ITV has renewed Midsomer Murders for Series 18.
The broadcaster has ordered six feature-length episodes to air in 2016, it has confirmed.
EP Jo Wright said of the renewal:
“We are back for even more episodes next year courtesy of ITV, which gives us the chance to explore more strange and entertaining tales of Midsomer life. And with a new pathologist who will cause DS Nelson trouble in more ways than one.”
ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November, added:
“Midsomer Murders is one of ITV’s most enduring and successful dramas. We’re delighted to be recommissioning a further six episodes and to be continuing our working partnership with Jo Wright and her team.”
Full press release:
The successful and popular returning crime drama Midsomer Murders has been recommissioned for a further six feature length episodes by ITV.
Filming is already underway for the 18th series, made by Bentley Productions (part of All3media) and starring Neil Dudgeon as DCI John Barnaby and Gwilym Lee as DS Charlie Nelson, for transmission in 2016.
Joining the team this series will be a new pathologist Dr Kam Karimore played by Manjinder Virk (Ordinary Lies, Call the Midwife, The Arbor), who will assist Barnaby and Nelson as they tackle intricate murder mysteries in the beautiful but deadly countryside of Midsomer.
Storylines will include bodysnatching, competitive cycling and the sighting of UFO’s over Midsomer County.
Director of Drama, ITV Channels Steve November and Controller of Drama Victoria Fea have commissioned the new episodes.
“Midsomer Murders is one of ITV’s most enduring and successful dramas,” said Steve. We’re delighted to be recommissioning a further six episodes and to be continuing our working partnership with Jo Wright and her team,” he added.
Jo Wright, executive producer, said: ” We are back for even more episodes next year thanks to ITV, which gives us chance to explore more strange and entertaining tales of Midsomer life. And with a new pathologist who will cause DS Nelson trouble in more ways than one.”
Midsomer Murders sells to more than 220 territories worldwide and achieved a consolidated audience for the last series on ITV of 6.5 million viewers.
Midsomer Murders is produced by Phil Hunter (Doctors, Holby City) and executive produced by Jo Wright, managing director of Bentley Productions.
Members of the writing team include Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths, Chris Murray and Paul Logue. Alex Pillai, Renny Rye and Nick Laughland will be among the directors.
Further details of guest casting and the stories to be depicted in the new series will be available closer to production.
ITV
The Bluelady says
Will Midsomer Murders be picked up by one of the PBS channels in the U.S.? Certainly hope so. Been watching the program for years.
RenewCancelTV says
Hi Bluelady, you might be able to find most of the seasons through Netflix. We’ll post if we hear about a US network picking it up.
karen says
this show has been EXCELLENT for years and I’m glad it’s continuing.