The Singing Detective 1986
- Status
- Ended
- First Aired
- November 16, 1986
- Format
- 1 season · 6 eps
- Total Runtime
- ~7 hours (70 min/ep)
- Created By
- Dennis Potter
- Network
- BBC One
What is The Singing Detective?
The Singing Detective is a television series first released in 1986. Catalogued under Drama, Mystery.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1986
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 6
- Runtime
- 70 minutes
- First aired
- Nov 16, 1986
- Networks
- BBC One
- Genres
- Drama, Mystery
- Updated
At a glance
- Rating
- ★ TMDB users: 7.5/10
- Format
- 1 season · 6 episodes
- Episode runtime
- ~70 minutes
- Status
- Ended
- Network
- BBC One
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 6 episodes and an average 70-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
The Singing Detective is a television series first released in 1986. Catalogued under Drama, Mystery. Produced and broadcast by BBC One. Current status: Ended. Spans 1 seasons and 6 tracked episodes.
Should you watch it?
“A bedridden writer turns his fevered mind into a twisting detective saga.”
- Atmospheric blend of drama and mystery
- Strong performances by Michael Gambon and cast
- Inventive narrative structure
- Complex, non‑linear storytelling may challenge some viewers
- Hallucinatory sequences can be unsettling
Watch it if you enjoy cerebral, mood‑driven mysteries that blur reality and imagination.
The series is mature and psychologically intense, suited for adult audiences.
Ask the Vault
Ask anything about The Singing Detective — answers are spoiler-safe.
Your verdict
Is The Singing Detective worth watching?
Cast
Frequently asked questions
What is the basic premise of The Singing Detective?
It follows a mystery writer who, bedridden with a debilitating disease, relives his detective stories through imagination and hallucinations.
When was The Singing Detective first released?
The series premiered in 1986.
Who directed The Singing Detective?
Jon Amiel directed the series.
Which actors appear in The Singing Detective?
The cast includes Michael Gambon, Patrick Malahide, Joanne Whalleyová, David Ryall, and Gerard Horan.
What genres does The Singing Detective combine?
It blends drama and mystery with psychological and surreal elements.
■ Ended / Final Season Complete Renewal tracker
Explore The Singing Detective
Where to watch Episode ratings heatmap How long to watch Facts & FAQ Similar shows More from BBC One
What viewers say
No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on The Singing Detective.