Fans of British crime drama Midsomer Murders were treated to a fresh start in 2025, as the first two episodes of Season 24 aired on ITV. Neil Dudgeon stepped back into the shoes of DCI Barnaby, with Nick Hendrix reprising his role as DS Jamie Winter. The familiar dynamic, set against the picturesque backdrop of fictional Midsomer villages, brought viewers right back into the heart of rural intrigue and mystery.
But as quickly as the series returned, it pressed pause. After just two episodes, ITV confirmed a change in its prime time schedule: the usual Monday and Tuesday night slots for Midsomer Murders would be filled by other shows. On Monday, January 5, viewers will see Corriedale at 8pm, followed by a new series of Red Eye at 9pm. Tuesday’s lineup brings Coronation Street at 8:30pm and The Martin Lewis Money Show at 9pm. The popular ITV News at Ten rounds out both evenings.
Why the sudden shift? According to Neil Dudgeon, the answer is simple: patience. In an interview reported by Manchester Evening News and Express, Dudgeon shared that only the first two episodes of Season 24 were ready for broadcast, with two more yet to be scheduled. He explained, “The two episodes that are going out are the first two episodes I think of series 24, so there’ll be another two episodes from that series to go out at some point. Very soon hopefully.”
For longtime fans, the wait is familiar. Midsomer Murders has long been known for staggered episode releases, sometimes stretching out a season over several months. It’s a strategy that both builds anticipation and fits the production schedule, which often sees the cast and crew moving from one idyllic English village to another.
Dudgeon also reflected on his own journey since taking over the lead role in 2011, following John Nettles’ 13-year tenure as Barnaby. “I wouldn’t want to do it to the point where it’s embarrassing, and he’s just too old. I just take it a year at a time,” Dudgeon shared. He admitted initial nerves at the prospect of succeeding Nettles, recalling, “When they first came to me, I was asked, ‘How do you feel if John leaves Midsomer Murders?’ and I said, ‘It would be fantastic, and I’d love to’.” The actor’s humility shines through as he describes his early worries: “By series one, I thought I’d shoot one episode, and they’d say, ‘he’s terrible, we are not doing anymore’.” Fortunately, the show’s renewal after his first season reassured him—and the audience—that Barnaby was in capable hands.
The sense of community behind the scenes is also central to Dudgeon’s affection for the series. “When I arrive at seven o’clock in the morning in a field somewhere in Oxfordshire or Berkshire… it’s like our own Midsomer village,” he mused. The crew, many of whom have worked on the show for years, create a sense of continuity and shared purpose—something that translates onto the screen in every episode.
What lies ahead for Midsomer Murders? Dudgeon hinted at what’s to come, noting that filming for Season 25 is already complete. The remaining two episodes of Season 24 are expected to air “very soon,” though ITV has not yet confirmed the exact dates. As always, the series is available for streaming on ITVX, offering fans a chance to revisit old mysteries while they await new ones.
The brief hiatus in broadcast is not a cancellation, but a strategic pause. ITV’s decision to rotate other shows into the prime slots may reflect a desire to keep the schedule fresh, but it also underscores the enduring popularity of Midsomer Murders. With over two decades on air, the show has become more than just a crime drama—it’s a fixture in British television culture, where even a few weeks’ delay sparks anticipation and conversation among its devoted audience.
For those who might worry about the show’s future, Neil Dudgeon’s comments provide reassurance. His dedication, matched by the commitment of the production team, suggests that as long as the stories remain compelling and the mysteries intriguing, Midsomer will continue to be a place viewers return to—one village, one murder at a time.
The current pause in Midsomer Murders Season 24 broadcasts is a testament to the show’s lasting appeal and ITV’s confidence in its audience’s loyalty. Rather than signaling uncertainty, the temporary switch in programming highlights how established series like this can drive anticipation, shaping viewing habits and conversations across the UK. As Dudgeon and his team prepare to unveil the rest of the season, fans can look forward to more mysteries, more countryside intrigue, and the steady hand of DCI Barnaby guiding them through it all. (Manchester Evening News, Express)