Bergerac, the hugely popular 1980s cop show starring John Nettles, is getting a modern reboot on the free streaming service U and the free-to-air channel U&DRAMA.
After years of rumors about a new series, it's finally been confirmed that we're off to Jersey again for more crime capers in a six-part series.
John Nettles won't be starring this time as Detective Jim Bergerac, instead, it's been revealed that Damien Molony (The Split, Brassic, Crashing) will be playing the cop (the first picture is above).
Damien said: "I'm incredibly excited to be stepping into the role of Jim Bergerac. John Nettles has left an incredible legacy with big shoes to fill, and I hope I can bring a fresh new take on this iconic character. I can't wait for audiences to join me on this journey."
The original ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991.
Writer Toby Whithouse said: "It's a rare honor to bring back a show as beloved and iconic as Bergerac. Our mission was always to respect the show's history and legacy, while making it impactful and relevant for a modern-day audience. We'll be bringing back other beloved supporting characters, as well as introducing new friends and foes. Just like his predecessor, our Bergerac is complex, driven, brilliant and flawed.”
Having watched the first episode, our reviewer commented: "Sharply scripted, sensitively acted and beautifully shot, this is crime drama done right".
Here's everything we know…
Bergerac reboot release date
Bergerac will begin on the free-to-air channel U&DRAMA on Thursday, February 27 at 9 pm. The whole series will be available as a box set on free streaming service, U.
We don't have a US release date as yet.
Bergerac cast
Damien Molony stars as Jim Bergerac. Zoe Wanamaker (My Family, Shadow and Bone, Black Ops) plays Jim's mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford. Life on Mars star Philip Glenister is Arthur Wakefield. Pippa Haywood (Green Wing, Bodyguard) plays Margaret Heaton, Robert Gilbert (Big Boys, Killing Eve) is Barney Crozier, Sasha Behar (Unforgotten, Casualty) is Uma Dalal and Celine Arden (Us or Them) is Kara.
Is John Nettles in the new Bergerac?
No, original star John Nettles, 80, has ruled out a cameo in the new Bergerac saying he was "too old" for the part.
Plot
Teasing the plot, the makers say: "Viewers will meet Jim Bergerac as a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife's recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie, is concerned Jim isn't putting his daughter Kim first and, when a woman from a wealthy Jersey family is murdered, Jim must fight through his personal struggles to become the formidable investigator he once was.
"With a troublesome convict resurfacing from his past, Bergerac is required to call on his sharp investigative instincts and past successes to navigate the intricate family dynamics, and watchful eyes of the police force, in order to solve the case."
The new series will focus on one character-led murder mystery running across all six episodes rather than having a new story in each episode. Teasing the feel of the show, the makers say: "The modern re-imagining will honour the iconic detective drama, but with a contemporary twist, as Bergerac is thrown into a knotty, high-stakes police investigation and challenged to his very core. He will be forced to confront his demons, while trying to save his family and career."
What happens in episode 1?
When a member of one of Jersey's wealthiest families is murdered, the police want their best detective on the case. Meanwhile, a man from Bergerac's past makes a shocking accusation
Will the new Bergerac keep the original theme tune?
It should! The original was composed by George Fenton and is easily one of the best TV theme tunes of the 1980s. Fenton won a BAFTA for Bergerac and he went on to gain four Oscar nominations including a Best Original Score nomination for Dangerous Liaisons.
Is there a trailer?
Yes, here you go...
Bergerac behind the scenes and more
The modern re-imagining of Bergerac is written by Toby Whithouse (The Red King, Being Human), alongside Brian Fillis (Trust, Sirens), Catherine Tregenna (The One That Got Away, Three Pines) and Polly Buckle (Love Rat, A Discovery of Witches) and directed by Colm McCarthy (The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself, Peaky Blinders) and Sean Spencer (The Lazarus Project, A Town Called Malice). Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the series.
Filming started in July 2024, with locations in the UK and the Channel Island of Jersey.
