Fans of detective dramas such as Happy Valley and Shetland are being urged to watch a series described as "outstanding" by audiences. The programme, adapted from Georges Simenon's iconic detective novels, centres on an ambitious young detective within the Paris Police Judiciaire, leading La Crim, the serious crime division.
Contemporary Adaptation by Playground
The contemporary adaptation is created by Playground, the production company responsible for popular programmes including All Creatures Great and Small and Wolf Hall. Maigret features Benjamin Wainwright as Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, the eponymous unconventional young detective climbing through the ranks.
The Last Kingdom actress Stefanie Martini appears as Louise Maigret, Maigret's wife and trusted companion, employed as a psychiatric nurse. The Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison appears as Sergeant Joseph Torrence.
Broadcast Details and Cast
UKTV has secured broadcasting rights to two series of Maigret for its free streaming service, U, and linear channel U&DRAMA. Series one launches on U and U&DRAMA in December, with series two scheduled for 2027.
UKTV revealed: "In series one, Chief Inspector Maigret and his team of maverick but loyal detectives, Les Maigrets, solve a series of complex crimes in Paris. Maigret's unconventional methods and unique sense of justice put him at odds with his superiors and the judicial system he is supposed to represent. Maigret must outwit some of Paris's most cunning and violent criminals, while dealing with his own troubled past."
Audience and Critical Reception
Karin Marelle of UKTV and BBC Studios hailed Maigret "one of the most recognisable detective brands in the world", while Simon Cox, who oversaw the acquisition for Banijay Rights, commented: "The series combines gripping mysteries and rich character storytelling all centred around one of crime fiction's most iconic and enduring detectives."
Viewers have taken to IMDb reviews to express their opinions on the programme, with one praising it as "outstanding", writing: "I have not been a fan of either the books or previous movies or shows about Maigret. So I came to this with no preconceived notions. Overall I found it an outstanding beginning to what I hope will be a long series. Well written, well-acted, and highly entertaining. Just a sort of thing that I was looking forward to take my mind off with many problems that we now see in our world."
Another described it as a "fabulous show", commenting: "We are enjoying this programme ever so much! My mum and I are huge fans of the original Maigret and this is a great modern remake! I am not usually very enthusiastic about remakes, but this is an exceptionally good one. I can't wait for more episodes, and hopefully many more seasons to come! Overall a great programme with a really fabulous cast."
A further viewer described it as a "superb" watch, commenting: "This iteration reminds me a lot of another detective series using British actors in a non-British setting, Vandervalk. Regardless, I thought the plotting, writing, acting, and direction was superb, especially in the last episodes of this first series."
Release Schedule
The programme made its debut on PBS Masterpiece in the United States in October 2025, before arriving on ABC Television in Australia in November 2025. Series 1 of Maigret premieres on U and U&DRAMA in December, and Series 2 will follow in 2027.
