Move over Tom Barnaby: let’s focus on Jim Bergerac! Not having grown up in (or visited) England, I didn’t know that before John Nettles starred as Tom Barnaby he was another British detective: Jim Bergerac. The TV series Bergerac is set on Jersey, one of the Channel Islands. It is a mixture of French and English cultures and is known as a vacation destination for people who want to enjoy its beautiful beaches. The scenery of this 1980s television series is beautiful… absolutely beautiful.
Jim Bergerac (John Nettles) is a detective who works in an office that does not investigate any of the island’s inhabitants – only visitors. The fictitious police department is called the “Foreigner’s Office”. As such, the viewer sees the ferry, boat docks, and airport in many of the shows. There is also a focus on the trails of the island that overlook the channel – providing beautiful views.
Jim Bergerac is a recovering alcoholic, who still has a lot of contact with his very rich ex-wife. I’m especially glad about that because his ex-wife’s father is my favorite character in the show. Bergerac’s ex-father in law is played by Terence Alexander. His remarkably good portrayal of a man who would do almost anything for money was such that you probably wouldn’t see fault in him bending the rules. He seemed to do everything with great panache.
Bergerac is not only a great detective, but he’s also a ladies’ man. And, when he doesn’t have a new girlfriend, he’s hanging out with his ex-wife. I don’t think there has been one episode where he hasn’t had a woman in his life!
I should warn you: don’t expect the Cozy, quaint village feel of Midsomer Murder. Also, I have been watching the Bergerac series on BritBox and (unfortunately) season four is not included. So I missed the “Foreigner’s Office” move to a new building, Jim’s office secretary transferring to some unknown place, or Jim moving on to a new woman in his life. Speaking of which, Annette Badland played the secretary from 1981 to 1984 in Bergerac, and in 2018 she started appearing in Midsomer Murders as the forensic pathologist.
My husband and I enjoy several shows that we have on our nightly TV rotation, and this is one of them. We’re both enjoying Bergerac, and you may too!
Bergerac is available on Britbox through Amazon Prime Video.
Also, if you’re interested in taking a look at some other good mystery shows, make sure to go to my Cozy Mystery TV and Movies page.
Lydia says
Um – Nettles played Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders. (John was/is his cousin played by Neil Dudgeon.) 🙂
I watched the Bergerac series and it’s rather fun. It felt a bit dated, though – sort of like the old Magnum, P.I. series. But the scenery certainly is lovely! Terence Alexander’s character was also a favorite of mine. It’s worth a look, especially if you’re a John Nettles fan.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lydia, whoops, fixed that!
Nancy Perkins says
I also found Bergerac on Freevee with ads. I am going to try it out.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nancy, yes, it seems that some seasons are available on different services – most are available through Amazon in one way or another.
Mrs. Ainee C. Beland says
Hello, this is all very nice and the name, last name Bergerac made me think of Tom Bergeron; Thomas Bergeron is an American television personality, game show host, comedian, and actor. No correlation; anyhow, we did renew our Britbox subscription but we’re not able to cast as used to with our nooks to the Television; so don’t watch it much. I don’t like watching things on the computer as this is for typing and reading some small articles. TV is strictly for watching the news and some entertaining shows, not that we have any favorites; more DVDs. We re-watched Home Away from Home; I enjoy this view into the world/homes of others. They’ve not added more to this but that’s okay for us, we continue to enjoy it when I can muster sitting here to view it. Thank you for sharing!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ainee, that’s a shame – I agree that the computer certainly isn’t the best way to watch television. It’s tolerable for small videos but I don’t want to sit at a screen for a full television program.
Donna L. Swafford says
So you watched the antiques show the other night on MPT too! I heard him talk about being in Bergerac and the car he drove and how much he didn’t like the car cuz it didn’t work well… I’m glad you wrote this. I can’t wait to watch it. I watch more UK TV than I ever will American TV… I love John Nettles.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Donna, I hope you enjoy the show!
Tiredwoman says
It was Tom Barnaby. John was his cousin.
Thanks for the info about Bergerac. Love John Nettles!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Tiredwoman, whoops! Fixed that, thanks!
Susan says
Speaking of British TV, I would highly recommend a new series on Acorn, “Mrs. Sidhu Investigates”. Mrs. Sidhu is a quirky, funny, 50+ chef/caterer who finds herself able to help police solve murders. I found the series charming. Definitely cozy-ish. Highly recommended. Also on Acorn, the new season of “Harry Wild” has begun.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, thanks for the recommendation! I’ll have to check that out as well! This isn’t the first recommendation I’ve gotten for it.
Jan L says
I loved the Bergerac series when it was originally on, that’s how old I am. LOL! Had quite the crush on Nettles…
So I was thrilled when he started in the Midsomer Murder series. I’m enjoying Bergerac on FreeVee all over again.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Jan, I’m glad that you’re able to enjoy this “blast from the past” again!