Foyle's War

Foyle's War

2002–2015Ended8 seasons28 episodes~90 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

As WW2 rages around the world, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front as he investigates crimes on the south coast of England. Foyle's War opens in southern England in the year 1940. Later series sees the retired detective working as an MI5 agent operating in the aftermath of the war.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Foyle's War?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Foyle's War streaming on Acorn TV via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about Foyle's War?

Foyle's War earns 7 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of shows.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Foyle's War worth watching?

Foyle's War's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all shows, from 22K ratings across 2 sources. 91% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of shows

97th percentile among Crime96th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)95th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

84 /100

95th percentile of all shows

97th percentile among Crime95th percentile among 2000s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

91% liked it

95th percentile of all shows

92nd percentile among Crime94th percentile among 2000s
91% rated it 7–109% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

93rd percentile

22K ratings across platforms

88th percentile among Crime89th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 8% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Foyle's War is a slow-paced, morally serious WWII-era detective drama focused on home-front crime rather than battlefield action.

Fans praised

  • Impeccable acting from Michael Kitchen, subtle and commanding
  • Intelligent, layered writing that balances crime with wartime morality
  • Authentic period detail and immersive atmosphere of WWII home front

Detractors panned

  • Slow pacing and formulaic plotting with predictable resolutions
  • One-dimensional portrayal of authority figures as corrupt or incompetent
  • Over-reliance on contrived coincidences and deus ex machina endings

What stands out

Acting90

Michael Kitchen's understated performance as Foyle is universally praised; supporting cast also strong

Atmosphere88

Immersive portrayal of wartime Britain's tension, rationing, and uncertainty

Dialogue80

Measured, intelligent script with period-appropriate phrasing; occasional anachronisms noted

Characters78

Foyle's moral depth praised; recurring side characters like Sam and Milner well-developed but guest villains criticized as shallow

Originality75

Unique concept of detective stories during WWII; some find repetitive themes

Emotional impactDivisive75

Moving moral dilemmas and human cost of war; some find melodramatic

Plot and storyDivisive72

Clever mysteries intertwined with wartime issues but sometimes convoluted or predictable

Pacing60

Deliberate, contemplative pace praised by fans as reflective of era; critics find it slow

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 13 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Critics vs users 6 points apart

Episodes

9 seasons

Series 9 · 2015 · 3 episodes

  • S9E1

    High Castle

    Jan 4, 201589 min
  • S9E2

    Trespass

    Jan 11, 201587 min
  • S9E3

    Elise

    Jan 18, 201589 minFinale

Watch experience

What is Foyle's War like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, dark and charged — a slow-burn watch that leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
ContemplativeThrilling
Heaviest: late
Dry humor
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe series treats its material with gravity and dignity while maintaining a gentle, kind-hearted view of its characters, never undercutting its drama with irony.
The rideThe series maintains a steady, thoughtful pace punctuated by moments of investigative tension; emotional weight settles more heavily in later seasons as the war's toll accumulates.
StructureEach episode follows a conventional three-act structure: setup, investigation, and resolution.
Episode formatEach episode is a self-contained investigation, but the series as a whole tracks the progress of World War II and Foyle's personal grief and relationships.
Season formatEach season covers a specific phase of the war (e.g., Blitz, D-Day preparations), with the core cast remaining and the historical context shifting.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Thought-provokingCozy · 5% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayFoyle's War leaves viewers both comforted by its orderly morality and provoked to think about wartime ethical dilemmas.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% (this title) · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

8% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeEach episode presents a murder investigation in wartime Hastings, with Foyle uncovering the culprit through careful observation and deduction.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11% (this title): Justice 14% (this title) · Duty 2% (this title) · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% (this title) · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 14% of showsDuty · 2% of showsWar · 1% of shows
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe series consistently explores the pursuit of justice within the moral compromises and chaos of wartime, with Foyle's sense of duty driving every investigation.
StanceFoyle is the clear protagonist; the stance toward justice is observational—it is pursued but not always neatly delivered, reflecting the compromises of war.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanRuralDomesticInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
SettingHastings and environs, southern England during World War II

Content guide

Is Foyle's War okay for kids?

TV-14

Foyle's War is rated TV-14. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (55/100), sexual content at mild (31/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (47/100) and frightening material at moderate (37/100). Its language and frightening material have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 36% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Denmark15
  • Netherlands12
  • Spain13
  • SwedenFrån 11 år
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 30% of all showsHeavier than 36% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 51%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 33%
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 74%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (9 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 51% of TV-14 shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Foyle's War have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Foyle's War?

Cast

Michael Kitchen
as Christopher Foyle
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Honeysuckle Weeks
as Samantha Stewart
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Anthony Howell
as Paul Milner
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ellie Haddington
as Hilda Pierce
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Julian Ovenden
as Andrew Foyle
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jay Simpson
as Sgt Brooke
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tim McMullan
as Arthur Valentine
Daniel Weyman
as Adam Wainwright
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jeremy Swift
as Glenvil Harris
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rupert Vansittart
as Sir Alec Meyerson

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