Vera fans missing the police series can now turn to a 'cosy' crime drama that is available on BBC iPlayer. Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, which originally aired in the 1990s, has been rediscovered by viewers who praise its comforting and easy-to-follow storylines.
Starring the late Patricia Routledge as the title character, the series is set in northwest England and follows Henrietta, or 'Hetty', who has a special talent for solving crimes. Cases range from missing people to pension fraud and mysterious deaths, often involving collaboration with the police.
The show first appeared as a pilot in 1990, later running for four full series from 1996 to 1998. It has been compared to Vera, which ended last year, with many viewers taking to social media to recommend it as 'brilliant' and 'cosy comfort viewing'.
Patricia Routledge, also famous for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances, died in 2025 at the age of 96. Hetty Wainthropp Investigates remains available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
