The ABC Murders (2018)
A dark, atmospheric BBC One miniseries reimagining Agatha Christie's classic Poirot mystery with John Malkovich in the iconic role.
The ABC Murders - Series Information
- Original Title: The ABC Murders
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 3
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: December 26, 2018 (United States - TV-14), December 26, 2018 (Canada - G), December 26, 2018 (United Kingdom - U), December 26, 2018 (Germany - 12), December 26, 2018 (France - 10), December 26, 2018 (Australia - PG), December 26, 2018 (Brazil - 12), December 26, 2018 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: A.B.C. (PL), Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders (US)
- Production Companies: Mammoth Screen, Agatha Christie
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
The ABC Murders - Plot
1933. Hercule Poirot, older and greyer, receives letters threatening murder. The sender signs themselves only as "A.B.C." When he takes the letters to the police looking for help, Hercule finds all his old friends have moved on. But soon there is a murder and the once-great detective must take matters into his own hands.
The ABC Murders - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the mystery that awaits:
There is a code. The code is me.
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The ABC Murders - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- John Malkovich
- Rupert Grint
- Eamon Farren
- Andrew Buchan
- Bronwyn James
- Tara Fitzgerald
- Anya Chalotra
- Freya Mavor
- Conrad McCroddan
- Eve Austin
Writers
- Sarah Phelps
The ABC Murders - FAQs
Is The ABC Murders based on a true story?
The ABC Murders is based on Agatha Christie's 1936 novel of the same name, not a true story. The miniseries takes creative liberties with the source material, adding a darker psychological tone and a reimagined backstory for Hercule Poirot that Christie's original novel did not include.
Why does John Malkovich play Hercule Poirot?
John Malkovich was cast to bring a more weathered, melancholic interpretation of Poirot — a deliberate departure from the beloved David Suchet portrayal. The production wanted an older, more vulnerable detective grappling with faded glory and a hostile world, and Malkovich's intensity suited that vision perfectly.
Where can I stream The ABC Murders?
You can stream The ABC Murders on BritBox, available directly or through the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes are available to purchase on Amazon Video and the Apple TV Store.
How many episodes does The ABC Murders have?
The ABC Murders is a compact three-episode miniseries, with each episode running approximately 60 minutes. It aired on BBC One beginning December 26, 2018, and tells a complete, self-contained story across its tight, atmospheric runtime — making it an ideal binge watch in a single evening.
How was The ABC Murders received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed but largely positive. Reviewers praised the atmospheric production design, Isobel Waller-Bridge's haunting score, and Malkovich's unconventional performance. Some Christie purists objected to the darker tone and reimagined Poirot backstory, but many critics welcomed the bold, revisionist approach to the classic source material.
What role does Rupert Grint play in The ABC Murders?
Rupert Grint plays Inspector Crome, a skeptical Scotland Yard detective who dismisses Poirot's warnings about the A.B.C. letters. The role marked a notable dramatic turn for Grint, casting him against type as a cold, dismissive authority figure rather than the warm, comedic characters audiences associate with him.
Who wrote the screenplay for The ABC Murders?
The screenplay was written by Sarah Phelps, who has become the go-to adapter for Agatha Christie's work at the BBC. Phelps previously adapted And Then There Were None and Witness for the Prosecution, bringing the same dark, psychologically rich sensibility to each production that distinguishes her work from earlier Christie adaptations.
What are good shows to watch after The ABC Murders?
Fans of The ABC Murders will likely enjoy Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989) for a more traditional take on the detective, or Three Pines (2022) and Dalgliesh (2021) for similarly atmospheric British crime drama. Strike (2017) and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2002) also offer compelling mystery storytelling in the same vein.
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