Bergerac series 1: Iconic detective returns to BBC in reboot of original 35 years after end of John Nettles version
The original series aired between 1981 and 1991
Bergerac has had a glow-up 25 years after the original series last aired, with Damien Molony replacing John Nettles as the iconic detective – and it’s finally returned to the BBC.
The original TV series, created by Robert Banks Stewart, aired between 1981 and 1991 on BBC One. It followed the now-famous detective, a recovering alcoholic and divorced father of a young daughter.
A true maverick, Jim Bergerac preferred doing things his own way – and didn’t always carry out his investigations the way his boss would like…
The series returned in 2025 with Damien Molony cast as the TV detective. The re-imagined series first aired on U&Drama, but now returns to the BBC for the first time.
Here’s everything you need to know about the return of Bergerac, including plot, cast, start date, and filming locations.
New Bergerac reboot arrives on BBC Two
Those of us of a certain age (cough, cough) will know that Bergerac is based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart. It starred John Nettles as DS Jim Bergerac and ran for nine series between 1981 and 1991 on BBC One.
In 2025, a new reboot of the series arrived on our screens which promised to “honour the iconic detective drama, but with a contemporary twist”. Unlike the original hit from the 80s, the new series saw one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, in place of a new storyline each episode.
Viewers were reintroduced to Jim Bergerac as a broken man, grappling with grief and alcoholism following his wife’s recent death. His mother-in-law, Charlie, was concerned that Jim wasn’t putting his daughter Kim first… And work was a welcome distraction.
In episode 1 of the drama, Jim was called to investigate the murder of a woman from a wealthy Jersey family. But could he fight through his personal struggles and get back to the formidable detective he once was?
Elsewhere, a troublesome convict resurfaced from Jim’s past.
How to watch the new Bergerac
The new series of Bergerac first aired on U&Drama in 2025.
The U&Drama channel and its streaming platform, U (formerly UKTV Play), are completely free to watch. While you do not need to pay a subscription, you will need to create a free account on the U Sign-In page to stream content on-demand.
You can also watch the channel live without an account on Freeview channel 20.
Bergerac series 1 is also now airing on BBC Two, starting on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 9pm and 9.45pm.
Who plays Jim Bergerac in the cast of new series?
The re-imagined series of Bergerac stars Damien Molony as Jim Bergerac. The Split fans will know Damien as Tyler Donaghue, Zander Hale’s fiancé-turned-husband, a role he played from 2020 to 2022. However, he ended up falling in love and having an affair with Nina Defoe. Viewers were later left horrified when he was exposed as a fraudster in a heartbreaking storyline.
Damien is also known for playing Dylan in Brassic, and Anthony in Crashing, He’s also played Jon in GameFace, DS Jack Weston in Suspects, and Hal in Being Human. More recently, he portrayed Dan in Two Weeks in August.
The actor said about his new role: “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.”
Who else is in the cast?
My Family actress Zoë Wanamaker plays the role of Jim’s mother-in-law Charlie Hungerford – a change from the original series.
Meanwhile, Life on Mars star Philip Glenister portrays Arthur Wakefield.
Further cast include Green Wing’s Pippa Haywood, who portrays Margaret Heaton. Killing Eve’s Robert Gilbert stars as Barney Crozier, and Casualty’s Sasha Behar is Uma Dalal.
Us or Them actress Celine Arden stars as Kara.
Bergerac filming locations
Cast and crew begin filming Bergerac in July 2024, with locations in the UK and the Channel Island of Jersey. The capital St Helier featured in series 1, as did St Ouen’s Bay, St Brelade’s Bay, Gorey Pier and Royal Square.
Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey, said: “For many, the words Jersey and Bergerac are synonymous. And we are delighted for the iconic TV series to return to our island’s beautiful shores for filming this summer.
“The modern re-imagining of Bergerac presents an opportunity to celebrate the show’s legacy in Jersey, whilst reaching a new generation of fans who will be eager to ‘set jet’ to the featured locations.
“We look forward to working with UKTV, Banijay UK, and BlackLight TV to showcase Jersey’s unique charm and picturesque landscapes through the lens of this beloved show in a fresh, contemporary way.”
How many episodes is it?
Bergerac series 1 is six episodes.
Each episode is one hour long.
Is there a series 2 of Bergerac?
There is a series 2 of Bergerac. This time, Scott & Bailey actress Lesley Sharp joins the cast. And she’s not the only familiar face joining the Jersey-set crime drama. EastEnders alum Adrian Edmondson will also join the returning Damien Molony as Jim Bergerac, and Zoë Wanamaker as Charlie Hungerford.
Series 2 of Bergerac sees the titular detective starting to piece his life back together, as he tries to come to terms with his wife’s death. Mother-in-law Charlie’s blossoming romance seems to inspire Jim to rejoin the dating scene, with daughter Kim urging him on. He quickly connects with Jersey visitor Nicola, but Jim is pulled into another case before their relationship has time to grow.
The groom of a wedding is discovered dead in his hotel room, leading to suspicion and scrutiny among the party attendees.
“Jim will have to decipher the victim’s cryptic last words from his speech if he is ever going to bring the killer to justice. And when Jim starts to unravel old secrets, more skeletons come to light, making this his most intricate case yet,” teases the press release.
Series 2 of the reimagined Bergerac crime drama premiered on U&Drama and the free streaming service U on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The six-episode season featured Jim tackling a murder case at a wedding reception in Jersey.
Reviews of Bergerac
Reviews of the detective drama were mixed when it first aired on 2025. The Guardian’s Vanessa Thorpe said: “Jersey detective’s return is a remake too far. With searches under way for the next Bond and a regenerated time lord, it’s time they gave us new heroes.”
Radio Times’ Michael Hogan wrote: “Bergerac is solid cosy crime which, a couple of character names and the Jersey setting aside, doesn’t bear much resemblance to its forebear.
“Rather like ITV’s recent Van der Valk remake, it’s not faithful enough to please fans of the original, not whizz-bang enough to win over a new generation. Molony is terrific as the titular hero, but Nettles had more sting.”
It is perhaps unfair to compare a completely updated version of a successful TV series with the original, especially after forty-odd years. But by choosing the same name, location, (pretty much) the same characters and that iconic maroon 1949 Triumph Roadster classic car, one cannot help feeling that either the makers have made yet another trope police drama TV series and have loosely based it on an existing framework, and/or they are bargaining on no-one under the age of 50 remembering the original.”
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