Inspector Morse (1987)
Oxford's most singular detective — brilliant, brooding, and never without an opinion — investigates murder with razor-sharp intellect and a pint close at hand.
Inspector Morse - Series Information
- Original Title: Inspector Morse
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 1993
- Created by: Tony Warren, Colin Dexter
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (100 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 28
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 6, 1987 (United States - TV-14), January 6, 1987 (Canada - PG), January 6, 1987 (United Kingdom - 15), January 6, 1987 (Germany - 16), January 6, 1987 (France - 16), January 6, 1987 (Australia - M), January 6, 1987 (Spain - 16)
- Networks: ITV1
- Alternative Titles: Komisario Morse (FI)
- Production Companies: Carlton UK Productions, GBH, ITV Central, Zenith Entertainment
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Inspector Morse - Plot
Inspector Morse is a detective drama based on Colin Dexter's series of Chief Inspector Morse novels. The series starred John Thaw as Chief Inspector Morse and Kevin Whately as Sergeant Lewis, as well as a large cast of notable actors and actresses.
Inspector Morse - Trailer
See the iconic Oxford detective in action in the official trailer below.
There's always time for one more pint.
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Inspector Morse - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Tony Warren
- Colin Dexter
Main Cast
- John Thaw
- Kevin Whately
- Peter Woodthorpe
- James Grout
- Maureen Bennett
- Amanda Hillwood
- Andrew Ray
- Norman Jones
- Julia Sawalha
- Perry Fenwick
Writers
- Julian Mitchell
- Anthony Minghella
- Daniel Boyle
- Peter Buckman
- Charles Wood
Executive Producers
- Ted Childs
- John Thaw
Inspector Morse - FAQs
Where can you stream Inspector Morse online?
Inspector Morse is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox via Amazon Channel, and BritBox via Apple TV Channel, all as part of a flatrate subscription. BritBox is the primary home for classic British crime dramas in the United States and Canada.
Is Inspector Morse based on a true story?
Inspector Morse is not based on a true story. The series is adapted from Colin Dexter's fictional novels featuring Chief Inspector Morse. Dexter created the character in 1975, drawing inspiration from his love of crossword puzzles and classical music rather than any real detective.
Who played Inspector Morse in the original series?
John Thaw portrayed Chief Inspector Morse throughout all seven seasons of the original series, from 1987 to 1993. His nuanced, deeply felt performance earned widespread critical acclaim and made Morse one of British television's most beloved detective characters.
How many seasons and episodes does Inspector Morse have?
Inspector Morse ran for seven seasons and a collection of specials, comprising 28 episodes in total. Each episode is feature-length, running approximately 100 minutes, giving the series the feel of a series of standalone crime films rather than a conventional episodic drama.
Did Inspector Morse win any major awards?
Yes. Inspector Morse earned numerous BAFTA nominations and wins across its run, with John Thaw receiving particular recognition for his lead performance. The series was also honoured with a BAFTA for Best Drama Series and became one of the most decorated British crime dramas of its era.
What is Inspector Morse about?
Inspector Morse follows Chief Inspector Morse, a brilliant but irascible Oxford detective with a passion for real ale, crosswords, and classical music, as he investigates complex murders alongside Sergeant Lewis. The series blends intricate plotting with rich character study against the atmospheric backdrop of Oxford.
Is Inspector Morse connected to Endeavour and Lewis?
Yes. Inspector Morse is the cornerstone of an acclaimed franchise. Lewis (2006) is a direct sequel following Kevin Whately's Sergeant Lewis after Morse's death. Endeavour (2012–2023) is a prequel depicting Morse's early career as a young constable, played by Shaun Evans, in 1960s and 1970s Oxford.
What content rating does Inspector Morse carry?
Inspector Morse is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains mature themes including murder, complex moral dilemmas, and adult drama, consistent with its status as a sophisticated crime thriller.
More About Inspector Morse
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