Midsomer Murders Returns for Its 26th Series

By Jon Donnis

There's no rest for DCI Barnaby as ITV and All3Media International have confirmed that Midsomer Murders will return for a 26th series. The latest four-episode run means the beloved detective drama will soon total an impressive 148 episodes, firmly securing Barnaby's title as television's most hard-working sleuth.

Produced by Bentley Productions and executive produced by Michele Buck, the new series promises more intrigue, eccentric suspects and picturesque English villages hiding dark secrets. Neil Dudgeon will once again lead the investigations as DCI Barnaby, joined by Nick Hendrix as DS Winter. Fans can also look forward to the return of Annette Badland as the ever-insightful Dr Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman as Barnaby's wife, Sarah.

ITV's Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair Jones said: "We're thrilled to be returning to Midsomer with Barnaby and Winter. Series 26 promises to deliver four brilliant brand new cases for the legion of Midsomer Murders fans to enjoy."

Executive producer Michele Buck added: "We are so pleased to be able to bring viewers more tales from the fascinating world of Midsomer Murders with this series 26 commission."

Now in its third decade, the show continues to be one of the UK's most successful television exports, captivating audiences in nearly 200 territories. From Germany to the Baltics and from Los Angeles to Lyon, Midsomer Murders remains a firm favourite. It's even the most-watched FAST channel on ITVX since the platform launched, offering fans the chance to revisit episodes around the clock.

Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International, praised the show's enduring appeal: "Midsomer Murders is a brand that continues to resonate with fans both globally and here in the UK. It's a show whose repeatable loyalty factor enables us to position the series on various platforms – from PSBs to AVOD and FAST – and increase the series' reach to new audiences. We're thrilled that we have now passed the 25th series landmark and look forward to Bentley delivering Season 26 in 2026."

Based on Caroline Graham's Chief Inspector Barnaby novels, Midsomer Murders has become a staple of British television, combining charm and mystery with a distinctively rural menace. As filming wraps on series 25, fans can look forward to another round of murders, motives and mayhem when the show returns to ITV in 2026.