The New Avengers (1976)
The stylish British spy sequel that reunited John Steed with two dynamic new partners for 26 episodes of Cold War adventure.
The New Avengers - Series Information
- Original Title: The New Avengers
- First Air Year: 1976
- Last Air Year: 1977
- Created by: Brian Clemens
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 22, 1976 (Germany - 16), October 22, 1976 (France - NR)
- Networks: ITV1
- Alternative Titles: Les nouveaux Chapeau melon et bottes de cuir (FR)
The New Avengers - Plot
The New Avengers is a British secret agent fantasy adventure television series broadcast during 1976 and 1977. It is a sequel to the 1960s series The Avengers and was developed by Albert Fennell and Brian Clemens. A joint United Kingdom-France-Canada production, the show picks up the adventures of John Steed and his team of Avengers fighting evil plots and world domination. Whereas in the original series Steed had almost always been partnered with a woman, in the new series he had two partners: Mike Gambit, a top agent, crack marksman and trained martial artist, and Purdey, a former trainee with The Royal Ballet who was an amalgam of many of the best talents from Steed's previous female partners.
The New Avengers - Trailer
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The New Avengers - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Brian Clemens
Main Cast
- Patrick Macnee
- Gareth Hunt
- Joanna Lumley
- Maurice Marsac
- Sacha Pitoëff
- John Paul
- August Schellenberg
- George Chuvalo
- Neil Vipond
- Louis Zorich
Writers
- Brian Clemens
- Dennis Spooner
- Terence Feely
- John Goldsmith
The New Avengers - FAQs
Is The New Avengers a sequel to The Avengers?
Yes — The New Avengers is a direct sequel to the classic 1960s series The Avengers. It brings back Patrick Macnee as the iconic John Steed, now paired with two new partners: the sharp and stylish Purdey, played by Joanna Lumley, and the rugged Mike Gambit, played by Gareth Hunt.
Who are the main characters in The New Avengers?
The trio at the heart of the show are John Steed (Patrick Macnee), the suave veteran spy; Purdey (Joanna Lumley), a former Royal Ballet trainee turned lethal agent; and Mike Gambit (Gareth Hunt), a crack marksman and martial arts expert. Together they form one of British TV's most memorable spy teams.
Where can you watch The New Avengers in the UK?
You can find current streaming and viewing options for The New Avengers in the UK on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms and services in your region. Availability may vary over time, so checking JustWatch directly is the best way to find the latest options.
What made Purdey different from Steed's previous partners?
Purdey was conceived as a deliberate blend of the best qualities from Steed's earlier female partners. Her background as a Royal Ballet trainee gave her exceptional physical grace and agility, while her intelligence and wit echoed the spirit of Emma Peel. Joanna Lumley brought a fresh, modern energy that made the character instantly iconic.
How many episodes does The New Avengers have?
The New Avengers ran for two seasons between 1976 and 1977, with 13 episodes per season for a total of 26 episodes. Each episode runs approximately 50 minutes, delivering self-contained spy adventures with the charm and wit that defined the original Avengers format.
Was The New Avengers an international co-production?
It was a joint production between the United Kingdom, France, and Canada — an unusual arrangement for British television at the time. This international backing helped fund the series and brought a distinctly European flavour to several episodes, some of which were filmed on location in France and Canada.
How was The New Avengers received by critics and audiences?
The series was warmly received as a stylish revival of a beloved franchise. Critics praised Joanna Lumley's breakout performance as Purdey and the show's blend of action, wit, and Cold War intrigue. While some felt it lacked the surreal edge of the original, it built a loyal following and remains fondly remembered by fans of classic British spy television.
What shows are similar to The New Avengers?
Fans of The New Avengers tend to enjoy other classic spy and action series such as Danger Man, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., La Femme Nikita, and Spooks. For a more contemporary feel, Covert Affairs and Scarecrow and Mrs. King share a similar mix of espionage, charismatic leads, and episodic adventure storytelling.
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