ITV Picks Up Two Maigret Adaptations Starring Rowan Atkinson

ITV announced that it had commissioned two new feature length adaptations of Georges Simenon’s classic detective novels, with Rowan Atkinson returning in the lead role as Chief Inspector Maigret. The decision came after the success of the first two Maigret films, which aired in 2016 to strong ratings and positive reviews. Atkinson’s portrayal of the iconic French detective was praised for its subtlety and gravitas, marking a notable departure from the comic roles for which he is best known.

The two new adaptations were confirmed as Night at the Crossroads and Maigret in Montmartre, both based on Simenon’s original novels. Each film was produced as a 120 minute drama, continuing ITV’s tradition of bringing high quality crime stories to its primetime schedule. Filming took place on location, with an emphasis on period detail to capture the atmosphere of 1950s Paris.

Atkinson’s return as Maigret was a major draw for audiences. Known internationally for his comedic creations such as Mr Bean and Blackadder, he surprised many viewers with his restrained and serious approach to the role. His Maigret was depicted as thoughtful, empathetic and methodical, qualities that resonated strongly with fans of both the books and the previous television adaptations.

ITV’s decision to commission more Maigret films highlighted the channel’s ongoing commitment to event drama. The first two instalments, Maigret Sets a Trap and Maigret’s Dead Man, had attracted impressive audiences, with consolidated figures topping six million viewers each. Building on that momentum, the new films were expected to deliver similar success.

The supporting cast for the new adaptations added further depth. Alongside Atkinson, the productions featured a mix of established British talent and European actors, enhancing the authenticity of the stories. The scripts, adapted by Stewart Harcourt, were praised for remaining faithful to Simenon’s novels while also ensuring the pacing and tension suited modern television audiences.

Rowan Atkinson himself expressed enthusiasm for returning to the role, noting the richness of the character and the quality of Simenon’s writing. For him, playing Maigret offered the opportunity to showcase a different side of his acting range, something audiences clearly appreciated after the first two films aired.

The adaptations also reinforced ITV’s ability to compete in the field of international crime drama, a genre long dominated by Scandinavian and European productions. By combining a world renowned literary character with a globally recognised actor, the channel positioned Maigret as a prestige drama with broad appeal.

With Night at the Crossroads and Maigret in Montmartre, ITV ensured that viewers would once again be drawn into the smoky streets and shadowy mysteries of Paris. For fans of classic detective stories, the announcement of two new adaptations starring Rowan Atkinson was both exciting and reassuring, cementing Maigret as one of the broadcaster’s most stylish and successful dramas of recent years.