Foyle's War, the British detective series set during the Second World War and its aftermath, has been winning over new fans now that it is available to stream free of charge on ITVX. Viewers have described the show as 'perfect', 'brilliant' and 'outstanding', with some saying they have been obsessed with it for 'two years' and others confessing they cannot stop rewatching it.
Created by Anthony Horowitz
The drama was written by acclaimed author Anthony Horowitz, the screenwriter known for Midsomer Murders. ITV commissioned the series in 2000, after the conclusion of its long-running detective hit Inspector Morse. It first appeared on television in October 2002.
Michael Kitchen leads the cast as DCS Christopher Foyle. He is joined by Honeysuckle Weeks, Anthony Howell, Julian Ovenden and Ellie Haddington in a wider ensemble.
Broadcast history and awards
Foyle's War continued until 2015, though it went off air between 2007 and 2010 after an unexpected cancellation. The decision was later reversed following a change in management, according to the Express. The show returned in 2010 and ran until January 2015, when it was cancelled a second time, bringing its run to an end after eight series.
The official synopsis reads: "As WWII rages, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front, investigating crime on the south coast of England. Later series, see the retired detective working as an MI5 agent in the aftermath of the war."
The series received a BAFTA Television Award nomination for Best Production Design and won a Lew Grade Award for Best Entertainment Programme at the 2003 BAFTA Television Awards. It also earned a BAFTA nomination for Best Drama Series in 2004.
What critics and fans say
Reviewers have been full of praise. One critic wrote: "A perfect winter indulgence that should take some of the sting out of the fact that this terrific series - once canceled, then resurrected several years ago - is now really, truly one for the history books." Another said: "Luckily, the people you would least like to encounter in real life make fantastic TV."
A third critic highlighted Michael Kitchen's performance: "There is a moral intensity to Foyle that Kitchen expresses by the slightest raising of his voice or quickening of his words or birdlike cocking of his head."
Audiences have been equally enthusiastic. One viewer commented: "Exceptional. Near perfection. Kitchen is complete in his role, his surrounding cast also perfect. Brilliantly written and directed. Can't wait to watch the whole series again." An IMDB review adds: "An outstanding series. Foyle's War is up there with Morse, Endeavour and Poirot. This incredible series ran for thirteen years, giving us crime during and after World War II. There isn't a single below par episode, nor a dip in quality, just a history of brilliant mysteries, solved by Christopher Foyle and Sam. Superbly written, Horowitz truly devised a classic. It's a wonderful series, for my money it's one of the best. 10/10."
Another fan wrote: "The best television show I have ever watched. I accidentally discovered this TV show, only seeing 5 minutes of a random episode, but I was amazed enough to watch the entire series. I am going to struggle to find a TV show to follow this one and I might just have to watch it all again. I would recommend watching this show, it is brilliant!" A further review stated: "I first heard about this series two years ago. Since then, I have been hooked. The series really does look amazing, set during the 2nd World War, with beautiful costumes, pretty locations and authentic-looking scenery. The scripts are intelligent, sophisticated and absorbing as you would expect from a talented writer like Anthony Horowitz, and I will say I loved the concept. The stories are intriguing and multi-layered. Overall, a truly excellent series, where would we be without it? 10/10."
Foyle's War is available to stream at no cost on ITVX.
