Fans of the long-running crime drama Midsomer Murders are concerned that the show may have been cancelled after 27 years on air. The police procedural, which first aired in 1997, has been absent from ITV's schedules since its latest season began on 14 April. Viewers have noticed that time slots usually reserved for the show have been filled with alternative programming, sparking fears that the series may have been axed.
The most recent episode, featuring DCI John Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter solving a murder in a bomb shelter, aired weeks ago. Since then, no new episodes have been broadcast, leading to speculation on social media. One fan wrote on X: “seems like there hasn’t been any new #MidsomerMurders for years! … has it been cancelled or summit.” The remaining three episodes of season 23 have yet to air.
However, an ITV source told the Express: “We only ever had one episode of Midsomer Murders scheduled as they are standalone stories, and there'll be more episodes in the coming months.” The Mirror has also contacted ITV for comment. It is believed that season 24 is due to air later in 2024, with a 25th season reportedly in development.
Star Neil Dudgeon, who plays DCI Barnaby, previously expressed confidence in the show's longevity. He told Weekend Magazine in 2019: “I see no reason for Midsomer ever to stop. The only reason it would stop is if audiences go off it or somebody at ITV loses their nerve.” Despite this, some fans have criticised recent storylines as too far-fetched, and others have noted a decline since John Nettles left the series.
