In April 2018, BBC One officially commissioned Baptiste, a spin-off from the acclaimed drama The Missing, with Tchéky Karyo reprising his role as the insightful French detective Julien Baptiste.
Created by Jack and Harry Williams, who also penned The Missing, the new series was produced by Two Brothers Pictures and began filming later that year in Amsterdam and Belgium.
The first season premiered on BBC One on February 17, 2019 .
Baptiste follows the retired detective as he visits Amsterdam with his wife, only to be drawn into a complex missing person case at the behest of Martha Horchner, Amsterdam’s Chief of Police and an old flame.
The investigation leads Baptiste into the city’s criminal underworld, uncovering a web of deceit and danger. The series features a notable cast, including Tom Hollander as Edward Stratton and Jessica Raine as Genevieve Taylor .
The success of the first season led to a second and final season, which premiered on BBC One on July 18, 2021. In this installment, Baptiste is enlisted by British Ambassador Emma Chambers, portrayed by Fiona Shaw, to investigate the disappearance of her husband and two sons during a holiday in Hungary.
The case challenges Baptiste both professionally and personally, as he navigates complex political landscapes and confronts his own past
In the second and final season of Baptiste, the series took a darker, more introspective turn as Julien Baptiste, now grieving a personal tragedy, finds himself investigating the disappearance of British Ambassador Emma Chambers’ family in Hungary.
Portrayed by Fiona Shaw, Emma’s character brought a powerful emotional depth to the narrative, pairing well with Tchéky Karyo’s nuanced performance as a man battling inner demons while trying to uphold justice.
The story weaves political intrigue with personal loss, creating a complex, multi layered mystery that reflects the show’s signature tone.
Critics praised Baptiste for maintaining the high standards set by The Missing, applauding its moody atmosphere, morally ambiguous characters, and tightly plotted suspense.
Tchéky Karyo’s portrayal of the aging detective was widely regarded as the heart of the series — a character defined by quiet intensity, empathy, and a relentless drive to uncover the truth.
Though Baptiste concluded after two seasons, it left a lasting impression as a thoughtful and emotionally resonant crime drama that stood strong in its own right, while expanding the universe of The Missing with rich storytelling and compelling performances.