Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Georges Simenon’s Chief Inspector Jules Maigret is one of the most recognizable figures in detective fiction, instantly conjuring an image of a stoic man in a signature coat, pipe in hand, patiently observing the complexities of human nature in 20th-century Paris. Now, writer and director Patrick Harbinson is breathing new life into the iconic detective with a bold, contemporary reimagining of the beloved novels. The new series, 'Maigret', premiered on Sunday, October 5th, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Masterpiece Mystery! on PBS.
Harbinson, known for his high-stakes television work on dramas like '24', 'ER', 'Homeland' and 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit', brings his expertise in fast-paced storytelling and intricate character development to the Parisian streets. This Maigret is re-engineered for a global audience, maintaining the rich depth of Simenon's source material while adopting a present-day pace and sharp wit. The series seamlessly fuses humor and empathy with high-stakes cases and profound moral complexities.
In this energized take, Benjamin Wainwright steps into the role of the young, idealistic Chief Inspector Maigret. He must navigate a Paris that spans from the gritty banlieues to the opulent circles of the city’s wealthy and influential elite. Maigret and his loyal, if unconventional, team of detectives, dubbed "Les Maigrets", tackle a series of complex crimes. The Chief Inspector’s unique sense of justice and unorthodox methods often put him at odds with the rigid judicial system and his superiors. Beyond outwitting some of Paris’s most cunning criminals, Maigret also grapples with his own troubled past, adding a deeply personal layer to the procedural drama.
What is immediately striking about Harbinson’s vision is its ambitious cinematic scope. Despite the typical constraints of a PBS series budget and shoot schedule, Harbinson has managed to deliver a production quality that rivals major network and streaming franchises. This visual richness underscores the intense drama, transforming what could have been a simple period piece into a sleek, expansive crime thriller.
Harbinson’s reimagining successfully bridges the gap between literary tradition and modern television, promising a fresh, invigorated lens on the timeless masterpiece. We sat down with the writer and director to discuss the challenge of updating a cultural icon, his approach to honoring Simenon’s work and how he achieved such an impressive aesthetic on a modest scale.
‘Maigret‘, airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Masterpiece Mystery! on PBS.
#PatrickHarbinson #PBS #Maigret #Interview #mystery #fanboynation
Georges Simenon’s Chief Inspector Jules Maigret is one of the most recognizable figures in detective fiction, instantly conjuring an image of a stoic man in a signature coat, pipe in hand, patiently observing the complexities of human nature in 20th-century Paris. Now, writer and director Patrick Harbinson is breathing new life into the iconic detective with a bold, contemporary reimagining of the beloved novels. The new series, 'Maigret', premiered on Sunday, October 5th, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Masterpiece Mystery! on PBS.
Harbinson, known for his high-stakes television work on dramas like '24', 'ER', 'Homeland' and 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit', brings his expertise in fast-paced storytelling and intricate character development to the Parisian streets. This Maigret is re-engineered for a global audience, maintaining the rich depth of Simenon's source material while adopting a present-day pace and sharp wit. The series seamlessly fuses humor and empathy with high-stakes cases and profound moral complexities.
In this energized take, Benjamin Wainwright steps into the role of the young, idealistic Chief Inspector Maigret. He must navigate a Paris that spans from the gritty banlieues to the opulent circles of the city’s wealthy and influential elite. Maigret and his loyal, if unconventional, team of detectives, dubbed "Les Maigrets", tackle a series of complex crimes. The Chief Inspector’s unique sense of justice and unorthodox methods often put him at odds with the rigid judicial system and his superiors. Beyond outwitting some of Paris’s most cunning criminals, Maigret also grapples with his own troubled past, adding a deeply personal layer to the procedural drama.
What is immediately striking about Harbinson’s vision is its ambitious cinematic scope. Despite the typical constraints of a PBS series budget and shoot schedule, Harbinson has managed to deliver a production quality that rivals major network and streaming franchises. This visual richness underscores the intense drama, transforming what could have been a simple period piece into a sleek, expansive crime thriller.
Harbinson’s reimagining successfully bridges the gap between literary tradition and modern television, promising a fresh, invigorated lens on the timeless masterpiece. We sat down with the writer and director to discuss the challenge of updating a cultural icon, his approach to honoring Simenon’s work and how he achieved such an impressive aesthetic on a modest scale.
‘Maigret‘, airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Masterpiece Mystery! on PBS.
#PatrickHarbinson #PBS #Maigret #Interview #mystery #fanboynation
