PBS Introduces an Altogether Different Sort of 'Maigret'

Jules Maigret has been a fixture on screens large and small since writer Georges Simenon introduced him to the world in 1931's Pietr-le-Letton (The Strange Case of Peter the Lett). Moreover, actors who have played the role tended to keep to Simenon's description of the Parisian policeman: "a large, powerfully built gentleman...a pipe, a bowler hat, a thick overcoat." From original French actor Pierre Renoir to the first English actor to play him, Charles Laughton, to more recent versions starring Michael Gambon, Gerard Depardieu, and Rowan Atkinson, all were on the far side of middle-aged, pudgy, and distinctly unattractive.

This is not your Mama's Maigret, is what I'm saying.

Since the last TV adaptation of Maigret to make it across the pond was over 30 years ago, in 1992 (the aforementioned Michael Gambon version), it stands to reason that the character would be updated for the 21st century in his first PBS outing. However, Simenon's description no longer applies to the current man playing the titular role, Benjamin Wainwright (Belgravia). The first image from the series hinted at it, but the trailer has now confirmed: the pipe, the overcoat, and the bowler hat have all fallen to the wayside, likely packed up neatly on a shelf next to the bonnets that Jane Austen costumers no longer use.

As for "middle-aged," "pudgy," and "distinctly unattractive," I think one gander at the trailer will answer all questions. Check it out below.

Here's the PBS-provided synopsis for Maigret:

The first contemporary television adaptation of George Simenon’s beloved detective novels, the series reframes Maigret as an unconventional young detective with something to prove, a rising star in the Police Judiciaire, relentless in his investigations, with an uncanny ability to get under the skin of the criminals he is chasing and an unmatched knowledge of Paris and its inhabitants. 

Wainwright co-stars alongside Stefanie Martini (The Gold) as Louise Maigret, Shaniqua Okwok (It’s a Sin) as Inspector Janvier, and Nathalie Armin (Showtrial) as Prosecutor Mathilde Kernavel. The supporting cast for the show's first season includes Blake Harrison (World on Fire), Reda Elazouar (Sex Education), Kerrie Hayes (The Responder), and Rob Kazinsky (Star Trek: Section 31).

Patrick Harbinson (The Tower) serves as lead writer and directed the series' first two episodes. He shares helming duties with directors Faye Gilbert (The Bay) and David Evans (Domina). Harbinson also serves as executive producer alongside Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece and John Simenon for Georges Simenon Limited. 

Maigret Season 1 will debut on most PBS stations, the PBS app, and the PBS Masterpiece Channel on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET, directly preceding The Gold Season 1 at 10 p.m. and following a weekly release schedule on Sundays through mid-November. All episodes of the show's first season will be available on PBS Passport on premiere day for members to binge.