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Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders

The deadliest county in England.

1997–Ongoing20 seasons145 episodes~90 min/epTV-14Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

The peacefulness of the Midsomer community is shattered by violent crimes, suspects are placed under suspicion, and it is up to a veteran DCI and his young sergeant to calmly and diligently eliminate the innocent and ruthlessly pursue the guilty.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Midsomer Murders?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Midsomer Murders streaming on Acorn TV via Prime Video, BritBox via Prime Video, Pluto TV (free), Prime Video (free), The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about Midsomer Murders?

Midsomer Murders earns 7 badges, led by Universally Loved and Preferred by Over-30s.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Midsomer Murders worth watching?

Midsomer Murders' Midcredits score is the 88th percentile of all shows, from 46K ratings across 4 sources. 87% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

88th percentile

Better received than 88% of shows

87th percentile among Crime81st percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)83rd
Approval (how many liked it)88th

Acclaim

Universally Loved: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

79 /100

83rd percentile of all shows

87th percentile among Crime76th percentile among 1990s

Rating distribution

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

Approval

How many liked it

87% liked it

88th percentile of all shows

84th percentile among Crime83rd percentile among 1990s
87% rated it 7–1013% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

87th percentile

46K ratings across platforms

79th percentile among Crime77th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 6% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

A long-running cozy mystery series set in a picture-perfect English countryside where murders are absurdly frequent and the tone is light rather than gritty.

Fans praised

  • Beautiful English countryside and village scenery
  • Pleasant, undemanding escapism with quirky charm
  • Refreshingly stable, happily married lead detective

Detractors panned

  • Late-era episodes feel tired, formulaic, and overly political
  • Neil Dudgeon's Barnaby lacks Nettles' warmth and charisma
  • Implausible plots and declining writing quality

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive82

Idyllic villages, lush countryside, cozy English charm

ActingDivisive72

John Nettles praised as perfect Barnaby; late-cast performances criticized

HumorDivisive68

Wry, tongue-in-cheek comedy; lost in later seasons

CharactersDivisive65

Charming regulars and colorful villagers, but some sidekicks called wooden

DialogueDivisive60

Witty, dry exchanges; some later scripts called clunky

Plot and storyDivisive58

Clever early mysteries, later episodes feel strained and repetitive

PacingDivisive55

Leisurely two-hour episodes; some find them too slow

OriginalityDivisive50

Fresh early episodes, later become formulaic and derivative

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 16 points higher than men.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 32 points higher than under-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 12 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 21 points higher than non-US viewers.

Episodes

25 seasons

Series 24 · 2025 · 4 episodes · 3.3 average across 2 rated episodes

  • S24E1

    The Devil's Work

    Dec 29, 202593 min
  • S24E2

    Book of the Dead

    Dec 30, 202593 min
  • S24E3

    Claws Out

    93 minTMDB rating 3.2
  • S24E4

    A Climate of Death

    93 minTMDB rating 3.4Finale

Watch experience

What is Midsomer Murders like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and charged — an even-paced watch that leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
WarmTense
Heaviest: throughout
Dry humor
Register
Wry · 7% of shows: Amused and slightly dry about it.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe show treats its often gruesome murders with a light, wry humor and a fondness for its characters, never becoming grim or ironic.
The rideThe series maintains a gentle, cozy mood that occasionally sharpens into genuine tension during murder reveals, without ever becoming truly heavy.
StructureEpisodes are told in a conventional linear, beginning-middle-end structure.
Episode formatEach episode presents a new murder case for Barnaby to solve, while a gentle ongoing thread of his family and changing partners continues across the run.
Season formatEach season introduces a new set of murder cases, often with recurring characters and an evolving but not heavily serialized storyline, making individual seasons largely self-contained.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Feel-goodCozy · 5% of shows
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves the viewer feeling warmly entertained by the charming village setting and the satisfying resolution of the mystery.
How it ends · evidence
Happy endingTwist

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).MysteryPuzzle
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% (this title) · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Puzzle: A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).

8% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeEach episode follows Barnaby solving a self-contained murder mystery, presenting clues and suspects for the audience to piece together.

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 showsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · 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%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10% (this title): Community 25% (this title) · 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%

Society

CommunityFamily bonds
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 explores the tension between idyllic village appearances and the dark secrets beneath, framing community as both a comfort and a mask for murder.
StanceThe series presents the murders and their motives with a wry, observational eye, neither celebrating nor condemning the darker side of village life.

The world

ContemporaryRuralRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingA fictional English county full of picture-perfect villages that hide a dark underbelly.
MusicThe score subtly underscores the cozy-meets-ominous tone without overpowering the dialogue.

Content guide

Is Midsomer Murders okay for kids?

TV-14

Midsomer Murders is rated TV-14. As of October 5, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (58/100), sexual content at moderate (52/100), language at mild (34/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (39/100) and frightening material at moderate (57/100). Overall it is heavier than 58% of TV-14 shows.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UK15
  • Canada14+
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France10
  • Austria16
  • Denmark15
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoAA
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalNR
  • Russia12+
  • Spain16
  • SwedenFrån 15 år
  • Switzerland16
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 46% of all showsHeavier than 58% of TV-14 shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 58%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a TV-14 show
heavier than 81%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 34%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 57%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-14 show
heavier than 65%

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

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 58% 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 Midsomer Murders have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Midsomer Murders?

Cast

5 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

John Nettles
as DCI Tom Barnaby
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jane Wymark
as Joyce Barnaby
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Barry Jackson
as Dr. George Bullard
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.
Neil Dudgeon
as DCI John Barnaby
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Fiona Dolman
as Sarah Barnaby
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Jason Hughes
as DS Ben Jones
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Laura Howard
as Cully Barnaby
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Nick Hendrix
as DS Jamie Winter
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Daniel Casey
as Sgt. Gavin Troy
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Sykes
as Sykes the Jack Russell Terrier
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

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What are shows like Midsomer Murders?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Midsomer Murders include Vera (2011), Inspector Lewis (2006) and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2001).

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What other shows share a tag with Midsomer Murders?

146 other shows share the rarest tag below, kind of show: cozy mystery. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.