ITV detective drama Endeavour, currently streaming free on ITVX, has been hailed by fans as an 'outstanding masterpiece' and the 'last television show worth watching'. The series, a prequel to the beloved Inspector Morse franchise, has captivated audiences with its intricate plots, superb performances, and period setting.
Prequel to a Classic
Endeavour serves as a prequel to the original Inspector Morse series, which starred John Thaw from 1987 to 2000, and its spin-off Inspector Lewis (2006–2015). Shaun Evans plays the young Endeavour Morse at the start of his career as a detective constable, later rising to detective sergeant in the Oxford City Police CID. The show was created and written by Russell Lewis, who adapted characters from Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse novels.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The series boasts a 90% critics' approval rating and a 92% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes across all nine seasons. One critic said: 'If you love English mysteries, and love the old Inspector Morse, you will love young inspector Morse more.' Another described it as 'a treat for the faithful'. Fans have been equally enthusiastic, with one IMDB review stating: 'The last TV show worth watching. With the decline of good TV shows, I will say that Endeavour continues to be the best show I've seen in quite some time.'
Nine Seasons of Mystery
Endeavour enjoyed a nine-season run, set between 1965 and 1972. The pilot aired in January 2012, followed by its debut series in 2013, and the series concluded in 2023 after 11 years on air. Russell Lewis penned all 36 episodes. The official synopsis reads: 'Set from 1965 into the 1970s, the show follows Endeavour Morse in his early years as a police constable. Working alongside his senior partner DI Fred Thursday, Morse engages in a number of investigations around Oxford.'
Cast and Availability
The cast includes Shaun Evans, Roger Allam, Anton Lesser, Jack Laskey, Sean Rigby, James Bradshaw, Abigail Thaw, and Caroline O'Neill. One viewer wrote: 'About as good as television gets - a true 10 star series. It doesn't matter how many times one watches the episodes either.' Endeavour is available to stream for free on ITVX.
