Jonathan Creek (1997)
A windmill-dwelling illusion designer turns amateur detective, unravelling impossible crimes with razor-sharp lateral thinking in this beloved British mystery-comedy.
Jonathan Creek - Series Information
- Original Title: Jonathan Creek
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Created by: David Renwick
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Mystery, Comedy, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 55 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 9, 1997 (United Kingdom - 15)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: BBC Studios
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Jonathan Creek - Plot
Working from his home in a converted windmill, Jonathan Creek is a magician with a natural ability for solving puzzles. He soon puts this ability to the use of solving impossible crimes and mysterious murders.
Jonathan Creek - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the ingenious mysteries that await:
Where to Watch Jonathan Creek
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Jonathan Creek - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Renwick
Main Cast
- Alan Davies
- Caroline Quentin
- Stuart Milligan
- Julia Sawalha
- Adrian Edmondson
- Geoffrey McGivern
- Sarah Alexander
- Rob Jarvis
- John Bird
- Lorelei King
Writers
- David Renwick
Executive Producers
- David Renwick
- Pete Thornton
Jonathan Creek - FAQs
Who plays Jonathan Creek in the series?
Alan Davies plays the title character Jonathan Creek throughout the series. A technical wizard who designs illusions for stage magician Adam Klaus, Creek applies his lateral-thinking mind to unravelling seemingly impossible crimes, often partnered with an investigative journalist or amateur sleuth.
Why did Caroline Quentin leave Jonathan Creek?
Caroline Quentin, who played journalist Maddy Magellan in the first two series, departed after Series 2 in 1998 to pursue other projects. Her exit was written into the show as Maddy moving abroad. Julia Sawalha later joined as a new investigative partner, Carla Borrego, from Series 3 onward.
Where can you stream Jonathan Creek?
Jonathan Creek is available to stream on BritBox, BritBox via Amazon Channel, and BritBox via Apple TV Channel, all on a subscription (flatrate) basis. Use JustWatch to compare all current viewing options and regional availability in your area.
Is Jonathan Creek based on a true story?
No, Jonathan Creek is entirely fictional. Creator David Renwick invented the premise of a magician's assistant solving locked-room mysteries. However, Renwick drew inspiration from classic impossible-crime detective fiction, particularly the tradition of John Dickson Carr, whose elaborate puzzle plots influenced the series' structure.
How many seasons and episodes does Jonathan Creek have?
Jonathan Creek ran for five main series plus a collection of specials, totalling 26 standard episodes across the regular seasons. The specials group adds 13 further episodes. The show aired on BBC One from 1997 to 2014, with David Renwick writing every single episode.
Who created and wrote Jonathan Creek?
David Renwick created, wrote, and executive-produced every episode of Jonathan Creek. Already celebrated for One Foot in the Grave, Renwick crafted the series as a blend of intricate locked-room mystery and dry British comedy, maintaining sole writing credit throughout its entire run from 1997 to 2014.
What is Jonathan Creek about?
Jonathan Creek follows a behind-the-scenes illusion designer for a stage magician who lives in a converted windmill. His exceptional puzzle-solving mind makes him an unlikely but brilliant detective, drawn into investigating seemingly impossible crimes and baffling murders alongside a series of investigative journalist partners.
Did Jonathan Creek win any awards?
Jonathan Creek received BAFTA recognition during its run, with the series earning nominations in craft and performance categories. David Renwick's intricate scripts were particularly praised by critics and mystery enthusiasts. The show developed a devoted following and is widely regarded as one of the finest British puzzle-mystery series ever produced.
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