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British viewers have had the pleasure of watching countless incredible detective dramas over the years. While some run just for a few seasons, others keep returning and build a loyal following with every new episode. And there is one long-running series based on a hugely popular book collection that has now reached 25 seasons.

It first aired in the late 1990s and is still going strong today, with many fans calling it "the best British crime show ever made". The drama holds an 83% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and is adapted from the Chief Inspector Barnaby novels written by Caroline Graham.

That show is Midsomer Murders. Set in the fictional county of Midsomer, the drama follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby, and later his cousin John Barnaby, as they investigate a string of murders in seemingly peaceful English villages.

The programme was developed by Anthony Horowitz and Douglas Watkinson and has been broadcast on ITV since March 23 1997.

John Nettles originally played DCI Tom Barnaby until his retirement from the role in 2011, with Neil Dudgeon taking over as DCI John Barnaby.

Across its run, the series has featured numerous supporting stars including Jane Wymark, Daniel Casey, Jason Hughes and Nick Hendrix. It has been shown in more than 200 countries and territories.

Filming began in autumn 1996, and the first episode, "The Killings at Badger's Drift", was watched by 13.5 million viewers, making it the highest-rated single drama programme of 1997 in the UK.

Even though a lot of people die in each episode, the show doesn't feel overly dark or depressing. It balances serious crime with humour and charm.

Most episodes take place in small rural villages filled with pubs, churches and big country homes.

Those who have watched the show have been full of praise. One person said in a review on IMDb: "Best British crime series ever made. Every single season is incredible and keeps you hooked from start to finish. Highly recommend."

Another added: "Masterpiece, masterpiece, masterpiece! There will never be a better show to come out of Britain. Exciting, wonderful, hypnotising even!"

A third wrote: "One of the greatest detective shows ever made. It never gets boring, despite having so many seasons. I also love the books. No wonder the series is such a hit when it's based on such masterpiece novels."

Someone else commented: "Midsomer Murders has consistently been one of the most intelligent and highly entertaining police mystery series ever created. It's taken the understated English humour and prized eccentricity, and mined it for all its worth.

"The settings, the bucolic English countryside and the ancient characterful villages with their pubs, their churches, their thatched cottages and grand houses, and their half-crazed inhabitants, rich and poor, all add immeasurably."

As of 2026, the show has reached its 25th season, with a 26th series also commissioned. Twenty-four seasons are currently available to stream on ITVX, with the 25th having premiered in the United States at the end of 2025.