Dempsey and Makepeace (1985)
The sexy, crime-busting ITV duo — a brash New York cop and a refined British aristocrat tackling London's underworld together.
Dempsey and Makepeace - Series Information
- Original Title: Dempsey and Makepeace
- First Air Year: 1985
- Last Air Year: 1986
- Created by: Tony Wharmby
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (55 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: 骄凤狂龙 (CN), Dempsey & Makepeace (DE)
Dempsey and Makepeace - Plot
Dempsey and Makepeace is a British television crime drama made by London Weekend Television for ITV, created and produced by Ranald Graham. The leading roles were played by Michael Brandon and Glynis Barber, who later married each other on 18 November 1989. The series combined elements of previous series such as the mis-matching of British and American crime-fighters from different classes as seen in The Persuaders! and the action of The Professionals.
Where to Watch Dempsey and Makepeace
Looking for where to watch Dempsey and Makepeace?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Dempsey and Makepeace - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tony Wharmby
Main Cast
- Michael Brandon
- Glynis Barber
- Tony Osoba
- Ray Smith
- Gareth Milne
- Colin McFarlane
- Roy Alon
- Andy Bradford
- Nick Hobbs
- Wayne Michaels
Writers
- Ranald Graham
- Jesse Carr Martindale
- Murray Smith
- Dave Humphries
- Jonathan Hales
Dempsey and Makepeace - FAQs
Did the lead actors of Dempsey and Makepeace marry in real life?
Yes — and it's one of television's most charming behind-the-scenes stories. Michael Brandon and Glynis Barber, who played the crime-fighting duo on screen, fell in love during production and married on 18 November 1989, several years after the series concluded.
What is Dempsey and Makepeace about?
The series follows James Dempsey, a tough New York cop reassigned to London, and Lady Harriet Makepeace, his aristocratic British partner. Together they tackle serious crime for a special Scotland Yard unit. The show blends transatlantic culture clash with fast-paced action and sharp wit.
Where can you watch Dempsey and Makepeace in the UK?
Streaming availability for Dempsey and Makepeace varies by region. You can check the latest viewing options — including any streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series — on JustWatch, which tracks up-to-date availability across all major services.
What classic shows inspired Dempsey and Makepeace?
The series drew on a rich lineage of British action television. It borrowed the transatlantic odd-couple dynamic from The Persuaders! and the gritty, kinetic energy of The Professionals. Blending class contrast with crime-busting action, it carved out its own identity while clearly honouring those earlier hits.
How many seasons and episodes does Dempsey and Makepeace have?
The series ran for three seasons between 1985 and 1986, with each season comprising ten episodes — thirty episodes in total. The consistent episode count per season gave the show a well-paced, structured run before concluding after its third year on ITV.
Who created and wrote Dempsey and Makepeace?
The series was created and produced by Ranald Graham, who also contributed scripts. A rotating team of writers — including Murray Smith, Jesse Carr Martindale, Jonathan Hales, and Jeffrey Caine — kept the storytelling fresh across all three seasons of the ITV run.
Was Dempsey and Makepeace well received by audiences?
The show was a genuine hit with British audiences during its 1985–1986 run, drawing strong ITV ratings. Its mix of action, humour, and the undeniable chemistry between Brandon and Barber made it a fan favourite, and it has retained a loyal following among admirers of classic British crime drama.
What shows are similar to Dempsey and Makepeace?
Fans of the series often enjoy The Sweeney, The New Avengers, and The Professionals for their comparable blend of British action and sharp character dynamics. Hunter and Scarecrow and Mrs. King offer a similar transatlantic crime-fighting flavour, while Danger Man appeals to those drawn to classic espionage-tinged drama.
More About Dempsey and Makepeace
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.