‘Midsomer Murders’ Returns: ITV Recommissions Beloved Crime Drama for 26th Series

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Death will once again stalk the hedgerows of the English countryside, as ITV has officially recommissioned ‘Midsomer Murders’ for its 26th series (even though the UK is still waiting for Season 24…). Produced by Bentley Productions in partnership with All3Media International, the new four-episode order will bring the total number of Midsomer mysteries to a staggering 148, cementing DCI Barnaby’s status as Britain’s busiest detective.

While fans celebrate the news of another series, many are still waiting patiently, and somewhat impatiently, for Season 24, which has already aired internationally in several territories but is yet to debut in the UK. Given that the show is set in the British countryside, the delay has caused understandable frustration among its homegrown audience. ITV is expected to finally air the season in late 2025.

The series remains one of ITV’s most enduring and successful exports. Neil Dudgeon (Life of Riley) once again dons the detective’s badge as DCI John Barnaby, alongside Nick Hendrix (The Crown) as DS Winter, Annette Badland (Ted Lasso) as pathologist Dr Fleur Perkins, and Fiona Dolman (Heartbeat) as Barnaby’s ever-patient wife, Sarah.

ITV Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones said: “We’re thrilled to be returning to Midsomer with Barnaby and Winter. Series 26 promises to deliver four brilliant brand new cases for the legion of Midsomer Murders fans to enjoy.” Executive producer Michele Buck added: “We are so pleased to be able to bring viewers more tales from the fascinating world of Midsomer Murders with this series 26 commission.”

A global hit for more than two decades, Midsomer Murders airs in nearly 200 territories and consistently ranks among the top-rated dramas across Europe, including in Germany, Scandinavia and the Baltics. It also dominates ITVX’s dedicated FAST channels, where fans can stream episodes 24/7, making it the most-watched FAST channel on the platform since launch.

The Midsomer brand continues to expand beyond television, with a North American FAST channel, an official line of merchandise, and a UK stage adaptation of the show’s very first episode The Killings at Badger’s Drift set to debut later this year.

Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International, commented: “Midsomer Murders is a brand that continues to resonate with fans both globally and here in the UK. It’s a show whose repeatable loyalty factor enables us to position the series on various platforms, from PSBs to AVOD and FAST, and increase the series’ reach to new audiences. We’re thrilled that we have now passed the 25th series landmark and look forward to Bentley delivering Season 26 in 2026.”

Filming on Midsomer Murders Season 25 wrapped earlier this year in and around the Home Counties, with Season 26 set to film in 2026.

‘Midsomer Murders’ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on ITV in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.