Midsomer Murders

Genre: Crime / Mystery / Drama
Created by: Anthony Horowitz
Based on: Chief Inspector Barnaby novels by Caroline Graham
First Aired: 1997 – Present
Starring:

• John Nettles as DCI Tom Barnaby (1997–2011)

• Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby (2011–present)

• Supporting cast: Fiona Dolman, Nick Hendrix, Jason Hughes, and more
•  

Set in the idyllic (and surprisingly dangerous) English countryside of Midsomer County, Midsomer Murders follows a veteran detective and his loyal sergeant as they investigate bizarre and often grisly murders in charming little villages filled with eccentric characters. Though the setting seems peaceful and pastoral, each episode reveals that beneath the surface lies jealousy, betrayal, and often deadly secrets.

1. Beautiful British Setting

The show’s greatest charm lies in its lush, postcard-perfect locations—stone cottages, flower-filled gardens, and timeless churches. The contrast between the stunning visuals and the shocking murders gives Midsomer Murders a unique and intriguing flavor.

2. Classic Whodunit Style

If you love Agatha Christie-style mysteries, this series is a goldmine. Each episode presents a fresh case, filled with clues, red herrings, and satisfying twists. It invites the audience to play detective along with Barnaby.

3. Eccentric Characters & Quirky Humor

The villagers of Midsomer are delightfully strange—from bell-ringers and amateur dramatics groups to wine societies and cheese makers. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, often injecting dry British humor into even the darkest moments.

4. Long-Lasting Quality

Few series run for more than two decades while maintaining strong writing and viewership. The transition from Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) to his cousin John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) was seamless, and the show continues to evolve while respecting its roots.

• Formulaic Episodes
  After so many seasons, some episodes can feel predictable, with a familiar structure: murder, investigation, twists, and confession. That said, fans often enjoy this comforting formula.

• Unrealistic Murder Rate
  Midsomer County has one of the highest murder rates per capita in fictional history. The body count per village is comically high—but it’s part of the show’s charm.

• Gentle Pacing
  Compared to modern fast-cut crime thrillers, the pacing can feel slow. It's more about atmosphere and deduction than adrenaline or violence.

Midsomer Murders is a British institution in crime television. With its picturesque countryside, clever mysteries, and unique blend of charm and darkness, it remains a cozy crime favorite. Whether you're watching the early Tom Barnaby episodes or the more recent John Barnaby investigations, each case is a delightful escape into the curious, deadly world of Midsomer.