The iconic British detective drama “Bergerac” is set to return to screens, this time for American audiences. PBS Distribution has acquired the rights to the first two seasons of the reboot, bringing the updated take on the classic series to the U.S. Later this year. The deal, announced Wednesday, comes ahead of next week’s London TV Screenings, a major international content market. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for the series, which has already garnered a strong following internationally.
The original “Bergerac,” starring John Nettles, captivated viewers on the BBC from 1981 to 1991, running for nine series. The new iteration, produced by BlackLight TV (part of Banijay UK) and Jersey-based Westward Studios, offers a “modern re-imagining” of the beloved detective, now played by Damien Molony. Instead of a new case each episode, the reboot features a single, character-driven murder mystery unfolding across all six episodes of a season, a structural change designed to deepen engagement with the narrative. The series is also supported by Visit Jersey and airs on U and U&DRAMA in the UK.
A Hit in the UK, Now Aiming for U.S. Audiences
The reboot has already proven successful in its home market. The first season of “Bergerac” attracted 2.4 million viewers on U and U&DRAMA, making it the highest-rated show on UKTV’s network in 2025, according to Banijay Rights. A second season is slated for release early in 2026. Matt Creasey, EVP Sales, Co-Productions & Acquisitions at Banijay Rights, expressed enthusiasm about the show’s potential in the U.S., stating, “Stylish, enthralling and an edge-of-your-seat detective drama, ‘Bergerac’ is destined to be a huge draw for U.S. Audiences, so we couldn’t be more pleased with this deal.” He highlighted the series’ distinctive elements, including Jim Bergerac’s iconic Triumph Roadster and the picturesque backdrop of Jersey.
The appeal of “Bergerac” extends beyond its compelling mysteries. The setting of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency, provides a unique and visually striking location for the drama. The series benefits from support from Visit Jersey, suggesting a deliberate effort to showcase the island’s beauty and attract tourism.
A Stellar Cast and Creative Team
Damien Molony (“The Split,” “Brassic”) leads the cast as the titular detective, Jim Bergerac. He is joined by a strong ensemble including Zoë Wanamaker (“My Family,” “Shadow and Bone”) as Charlie Hungerford, Philip Glenister (“Steeltown Murders,” “Life on Mars”) as Arthur Wakefield, and Chloé Sweet Love as Jim’s daughter, Kim. Rounding out the cast are Robert Gilbert (“Big Boys,” “Killing Eve”), Lesley Sharp (“Red Eye,” “The Full Monty”), and Adrian Edmondson (“Alien: Earth,” “Death In Paradise”).
The writing team behind the reboot includes Toby Whithouse (“The Red King,” “Being Human”), Brian Fillis (“Trust,” “Sirens”), Catherine Tregenna (“The One That Got Away,” “Three Pines”), Polly Buckle (“Love Rat,” “A Discovery of Witches”), Emilie Robson (“War,” “The Case”), and Ashley Sanders and Faebian Averies, who joined the team for the second season. This collaborative effort suggests a commitment to crafting a sophisticated and engaging narrative.
International Appeal and Distribution
The PBS Distribution deal is just the latest in a series of international sales for “Bergerac.” The series has already been picked up by broadcasters in Japan (WOWOW), the Netherlands (NPO), Belgium (VRT), Sweden (SVT), Finland (YLE), Norway (NRK), Denmark (DR), Poland (BBC First), New Zealand (TVNZ), and Australia (ABC). This widespread interest underscores the enduring appeal of the “Bergerac” brand and the quality of the reboot. Germaine Sweet, Head of Content Acquisition and Sales at PBS Distribution, believes the series will resonate with American viewers, calling it “a smart re-imagining of the iconic detective series.”
Ben Bickerton and Philip Trethowan, executive producers at BlackLight TV, echoed this sentiment, expressing their excitement about bringing “Bergerac” to a new audience. “With its gripping stories, stellar cast and stunning locations, we are sure they will be hooked,” they said.
As “Bergerac” prepares for its U.S. Debut on PBS, fans of the original series and newcomers alike can anticipate a compelling blend of classic detective tropes and modern storytelling. The series is expected to launch later this year, with PBS Distribution handling the rollout. The next confirmed step for the series is its launch on PBS, with details regarding the specific premiere date to be announced in the coming months.
Share your thoughts on the return of “Bergerac” and what you’re most looking forward to seeing in the new series. Let us know in the comments below.
