Here’s another British mystery “dramedy” (drama & light comedy) series that might have been “undiscovered” by many people outside of the United Kingdom. Pie in the Sky stars Richard Griffiths as Henry Crabbe, the main character of the series.
When we first meet Crabbe, we find out that he wants desperately to retire from the police force in order to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time chef in his very own restaurant. This is not to be!
Crabbe (deliciously portrayed by Griffiths!) is left to be a part-time chef and restaurateur, having to solve crimes while planning the menu, collecting the eggs from his chicken coop, and supervising his ex-convict sous chef. The name of his restaurant: Pie in the Sky.
Maggie Steed is perfectly cast as his wife Margaret, an accountant who eats to live, prefering numbers over the delectable fare Crabbe prepares at his restaurant. They make a delightful “opposites attract” couple. She simply does not enjoy food, even though they own a restaurant and he is a wonderful chef.
Bella Enahoro plays the detective who is assigned to Crabbe. Her purpose is to spy on Crabbe and keep his boss (Malcolm Sinclair) informed of everything Crabbe is up to. However, sometimes things don’t work out as intended…
Pie in the Sky is one of those detective series that is character-driven. There isn’t a fast chase scene in each episode, or a shoot-out that climaxes with several close-ups of the wounded. This is not to say that there is no plot!
My husband and I finished watching Pie in the Sky – second season. We think that the show improved with each episode, and that’s saying a lot, since we both really enjoyed the first show!
We have yet to watch the Pie in the Sky third season, but are really looking forward to seeing it.
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Karen says
Danna:
I agree with you. My husband and I borrowed Pie in the Sky from Netflix and really enjoyed it. The next season is being released on DVD on January 26 and I already have it in my Netflix queue. I encourage other people to give it a try.
Karen
Stephanie says
My library recently added Pie in the Sky to it’s British mysteries DVDs. I really enjoyed it and have the second season on “hold” so I will be first to take it home when it arrives. Can’t wait!
Laura says
Danna: My husband and I love “Pie in the Sky”. We, also, recommend “New Tricks” another British mystery series. It is so popular that a 7th and 8th season have been ordered for production (according to the “Mystery Books News” blog).
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Hi Laura,
We just started New Tricks and are enjoying it…
Chris Well says
Funny you should mention this show – I only first heard about it a few weeks ago and added it to my Netflix list. Once we’re done with Burke’s Law, Hamish Macbeth, and Psych, it’s next up. Glad to hear you like it!
Anne says
Added both to my Netflix. Thanks
jerrella says
There are currently on the USA network some really fun mystery shows. They may not fit the classification of a cozy mystery, but they are an opportunity to watch twists and turns as the hero solves a mystery with the help of his ensemble. They are wholesome entertainment at its best. Monk just finished its run and is a favorite of mine. I love the antics and clues given in Psych that began in 2006. We now have a new entry, White Collar, that is charming and entertaining to watch. My favorite of all time is of course, Murder She Wrote which makes its appearance on the various networks. I purchased a DVD, but was disappointed that they chose not to pay royalties to include the opening music from the series. Music sets the stage.
Anne says
I love White Collar. The acting and scripts are very good.
I have watched both Pie in the Sky and New Tricks…one disc of each. Thanks for the heads up…I truly enjoyed both. I am again in your debt, Danna. KUTGW
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Thanks, Anne. Me, too!
(I had to look up the KUTGW… Old dog/New tricks…)
J ANDERSON says
ARE THERE ANY MORE SEASONS OF PIE IN THE SKY TO BE RELEASED. WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED SEASONS 1 & 2 AND FOUND THAT THE SERIES RAN FOR 5 SEASONS. ANY CHANCE OF MORE DVD’S?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
J,
I am guessing that they are going to be (slowly) releasing the rest of the Pie in the Sky DVDs…
j says
When are additional “Pie in the Sky” seasons going to be released on DVD? Super enjoyable!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
J,
It looks like seasons 3 & 4 of Pie in the Sky are going to be released in September of this year!
Anne says
Oh, I thought there were only 10 episodes of the whole thing. Good to know…thank you.
Sarah says
You simply can’t forget to include “As Time Goes By” series. This is one of the best series ever on British TV. Judi Dench and Geoffry Palmer and the rest of the cast earned a special place in our favorites.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sarah, my husband and I love As Time Goes By. Thanks for reminding me… I will add it to my list of TV and Movies to post on the Cozy Mystery site. It isn’t a mystery show, but neither are some other great shows like Doc Martin and Elizabeth R (with Glenda Jackson)…
Denise says
I’m so glad to have found this site! I’ve absolutely LOVED “cozy mysteries” for a long time now, but only recently discovered they were called that! 🙂 Another great series I heartily recommend is “Rosemary and Thyme” with many, if not all, episodes available on Youtube.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Denise, welcome to the Cozy Mystery site. Rosemary & Thyme has quite a few fans over here!
Brian says
Acorn has all seasons of Pie in the Sky..well worth the money if you like UK stuff.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Brian, thanks for the suggestion! I hadn’t realized that this was currently available on Acorn.
JD says
You have all of my favorites listed here! We watch all of them on ACORN, and we watch almost no American television at all anymore. I didn’t see it listed but another really good one is Brokenwood Mysteries. Check it out, I think you’ll like it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
JD, yes, I haven’t listed Brokenwood here, but it is certainly very good and worth a mention.
Brian says
I loved the Johnathan Creek series certainly the early ones.
BRIAN