Bergerac 1981
Trailer
Overview
Bergerac is a British crime drama television series that originally aired on BBC1. The show was produced by the BBC in association with the Australian Seven Network. It stars John Nettles as Jim Bergerac, a detective sergeant in The Foreigners Office who is characterized by his unorthodox methods and personal struggles. The series portrays Bergerac as a recovering alcoholic and divorced father dealing with his own challenges while solving cases. Set in Jersey, the program ran for several years, featuring Bergerac's knack for finding and sometimes causing trouble. The character’s maverick approach to investigations often puts him at odds with his superiors. Created by Robert Banks Stewart, the series includes a supporting cast comprising Terence Alexander, Sean Arnold, and Mela White. The show was broadcast from 1981 to 1991, establishing itself as a notable entry in British television crime drama. Its setting in Jersey provided a distinctive backdrop that contributed to the show’s atmosphere and appeal.
Should you watch it?
“A maverick detective battles crime and personal demons in 1980s Jersey.”
- Strong central performance by John Nettles
- Authentic 1980s British crime drama setting
- Complex portrayal of flawed protagonist
- Episodic structure may feel dated to modern viewers
- Some storylines rely on familiar crime drama tropes
You enjoy classic British detective series with moral complexity.
Suitable for mature audiences; deals with themes of alcoholism and personal hardship.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 10 episodes
- E1 Picking it Up Oct 18, 1981
- E2 Nice People Die in Bed Oct 25, 1981
- E3 Unlucky Dip Nov 1, 1981
- E4 Campaign for Silence Nov 8, 1981
- E5 See You in Moscow Nov 15, 1981
- E6 Portrait of Yesterday Nov 22, 1981
- E7 Last Chance for a Loser Nov 29, 1981
- E8 Late for a Funeral Dec 6, 1981
- E9 Relative Values Dec 13, 1981
- E10 The Hood and the Harlequin Dec 20, 1981
Season 2 · 9 episodes
- E1 A Message for the Rich Jan 9, 1983
- E2 Always Leave Them Laughing Jan 16, 1983
- E3 Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie Jan 23, 1983
- E4 Prime Target Jan 30, 1983
- E5 Almost Like a Holiday Feb 6, 1983
- E6 Fall of a Birdman Feb 13, 1983
- E7 Miracle Every Week Feb 20, 1983
- E8 A Perfect Recapture Feb 27, 1983
- E9 The Moonlight Girls Mar 6, 1983
Season 3 · 10 episodes
- E1 Ninety Per Cent Proof Dec 3, 1983
- E2 A Hole in the Bucket Dec 10, 1983
- E3 Holiday Snaps Dec 17, 1983
- E4 Ice Maiden Dec 24, 1983
- E5 Come Out Fighting Dec 31, 1983
- E6 A Touch of Eastern Promise Jan 7, 1984
- E7 A Cry in the Night Jan 14, 1984
- E8 The Company You Keep Jan 21, 1984
- E9 Tug of War Jan 28, 1984
- E10 House Guests Feb 4, 1984
Season 4 · 9 episodes
- E1 The Last Interview Oct 11, 1985
- E2 Offshore Trades Oct 18, 1985
- E3 What Dreams May Come True Oct 25, 1985
- E4 Low Profile Nov 1, 1985
- E5 Return of the Ice Maiden Nov 8, 1985
- E6 Chrissie Nov 15, 1985
- E7 The Tennis Racket Nov 29, 1985
- E8 Sins of the Fathers Dec 13, 1985
- E9 Avenge, O Lord Dec 20, 1985
Season 5 · 8 episodes
- E1 The Memory Man Jan 3, 1987
- E2 Winner Takes All Jan 10, 1987
- E3 Root and Branch Jan 17, 1987
- E4 Desirable Little Residence Jan 24, 1987
- E5 The Deadly Virus Jan 31, 1987
- E6 S.P.A.R.T.A. Feb 7, 1987
- E7 Thanks for Everything Feb 14, 1987
- E8 Poison Feb 21, 1987
Frequently asked questions
Is Bergerac based on a book?
No, it was an original television creation by Robert Banks Stewart.
Where was the show filmed?
The series was filmed on location in Jersey, Channel Islands.
How many seasons are there?
The show ran for several series between 1981 and 1991.
Who plays the main character?
John Nettles portrays Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac.
Does the series focus more on cases or personal life?
It balances both investigative storylines and Bergerac's personal struggles.