'Father Brown' Season 13 First Image Summers By The Seaside

There's something comforting about a show that can turn over its entire supporting cast and keep on ticking. While it's easy to marvel at shows like Murdoch Mysteries, which has had nearly the same core quartet for almost two decades, or Grantchester, where the supporting cast remains the constant around which vicars come and go, there's something to be said for a series where almost the entire supporting cast exits over two seasons, and has to be replaced wholesale around the series' original star without a drop in popularity. That's the case with Father Brown, which has now settled into its new version as if it's always been this way.

Based on the G.K. Chesterton novels from the early 20th century, which feature a crime-solving vicar set in the Cotswolds, the 2013 debut of Father Brown was the franchise's second hit TV series adaptation, following the 1974 hit version starring Kenneth More. The new version starred Mark Williams in the titular role, who is now the only actor who has appeared in every season. (John Burton and Tom Chambers, who play the requisite policefolk, joined in Season 2.) However, nearly the entire supporting main roster all turned over right around the show's 10th anniversary in 2022, leaving Williams with new sidekicks to help him solve crimes.

Perhaps it was the timing of the turnover, or the blossoming of a romance for Chamber's longtime character, but the show hasn't lost a step as it rounds into Season 13.

Here's the Season 13 synopsis:

Following the jubilant wedding celebrations at the end of series 12, the new Mr and Mrs Sullivan settle into married life and a new home, with Isabel thrilled to be welcomed into the Policeman’s Wives Society. Meanwhile, Brenda goes on a journey of self-empowerment as she covers the role of Parish Secretary and learns to drive with the help of Sergeant Goodfellow; Father Brown is tasked by Flambeau to visit Father Lazarus in prison, resulting in a deadly game of cat and mouse which ruffles the feathers of Canon Fox. With his consecration now looming, Bishop-Elect Fox plans to enact his revenge upon Father Brown, leaving Kembleford changed forever. And in a Father Brown first – the group take a trip to the seaside!

Mark Williams once again returns as Father Brown, joined by the current casting line-up of Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as the new Mrs Isabel Sullivan, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda, and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow. Supporting cast for the current iteration of the series also includes Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia, John Light as Hercule Flambeau, Lex Shrapnel as Father Lazarus, Roger May as Canon Fox, and Kieran Hodgson as Father Lindsey.

Guest stars for lucky Season 13 include the return of Sorcha Cusack (Dalgliesh) as Mrs McCarthy, plus new-to-the series actors Julia Sawalha (Absolutely Fabulous), Phil Daniels (House of the Dragon), Debra Stephenson (MI-5), Davood Ghadami (The Chelsea Detective), Maureen Lipman (Skins), Kevin Harvey (This City is Ours), George Rainsford (Call the Midwife) and Timothy Watson (Arthur & George).

Neil Irvine is Father Brown's lead writer, with series creator Rachel Flowerday and Sarah-Louise Hawkins penning episodes. Ian Barber is the lead director, and Miranda Howard-Williams, Michael Lacey, and Paul Riordan are also helming installments. 

Father Brown Season 13 is expected to debut on the BBC in early January 2026 and will follow on BritBox in the weeks following. Seasons 1 through 12 are streaming on BritBox.