PBS’ Shocking New Crime Drama Is the Perfect Successor to Sherlock

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Before it became overly complicated and focused on itself, Sherlock was a groundbreaking mystery and drama series that successfully updated Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous character for a modern British audience. Playing an energetic and socially awkward Sherlock Holmes was a challenge, but Benedict Cumberbatch managed to make the character surprisingly charming, which helped create a huge global fanbase.

Sherlock was part of a trend of high-quality, realistic crime dramas, particularly from the BBC, alongside shows like Luther, Broadchurch, and Bosch. Its approach of updating classic detectives for a modern audience proved influential, as seen in PBS Masterpiece’s Maigret, which adopted a similar style.

Benjamin Wainwright Is Not Your Grandfather’s Maigret

Continuing a long line of classic detectives, Jules Maigret in the new Masterpiece series is quite different from the original character created in the 1930s. Instead of the stocky build, pipe, and hat that defined the earlier Maigret, Rowan Atkinson’s portrayal is of a tall, slender, and sophisticated detective – a modern take that fits alongside other unconventional sleuths.

Wainwright gives a captivating performance as a Parisian detective who, despite being swamped with minor cases, is haunted by the bigger crimes he can’t quite reach. He’s clearly dedicated to solving cases, but his quirks – like strange dreams and a habit of borrowing other people’s phones – hint at a more complex personality.

Like many modern crime shows, including Sherlock, Maigret cleverly uses current technology – such as social media and influencer videos – as a way to gather evidence, almost like extra security camera footage or witness statements. The first season of Maigret features three separate cases, each told over two episodes, and explores a range of crimes from simple robberies and stabbings to more serious, heartbreaking events. Each episode is roughly an hour long.

Maigret Verges on Being Too Different

British television has adapted Georges Simenon’s Maigret before – Rowan Atkinson famously played the role in 2016. However, the new 2025 version, while well-made, feels a little strange for French-speaking viewers. The way French names are pronounced with strong British accents isn’t new, but it’s still noticeable.

Despite a somewhat mixed response to the first season of Maigret, the show remains compelling. Filmed on location in Budapest – a tradition for Maigret adaptations – it feels visually realistic and maintains a grounded approach. It remains to be seen whether the show can maintain this quality now that it’s been renewed for a second season and avoid losing its way.

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2026-01-04 14:57