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What Is Midsomer Murders About?
Midsomer Murders follows police detectives investigating cases across the fictional English county of Midsomer — picture-postcard villages hiding an astonishing body count. Most episodes are self-contained, feature-length mysteries with a new village and a fresh cast of suspects each time.
| Setting | The fictional county of Midsomer, including the market town of Causton and its surrounding villages |
| Format | Feature-length, largely self-contained mysteries |
| First aired | 1997 |
| Based on | Caroline Graham's Chief Inspector Barnaby novels |
| US rating | TV-14 on Acorn TV |
Where Should a Beginner Start?
For the Classic Introduction
The pilot, adapting Caroline Graham's first novel. It introduces DCI Tom Barnaby and DS Troy, and sets the template the whole show is built on.
Buy Season 1 on DVD →For a More Modern Beginning
DCI John Barnaby's first case, and a natural second entry point. You don't need to know Tom Barnaby's years — the episode explains the handover itself.
Buy Series 14 on DVD →The Two Barnabys
Tom Barnaby (John Nettles)
The original DCI Barnaby, grounded by home life with his wife, Joyce, and daughter, Cully. His final case, Fit for Murder, closes out Series 13.
John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon)
Tom's cousin takes over the case load, working alongside his wife Sarah. John Barnaby was actually introduced a year earlier, in the Series 13 episode The Sword of Guillaume, before stepping into the lead role. Neil Dudgeon had appeared on the show once before that, too — as an entirely different one-off character, a gardener named Daniel Bolt, in the Series 4 episode Garden of Death.
Where to Watch
Each episode is a self-contained mystery, so it's easy to jump in anywhere — no need to watch in order.
Where to watch in the US
Acorn TV
25 series · Subscription required · Check current price at signup
View Acorn TV Options →Streaming availability in the US can change. Check the linked service for the current season and episode selection.
Shop Midsomer Murders on DVD
More for Midsomer Fans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first episode of Midsomer Murders?
The Killings at Badger's Drift. It introduces DCI Tom Barnaby and DS Troy and is the best starting point for most new viewers.
Can I start with John Barnaby instead?
Yes. Begin with Series 14, Episode 1, Death in the Slow Lane. The cases remain easy to follow even if you haven't watched Tom Barnaby's years.
Are Tom Barnaby and John Barnaby related?
Yes, they're cousins. John succeeds Tom as lead detective after Tom's retirement at the end of Series 13.
Do I need to watch Midsomer Murders in order?
No. Each episode is a self-contained mystery. Watching in order adds context — family life, sergeant turnover — but isn't essential.
Is Midsomer County a real place?
No, it's fictional. The show films in real towns and villages across southern England, which gives Midsomer its convincing sense of place.
How many series of Midsomer Murders are there?
25 series are currently available on Acorn TV in the US, spanning more than 140 episodes. A 26th series has been commissioned but hadn't yet aired as of this writing.
Where can I watch Midsomer Murders in the US?
Acorn TV carries the extensive Midsomer Murders collection in the US, with 25 series currently listed. Check the current listing for season availability. Selected seasons and a dedicated channel are also free with ads on Pluto TV.
Is Midsomer Murders based on books?
Yes, on seven novels by Caroline Graham published between 1987 and 2004. The show has long since outpaced its source material.
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