How a British detective drama survived cancellation to become a Cold War thriller

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Created by Anthony Horowitz, Foyle's War began as a methodical look at the Home Front during the Second World War. Despite being abruptly cancelled by ITV in 2007, the series was revived due to immense viewer demand, eventually evolving from wartime investigations into complex Cold War espionage stories.

Set primarily in Hastings, Sussex, the series follows Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle, a sagacious and scrupulously honest widower. Played by Michael Kitchen, Foyle navigates the chaos of wartime Britain, often investigating profiteering and murder while clashing with high-ranking officials who prefer he ignore their activities. The show was noted for its rigorous attention to historical detail, with the Imperial War Museum serving in an advisory capacity for some episodes to ensure the portrayal of the era remained respectful to veterans.

The programme's production history was turbulent. After five series, ITV director of programmes Simon Shaps cancelled the show, forcing creator Anthony Horowitz to discard scripts covering 1943 and 1944. However, the final episode of that run, 'All Clear', drew an average of 7.3 million viewers and a 28-percent audience share. This success prompted ITV to enter negotiations with Horowitz and Greenlit Productions, leading to a revival that extended the show's run to eight series total.

Following the end of the war, the series shifted its focus. By series seven, Foyle had resigned from his police role to work for MI5, tackling Cold War espionage. While the show concluded in January 2015, Horowitz maintained interest in the characters, even writing an exclusive two-part Christmas short story titled 'Foyle's Last Case' for the Daily Mail in 2018. The series remains a testament to the power of audience engagement in shaping the longevity of prestige television.

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