When the surname Bergerac is uttered, the Channel Island of Jersey often quickly comes to mind for many Brits, fans of John Nettles (Midsomer Murders) or fans of 80s crime dramas. Or, perhaps in reverse, when Jersey is mentioned with reference to the Channel Islands, often it is the long-running crime drama Bergerac (available on BritBox in the States) that immediately jumps to mind.

Premiering in 1981 and spanning 87 episodes (nine seasons and six Christmas episodes), to say it was a hit is a little on the nose (okay, a lot on the nose). So it takes a lot of daring to adapt the series and bring it back on air.

Thirty years later, that is exactly what has happened and to a great response.

Damien Molony (Being Human) stars in the modern adaptation as Jim Bergerac. Jersey remains a secondary and significant character, but this go-round, the character receives a modernization, which I think helps to distinguish each lead and the time era in which the show aired/s.

Having watched and enjoyed the original series a couple of years ago, learning more about the island of Jersey was a treat. In fact, Nettles wrote a book (1993) about the island, its history and favorite places. However, I appreciate the updates that were chosen in this new version.

Each of the main components remain: Jim is a respected cop for the Jersey police force. He was married. He has a young daughter named Kim, he has a problem with alcohol, and his wife’s parent is named Charlie Hungerford. Oh! And that 1947 red Triumph Roadster, yep, that’s still in the show.

Now for the updates:

Charlie Hungerford is Jim’s mother-in-law, not his father-in-law, and is played by the brilliantly stylish and acerbically smart Zoë Wanamaker (you may remember her as starring in a handful of Hercule Poirot’s Ariadne Oliver, alongside David Suchet). Be sure to note her wardrobe. Brilliant!

Jim’s wife. Rather than having him be divorced, as was the case in the original, she sadly has died of cancer, and we meet Jim in the first episode six months into his bereavement leave, which is why he has begun to have problems with alcohol. And his daughter is a teenager rather than a pre-teen, displaying a wisdom beyond her years while being likable and clear-eyed about what would be best for her during this difficult time of loss, while her father is less than clear about how much pain they are both feeling, or perhaps it is more accurate to say, he’s less than clear about how to grief in a constructive manner.

Another improvement to Jim’s character is his depth of emotional awareness. This is not to say he is aware of what he needs, although at some level, he seems to, but he cooperates well with his colleagues, comfortable with being temporarily demoted regarding his seniority and is dedicated to doing the right thing at work, solely focused on solving the crime, which he finds to be helping to distract him from his pain.

The last structural difference has to do with the season’s focus. In the original series, one crime was solved in each episode, but in the new adaptation, one crime unfolds over the course of the entire season, concluding with the sixth and final episode. Centering around a high-profile death, there are many twists and turns, but with each episode, I had a difficult time not binging. And having had the opportunity to watch the entire first season, I will confess, it took me only two days to watch all six episodes. So, yes, I do recommend it and quite enjoyed it.

And it seems viewers in the UK did as well, as it aired in 2025 (BBC Two) and will finally be coming to the US in just two weeks, premiering on PBS Masterpiece on Sunday, August 16th. Season two has already aired in the UK (this past spring), and Season three just received the green light.

Have a look at the trailer for season one below, and look forward to a traditional police procedural that focuses on the complexities of the main character navigating his grief while also trying to return to what he knows how to do best – solve high-profile crimes. All while being set on Jersey, a unique part of the world all on its own.

~Correction to the audio in episode #431. I misspoke and shared that season one originally aired earlier this year when it actually aired in 2025. The second season has already aired, rather than being in production.

Watch the trailer below for season 1.

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