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Today marks 10 years since the premiere of Maigret with Rowan Atkinson, ITV’s wonderfully atmospheric adaptation of Georges Simenon’s classic detective novels.
Atkinson brought a quieter, more introspective take to Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, trading overt theatrics for patience and a steady moral compass as he navigated the streets of 1950s Paris. Across two seasons, it focused on character-driven cases and period detail, offering a more measured alternative to faster-paced crime dramas. In the US, you can watch it on BritBox.
Of course, this wasn’t the first time English-language audiences met Maigret. Michael Gambon took on the role in the early 1990s, while a newer adaptation with Benjamin Wainwright has introduced the character to a new generation. Beyond these, Maigret has been portrayed countless times across Europe, particularly in French-language versions - proof of the character’s enduring appeal across decades and borders.
What we’re…
Watching: Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - This one disappeared from streaming services for a while, but it’s back and I’m enjoying it as much as the first time I watched it years ago, on a rainy day in Canterbury. It’s set in an alternate early 19th century England where magic exists but is no longer practiced - and two men seek to bring it back.
Reading: A Plot to Die for by Ardal O’Hanlon - I was lucky to get an advance copy ahead of the May release, and so far, it’s great fun. Ardal O’Hanlon is no stranger to cozy mysteries, of course, given his tenure on Death in Paradise - but this marks his first attempt to write one. He’s written some books in other genres, like Knick Knack Paddy Whack, Brouhaha, and The Talk of the Town - but this one follows a celebrity gardener (think Monty Don or Alan Titchmarsh) who returns to his Irish hometown to care for his aging mum…only to find himself mixed up in murder. It’s available for pre-order now.
NOW ON SALE
Our latest British TV Streaming Guide (US Edition, Winter 2026) is now available (we don’t anticipate another edition until summer/autumn 2026). Now on sale for just $9.99 via our store (16
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THIS WEEK IN BRITISH TV
On BritBox, the 27th brought The Wrong Mans, a comedy about two office workers pulled into a criminal nightmare by accident. On April 3rd, they’ll be adding several Jane Austen-related films: Pride & Prejudice (2005), Emma (1996), Becoming Jane (2007), and Austenland (2013).
On Acorn TV, new episodes of The Family Next Door continue on Mondays through the 30th, along with weekly episodes of season 19 of Murdoch Mysteries. The 23rd brought season 2 of Mystery Road Origin and season 6 of Canal Boat Diaries. On the 30th, look for the neighborhood thriller The Feud on Shelbury Drive. They’ll also be adding the 2003 TV movie The Return that day.
On PBS Masterpiece, The Forsytes premiered on March 22nd, and new episodes continue weekly on Sundays.
On Hulu, the US remake of Doc Martin, Best Medicine, continues weekly on Tuesdays. It’s also available with a FOX One subscription via Amazon.
On Starz, season 8 of Outlander premiered on March 6th. New episodes air weekly on Thursdays.
Well, they say that honesty's the best policy. I think you regret being honest less often than you regret telling lies.
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