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Murdoch Mysteries

Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian period crime-drama television series set in Toronto in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian period crime-drama television series set in Toronto in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It follows Detective William Murdoch, who uses then-innovative forensic techniques to solve murders and other crimes. The series is based on characters from Maureen Jennings's Detective Murdoch novels.

Premise

The series follows William Murdoch as he solves difficult crimes using forensic and scientific methods, including fingerprinting and other early investigative techniques. The show combines procedural storytelling with historical setting and character drama.

Production and broadcast

Murdoch Mysteries premiered in 2008 and was created by Alexandra Zarowny and Cal Coons for television, based on Maureen Jennings's novels. It has been broadcast in Canada and distributed internationally, including on CBC and streaming platforms.

Cast and characters

The central cast includes Yannick Bisson as William Murdoch, Helene Joy as Dr. Julia Ogden, and Thomas Craig as Inspector Thomas Brackenreid. Supporting characters such as George Crabtree and Henry Higgins are also part of the long-running ensemble.

Historical setting and style

The series is set in Toronto during the era of industrial and scientific change, and it often features historical figures and period-appropriate social themes. Its style blends detective fiction, historical drama, and light humour.

Key facts

  • Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian period crime-drama set in late-19th- and early-20th-century Toronto.
  • The series is based on Maureen Jennings's Detective Murdoch novels.
  • Yannick Bisson stars as Detective William Murdoch, who uses early forensic techniques.
  • The show premiered in 2008 and has run for 20 seasons.
  • The French-language title in Canada is Les enquêtes de Murdoch.
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Canadian context

This is a Canadian-made series set in Toronto and widely associated with Canadian television drama, making it a notable title for Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Murdoch Mysteries about?
It follows Detective William Murdoch in late-19th-century Toronto as he solves murders using advanced forensic techniques for the era.
Is Les enquêtes de Murdoch a Canadian series?
Yes. It is a Canadian television series set in Toronto and produced for Canadian television.
What is the original title?
The original English title is Murdoch Mysteries.
Who plays William Murdoch?
Yannick Bisson plays Detective William Murdoch.
What is the source material?
The series is based on Maureen Jennings's Detective Murdoch novels.
When did it first air?
It premiered in 2008.

References

  1. AlloCinéhttps://www.allocine.fr/series/ficheserie_gen_cserie=3919.html
    Supports: French title, original title, premiere year, genre, cast, setting, season count
  2. CBChttps://www.cbc.ca/mediacentre/program/murdoch-mysteries
    Supports: Series premise, setting, main cast, Canadian broadcast context, international distribution
  3. Netflix Canadahttps://www.netflix.com/ca-fr/title/70143861
    Supports: Series description, setting, cast, creators, genre tags
  4. The Canadian Encyclopediahttps://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/fr/article/murdoch-mysteries
    Supports: Canadian context, premise, source novels, broadcast history
  5. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murdoch_Mysteries
    Supports: Premiere date, source novels, setting details, title history