A classic detective reimagined for the modern world

A classic detective reimagined for the modern world
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In short: Georges Simenon’s iconic Chief Inspector Maigret is undergoing a radical transformation. Moving away from period-piece nostalgia, this 2025 series places the legendary investigator in a contemporary setting, trading old-fashioned tropes for a gritty, present-day exploration of crime and character.

The 2025 British television series marks a significant departure from previous adaptations by being set in the present day. Starring Benjamin Wainwright as Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, the show reimagines him as an unconventional young detective rising through the ranks of the Paris Police Judiciaire. He leads La Crim, the serious crime unit, and is characterized by his focus on achieving "the right results" rather than simply securing a conviction.

The production reflects a complex history of licensing and development. In 2021, the estate of Georges Simenon entered a co-production deal with Playground Entertainment and Red Arrow Studios to adapt the entire canon into an English-language series. However, by 2024, Red Arrow was no longer involved. Production eventually commenced in Budapest—a location chosen for its history of hosting previous Maigret adaptations—with the main cast and creative team revealed in September 2024.

The series features a diverse ensemble that balances old-school policing with modern expertise. While Sergeant Joseph Torrence represents "old-school" methods, Detective Karim LaPointe serves as the team's computer expert. The narrative also weaves in personal stakes, including Maigret’s relationship with his wife Louise, a psychiatric nurse, and his complicated history with figures like billionaire Ferdinand Fumal and his childhood crush, Countess Sophie de Saint-Fiacre.

Following its US premiere on PBS Masterpiece on October 5, 2025, the show has seen international distribution by Banijay Rights. It premiered in Australia on November 7, 2025, and later expanded to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Ireland in early 2026. The series was officially renewed for a second season in April 2026, with filming scheduled to begin that same month.

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