Commentary: ‘Maigret’ on PBS is the latest version of Simenon’s sleuth. Here are 6 more to watch

As a huge mystery fan, I’m really excited about “Maigret,” which premieres Sunday on PBS. It’s actually the fourth British series – plus one attempt that didn’t quite make it – to be named after Georges Simenon’s famous Paris detective. And honestly, he’s always been my favorite fictional detective. I’ve mentioned it before, but the stories just really appeal to my love of France – they practically *are* a virtual tour of Paris and the surrounding areas! But it’s not just that. What I really love is how ordinary he is. He’s a middle-aged, middle-class guy, happily married, and he’s just…thoughtful and kind. He’s a bit awkward around the wealthy and always has a lot of sympathy for those less fortunate, even those on the wrong side of the law. You wouldn’t say he’s gloomy, but he definitely feels the pressure of his job, dealing with difficult bosses, and seeing the darker side of life. He’s a genuinely honest cop who refers to himself as a “functionnaire,” basically a civil servant, and his strong sense of justice sometimes leads him to look the other way. Oh, and he definitely enjoys his food and a good drink!

It’s not surprising that the new series, featuring Benjamin Wainwright (“Belgravia: The Next Chapter”), takes place in modern times. Considering there are 75 novels and 28 stories written between 1931 and 1972, pinpointing the character to a specific era is difficult anyway. Most adaptations are set during the time they are made, and even period adaptations don’t always match the original publication year.

The fact that “Maigret” 2025 takes some liberties with the original stories doesn’t set it apart from previous films and series. Many adaptations have already been made, especially in France, where Maigret is a well-known character. He’s been famously played by French film icon Jean Gabin and more recently by Gérard Depardieu in a 2022 film, also titled “Maigret.” There have also been two long-running television series. The earlier series, simply called “Maigret,” ran from 1991 to 2005 and starred Bruno Cremer, who many consider the best actor to portray the detective – or at least among the best, to avoid debate. Maigret series have also been created in Russia, Italy, and Japan. And while the U.S. hasn’t produced its own versions, it has imported English-language adaptations from the U.K., and is doing so again now.

What’s new this time is that Maigret has been reimagined. He’s now younger, more physically fit, and presented as a bit more of an action-oriented hero, even sporting a beard commonly seen on contemporary detectives. If you’re familiar with Simenon’s original character – described as “a large powerfully built gentleman [with] a pipe, a bowler hat, a thick overcoat” and generally portrayed accurately in past adaptations – you’ll need to accept this change, or simply not watch. Whether Rowan Atkinson’s portrayal of Maigret truly captures the essence of the character is bound to be a topic of discussion among fans.

You can also find other versions of Maigret to compare, available through official or unofficial streaming services. Here’s a brief guide, mainly focusing on the English-language Maigrets; each one has its own appeal, and most are worth watching.

Pierre Renoir, ‘Night at the Crossroads’ (1932)

This first screen adaptation of Maigret is included for historical value, and because a subtitled version can be found on YouTube. Directed by Jean Renoir the year after the book came out-Simenon released an impressive 10 Maigret novels that year-and featuring his brother Pierre as Maigret, the film is atmospheric, shrouded in fog, dim, and deliberately paced. It benefits from accurately portraying the time period it depicts. Pierre Renoir’s portrayal of Maigret is reserved and effective; he remains unfazed by Winna Winifried’s unusual and seductive character, despite her best efforts.

Charles Laughton, ‘The Man on the Eiffel Tower’ (1950)

Rupert Davies, ‘Maigret’ (1960)

Richard Harris, ‘Maigret’ (1988)

Michael Gambon, ‘Maigret’ (1992)

Rowan Atkinson, ‘Maigret’ (2016)

Benjamin Wainwright, ‘Maigret’ (2025)

We’re back in Hungary, and this is the latest installment. The police headquarters have moved from the old, cramped building near Notre-Dame – just like in real life – to a bright, modern facility in Clichy. Several updates make sense for a show set in 2025, including increased gender and ethnic diversity within Maigret’s core team, the “Faithful Four,” and the supporting characters. Madame Maigret (Stefanie Martini), who has always been smart and supportive, now works as a healthcare professional. Maigret, who used to be waited on, now brings home takeout, cooks occasionally, and helps with the dishes. They are also hoping to start a family.

The series updates the story for today’s world – and one of the appealing things about the original books and earlier adaptations is that they didn’t. This version of Maigret, played by Wainwright, doesn’t smoke a pipe, but he carries one that belonged to his father, who used to manage the estate where Maigret was raised. This family history is woven throughout the series as a continuing storyline (three two-part episodes featuring several cases). Wainwright delivers a suitably understated performance – though he’s the least compelling of the actors, in my opinion – but if you’re searching for a new detective show set in a Paris-like Budapest, this is well-produced and engaging, with a strong ensemble cast. I suspect the inclusion of a radio weather report is a tribute to Simenon’s tendency to begin his stories by describing the season and the weather, but I may be reading too much into it. Watch on PBS and stream on PBS.org, the PBS app and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video channel.

2025-10-03 13:32