Shoestring 1979
“THE PRIVATE EAR.”
What is Shoestring?
The BBC television series "Shoestring" is a detective drama set in Bristol. The show stars Trevor Eve as a private detective who also works as a radio host for a local radio station.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1979
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 21
- Runtime
- 50 minutes
- First aired
- Sep 30, 1979
- Last aired
- Dec 21, 1980
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- BBC One
- Genres
- Crime, Drama
- Updated
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 21 episodes and an average 50-minute runtime.
Trailer
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
The BBC television series "Shoestring" is a detective drama set in Bristol. The show stars Trevor Eve as a private detective who also works as a radio host for a local radio station. The programme's production features a unique blend of crime-solving and radio broadcasting. The series ran for two series, concluding in December 1980. Trevor Eve's decision to leave the show after two series led to a change in the setting and the creation of a new series, which also features a detective character. The new series is set in Jersey and follows a similar narrative of a detective returning to work after a difficult period in his life.
Should you watch it?
“A radio host turned sleuth solves crimes in Bristol while broadcasting his investigations.”
- Unique blend of radio broadcasting and detective work
- Set in 1970s Bristol with period charm
- Trevor Eve leads as Eddie Shoestring
- Only two series totaling 21 episodes
- Production ended after lead left for theatre
Watch it if you enjoy classic British detective stories with a radio twist.
The series is a mild crime drama suitable for general audiences.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 11 episodes
- E1 Private Ear Sep 30, 1979
- E2 Knock for Knock Oct 7, 1979
- E3 Higher Ground Oct 14, 1979
- E4 An Uncertain Circle Oct 21, 1979
- E5 Listen to Me Oct 28, 1979
- E6 Nine Tenths of the Law Nov 4, 1979
- E7 The Link-Up Nov 11, 1979
- E8 Stamp Duty Nov 18, 1979
- E9 Find the Lady Dec 2, 1979
- E10 The Partnership Dec 9, 1979
- E11 I'm a Believer Dec 12, 1979
Season 2 · 10 episodes
- E1 Room With a View Oct 5, 1980
- E2 The Teddy Bears' Nightmare Oct 12, 1980
- E3 Mocking Bird Oct 19, 1980
- E4 The Mayfly Dance Oct 26, 1980
- E5 The Farmer Had a Wife Nov 2, 1980
- E6 Utmost Good Faith Nov 9, 1980
- E7 Looking for Mr Wright Nov 16, 1980
- E8 Another Man's Castle Dec 7, 1980
- E9 Where Was I? Dec 14, 1980
- E10 The Dangerous Game Dec 21, 1980
Frequently asked questions
When did Shoestring originally air?
It ran from 30 September 1979 to 21 December 1980.
Who plays the main character?
Trevor Eve stars as private detective Eddie Shoestring.
How many episodes are there?
The show consists of 21 hour‑long episodes across two series.
Where is the series set?
The story takes place in Bristol, focusing on a local radio station.
Why did the series end after two series?
Trevor Eve chose not to return to pursue theatre, leading to the show's conclusion.