The BBC crime drama Jonathan Creek, which first aired in 1997, is being hailed by viewers as a must-watch for fans of the new comedy crime drama Ludwig. The show follows an eccentric man who uses a unique method to solve crimes, starring Alan Davies as the unconventional puzzle-solver.
A Unique Approach to Crime-Solving
Jonathan Creek, played by Alan Davies, works as a consultant for a famous stage magician, gaining a wealth of knowledge that he applies to solving seemingly impossible puzzles and complex murder cases. Investigative journalist Maddy Magellan, portrayed by Caroline Quentin, discovers Jonathan's unusual talent and enlists his help, while quickly developing feelings for him.
Written by David Renwick, the series originally ran for four seasons before concluding in 2004. However, two specials followed in 2009 and 2010, and a fifth season aired in 2014, with a final special in 2016.
Alan Davies Open to Return
In the past, Alan Davies confessed he would be eager to return to the show, telling Radio Times three years ago that the programme 'changed his life'. He commented: "People still ask if we're going to make more. If David wrote another script, I'd do it like a shot. The show changed my life. And it's the only BAFTA I've ever won."
Fans Praise the Series
Since the series first aired, it has received widespread praise, with many calling it 'one of the best' BBC shows of all time. One viewer said: "Absolutely fantastic. I was hooked on this programme when it first came out, and now that I have it on DVD, I can see just how fantastic this series is. It's a completely different take on the usual crime-solving programme, and the solutions to puzzles are absolutely amazing."
Another commented: "One of the best comedy/mystery series ever. The first two seasons of this show, featuring Carolyn Quentin as Maddie Magellan, are just about perfect -- a combination of absurd humour and intriguing 'impossible' crimes."
A third added: "BRILLIANT!!! Well. I have just delved into this series, and I forgot how brilliantly it is written, and the stories are amazing, the plot is spotless." As someone else shared: "Each episode starts off showing us impossible murders or other crimes, you have no idea how it has been done, and neither do the police on the show. So they bring in this scruffy magician who operates almost like a modern Sherlock Holmes, slowly piecing together slight clues leading to a grand reveal to conclude each episode."
Jonathan Creek is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
