Kevin Whately reprises his Inspector Morse role as DI Robert Robbie Lewis, now leading his own investigations in Oxford alongside the more cerebral DS James Hathaway (Laurence Fox). Known as Inspector Lewis on US public television, Lewis produced 33 complete mysteries, although ITV originally transmitted some later stories in two shorter parts, across a 2006 pilot and nine numbered series broadcast from 2007 to 2015. Lewis streams on BritBox in the US.
Is This Series for You?
Fans of Unhurried, Character-First Mystery
Viewers who enjoyed Inspector Morse's unhurried pace and Oxford setting but want a somewhat warmer central relationship at the center.
One Mystery, One Sitting
Each mystery runs approximately 90 minutes, although ITV originally divided some of the later stories into two shorter installments.
Thoughtful Rather Than Graphic
Lewis is generally less graphic than many contemporary crime dramas, but its murder investigations include violence, moderate language and occasional adult themes. British TV Hub's verdict: a worthy successor that stands entirely on its own, anchored by one of British television's most engaging detective partnerships.
Where to watch in the US
BritBox
All 9 series · Subscription required
Watch via BritBox on Prime Video →Streaming availability in the US can change. Check the linked service for the current season and episode selection. Checked October 2026.
Already Have Prime?
BritBox, Acorn TV and PBS Masterpiece can all be added as Prime Video channels, so every series sits on one watchlist.
Prefer to own it?
Buy the DVDs
Individual/complete-series DVDs available · Check current sellers and formats
Shop Lewis DVDs →📚 Love Lewis? Join The Ultimate British Bookshelf for the books behind your favourite British dramas →
New Viewer's Guide
The Pilot, Reputation (2006)
Lewis returns to Oxford after a two-year overseas assignment, still grieving his wife's death, and is partnered with Hathaway for the first time.
Best Episodes, Ranked
Reputation
The pilot episode, introducing Lewis and Hathaway's partnership as they investigate the murder of an Oxford student, with Morse's own past cases quietly shadowing the case.
Whom the Gods Would Destroy
The first episode of the regular series gives Lewis and Hathaway's partnership more room to develop while they investigate the murder of an Oxford graduate.
Allegory of Love
One of British TV Hub's selections for its intricate plotting and intellectual depth, particularly its use of Oxford's literary world.
Counter Culture Blues
A British TV Hub pick for viewers who want to see the series blend music, nostalgia and an unusually personal investigation.
The Quality of Mercy
A British TV Hub pick for its Shakespearean title and literary allusions, typical of the show's love of wordplay.
Main Characters and Cast
Kevin Whately
DI Robert "Robbie" Lewis — practical, patient, and far more approachable than his old boss, Morse.
Laurence Fox
DS/DI James Hathaway — Cambridge-educated, quietly private, and Lewis's opposite in almost every way.
Clare Holman
Pathologist Dr. Laura Hobson, reprising her role from the original Inspector Morse series.
Rebecca Front
Chief Superintendent Jean Innocent, Lewis and Hathaway's commanding officer.
Angela Griffin
DS Lizzie Maddox, joining the team once Hathaway is promoted to Detective Inspector.
What Makes the Series Special
The Lewis-Hathaway Partnership
Kevin Whately's world-weary, working-class Lewis paired with Laurence Fox's Cambridge-educated, quietly private Hathaway gives the show a genuinely warm double act at its center.
Continuity with Inspector Morse
Clare Holman reprises her role as Dr. Laura Hobson from the original series, and the show carries Morse's legacy forward without leaning on nostalgia alone.
Oxford as a Recurring Backdrop
Like Morse and Endeavour, Lewis uses the city's colleges and academic world as a rich, often darkly ironic setting for its mysteries.
Setting and Filming Locations
Present-Day Oxford
Filmed on location using many of the same university buildings, streets, and colleges featured in Inspector Morse and later in Endeavour. The consistent Oxford setting continues the visual identity that ties the whole Morse universe together.
Books Behind the Series
Not a Direct Adaptation
Lewis is not a direct adaptation of any Colin Dexter novel — it uses the character of Robert Lewis, who first appeared as Morse's sergeant in Dexter's original Inspector Morse books, but tells entirely original stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lewis the same show as Inspector Lewis?
Yes. The show is titled Lewis in the UK and Inspector Lewis in the US, particularly on PBS Masterpiece Mystery, but it's the same series.
Is Lewis finished?
Yes. Lewis concluded after nine series in 2015, bringing Lewis and Hathaway's partnership to a planned close.
How many episodes of Lewis are there?
There are 33 complete mysteries across the pilot and nine numbered series. Some later mysteries were originally broadcast by ITV in two shorter parts.
Do I need to watch Inspector Morse before Lewis?
No, though it deepens the experience. Lewis stands on its own, but Kevin Whately's character was Morse's sergeant in the original series, and the show carries that history with it.
Where can I watch Lewis in the US?
BritBox is Lewis's primary US home. Some episodes may also appear through participating PBS stations or PBS Passport under the title Inspector Lewis. Availability varies by station and membership.
Where is Lewis filmed?
Lewis was filmed extensively in and around Oxford, using many of the city's streets, university buildings and colleges also associated with Inspector Morse and Endeavour.
Fact-checked and streaming availability checked October 2026. Spot an error or an outdated streaming link? Send a correction via the contact page.
Related Guides
Five British TV Picks. Every Sunday.
Your weekly guide to what to watch next, plus what’s new on BritBox and Acorn TV.