Vera fans searching for their next detective drama could find just the thing in Maigret, a modern-day reboot that viewers have hailed as "fabulous" and "superb". Based on Georges Simenon's celebrated novels, the series follows an unconventional detective tackling complex crimes in Paris. With gripping mysteries and a team of loyal investigators, it could appeal to viewers who enjoy Vera's detective-led storytelling.
The first series arrives on UKTV's free streaming platform U and channel U&DRAMA this December. UKTV has secured the rights to two series, with the second scheduled to follow in 2027, reports the Mirror.
Cast and Setting
Benjamin Wainwright stars as Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, an ambitious young detective leading La Crim, the serious crime division of the Paris Police Judiciaire. Unlike earlier adaptations, this version is set in contemporary times. The series is produced by Playground, the company behind All Creatures Great and Small and Wolf Hall.
The Last Kingdom's Stefanie Martini plays Louise Maigret, the detective's wife and trusted companion, who works as a psychiatric nurse. The Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison appears as Sergeant Joseph Torrence.
Plot and Early Reception
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."
For Vera viewers weighing up their next watch, audience reviews offer plenty of encouragement. One IMDb reviewer called Maigret an "outstanding" beginning to what they hoped would be a long-running series, describing it as "Well written, well-acted, and highly entertaining."
Another hailed it as a "fabulous show", writing: "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!" They added: "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 third viewer praised the storytelling and performances: "Regardless, I thought the plotting, writing, acting, and direction was superb, especially in the last episodes of this first series."
Broadcast and Availability
The programme debuted on PBS Masterpiece in the United States in October 2025, followed by its Australian premiere on ABC Television in November 2025. Series 1 of Maigret premieres on U and U&DRAMA in December and Series 2 will follow in 2027.
