Get ready to dive into the captivating world of mystery shows inspired by the legendary Agatha Christie! Christie's influence on the literary and multimedia landscape is undeniable, with her work adapted into countless forms, from novels to movies, and even television series. But it's on the small screen that her impact truly shines, with a diverse range of shows that capture the essence of her beloved whodunits.
The Legacy of Agatha Christie on Television
Christie-inspired television shows offer a unique blend of literary sophistication and pulpy, page-turning mystery. These shows often feature standalone murder mysteries in each episode, building an overarching narrative that keeps viewers engaged. From period pieces to modern takes, Christie's influence has left an indelible mark on the genre.
10 Must-Watch Mystery Shows for Agatha Christie Fans
Murder, She Wrote (CBS, 1984-1996): This long-running American detective series stars Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery novelist who finds herself entangled in hundreds of murder cases. Jessica's perceptive skills and deductive reasoning make her an invaluable asset to the authorities. The show's setting shifts from a small coastal town in Maine to New York City, offering a fresh perspective on the classic whodunit formula.
Jonathan Creek (BBC, 1997-2016): In this British procedural with a twist, Alan Davies plays Jonathan Creek, a creative consultant for stage magicians who stumbles into the world of crime-solving. With his expertise in stage production and magic tricks, Creek becomes an accidental hero, debunking supernatural phenomena and exposing illusions. The show's five seasons are a delightful blend of mystery and magical theatricality.
Foyle's War (ITV, 2002-2015): Created by prolific crime writer Anthony Horowitz, this series follows police superintendent Christopher Foyle (Michael Kitchen) as he solves crimes during World War II and the early days of the Cold War. Foyle's understated nature and age make him an intriguing detective, reminiscent of Christie's Miss Marple. The series' atmospheric setting and sharp writing make it a standout British detective show.
Vera (ITV, 2011-present): Based on the novels of Ann Cleeves, this series stars Brenda Blethyn as the veteran police detective Vera Stanhope. Set in Northumberland, England, Vera's personal life takes a backseat to her dedication to solving crimes. With a robust 14-season run, the show has become a genre constant, offering a fresh take on the British detective series.
Death in Paradise (BBC, 2011-present): Inspired by Christie's exotic murder mysteries, this series is set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. A rotating cast of British police detectives solves crimes in this tropical paradise, offering a unique twist on the traditional British crime show. The show's sense of humor and stunning Guadeloupe locations make it a refreshing take on the genre.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (ABC, 2012-2015): Australian author Kerry Greenwood's historical mystery novels come to life in this series set in 1920s Melbourne. Essie Davis plays Phryne Fisher, a private detective haunted by the death of her sister. The show's jazzy and glamorous aesthetic, combined with Davis' commanding performance, make it a standout period piece.
Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators (BBC, 2018-present): Set in the hometown of William Shakespeare, this comedy mystery series follows private detective Frank Hathaway (Mark Benton) and his business partner, Luella Shakespeare (Jo Joyner). With a lighthearted tone and a focus on the chemistry between its leads, the show offers a fun take on the British detective genre.
Ms. Ma, Nemesis (SBS TV, 2018): This South Korean series takes a modern and inventive approach to Christie's work, retelling her stories for Korean audiences. Based on Christie's final novel, "Nemesis," the show follows mystery writer Ma Ji-won (Yunjin Kim) as she escapes prison and seeks to avenge her daughter's murder. With a unique blend of mysteries and a personal edge, it's a fresh take on Christie's classic pulp stories.
Poker Face (Peacock, 2021-present): Created by Rian Johnson, a self-proclaimed Agatha Christie fan, this series stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a woman with a unique ability to detect lies. Season 2 of "Poker Face" takes an episodic approach, focusing on Charlie's personal life and the mysteries she stumbles upon. Lyonne's career-best performance and the show's effective experimentation make it a standout original series on Peacock.
Magpie Murders (BBC, 2022): Adapted from Anthony Horowitz's novel, this postmodern mystery show offers a unique twist. Book editor Susan Ryeland (Lesley Manville) discovers the death of author Alan Conway (Conleth Hill) and sets out to complete his final novel, which centers on detective Atticus Pünd (Tim McMullan). The show effectively weaves together Ryeland's investigation and Pünd's adventures, deconstructing and celebrating the literary whodunit genre.
These 10 mystery shows capture the essence of Agatha Christie's beloved stories, offering a diverse range of settings, characters, and narratives. Whether you're a fan of period pieces or modern takes, these shows will keep you engaged and entertained. So, which one will you dive into first?
