New Maigret series commissioned by PBS Masterpiece
A new Inspector Maigret series based on Georges Simenon’s bestselling books has been commissioned by PBS Masterpiece, eight years after the most recent and highly-acclaimed Rowan Atkinson ITV adaptation was cancelled.
The Maigret books have sold over 600 million copies worldwide to date and been translated into more than 50 languages.
What is this version about?
This version will reframe Maigret as a younger man – talented, unrelenting and determined to prove his worth to Paris’ Police Judiciaire.
According to the Masterpiece synopsis:
Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, the invention of former crime reporter turned prolific author Georges Simenon, inhabits a vividly realized Paris not often seen on camera that takes us from the glitzy upper-class world of luxury hotels and mansions to local bourgeois bistros and bars and the underground haunts of the professionally criminal. The new adaptation reframes Maigret as an unconventional young detective with something to prove, a rising star in the Police Judiciaire, relentless in his investigations, with an uncanny ability to get under the skin of the criminals he is chasing and a matchless knowledge of Paris and its inhabitants. Faithfully and lovingly married to Madame Maigret, Maigret heads the elite police unit known as La Crim, responsible for investigating all serious crimes in and around Paris.
Who is in the cast?
Benjamin Wainwright (Belgravia: The Next Chapter ) and Stefanie Martini (Prime Suspect 1973) will play the lead roles of Monsieur and Madame Maigret. They are joined by Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners), Kerrie Hayes (The Responder), Reda Elazouar (Sex Education), Shaniqua Okwok (It’s a Sin) and Rob Kazinsky (Eastenders) as “Les Maigrets,” Maigret’s close-knit team of detectives, with Nathalie Armin (Showtrial S2) rounding off the cast as prosecutor Mathilde Kernavel.
Who is behind it?
The series will be produced by Playground (Wolf Hall).
Lead writer Patrick Harbinson (Homeland, 24) will also direct two episodes and act as executive producer of the series. Faye Gilbert (The Bay) will directing episodes 3 & 4, with David Evans (Domina) directing episodes 5 & 6. Susanne Simpson will executive produce for MASTERPIECE, with John Simenon executive producing on behalf of Georges Simenon Limited. Banijay Rights will distribute the series internationally.
When can we watch it?
Filming will take place in Budapest. There is no confirmed release date yet but it is expected to reach PBS in late 2025.