Hercule (TV series)
A younger Poirot forges his career in interwar London.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Hercule is an upcoming mystery television series based on Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot novels. The show follows a younger version of the Belgian detective as he builds his career in interwar London, encounters a new antagonist, and meets his future allies Arthur Hastings and James Japp.
Edward Bluemel plays the title role. The cast also includes Henry Ashton, James D'Arcy, Calvin Demba, Phil Dunning, Jack Gleeson, Tamsin Greig, James Nesbitt, Guy Remmers, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Mawaan Rizwan, and Sandra Huggett.
The series was first reported in late May 2026 as a new adaptation in development by Mammoth Screen for the BBC. Damien Timmer, an executive producer on the long-running *Agatha Christie's Poirot*, joined the project in the same role, with Benji Walters writing the scripts. On June 8, the series was officially titled *Hercule*, and Bluemel was confirmed as the lead. Jonny Campbell signed on to executive produce and direct the first two episodes, with Charlie Palmer as primary producer. Chanya Button and Alrick Riley were later set to direct the remaining blocks. The series comprises six 60-minute episodes covering three novels. Additional cast members were announced in August, including Gleeson, D'Arcy, Grieg, Nesbitt, and Rizwan. Production began that month, with filming mostly in Liverpool and northwest England. A commitment has been made for at least three series. The first book adapted will be *Lord Edgware Dies*.
*Hercule* is expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in late 2027. BritBox will distribute it in North America and Canada, and Fifth Season will handle international release.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Mystery / Detective / Period drama
- Based On
- Hercule Poirot · Agatha Christie
- Writer
- Benji Walters
- Starring
- Edward Bluemel
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Executive Producer
- Benji Walters / Jonny Campbell / James Prichard / Rebecca Durbin / Damien Timmer / Nick Lambon / Robert Schildhouse / Jon Farrar / Stephen Nye
- Producer
- Charlie Palmer
- Runtime
- 60 minutes
- Company
- Mammoth Screen / Agatha Christie Limited.
- Network
- BBC One/BBC iPlayer (UK) / BritBox (North America)
- Related
- Agatha Christie's Poirot
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In late May 2026, it was reported that a new television adaptation of the Hercule Poirot novels was in development from Mammoth Screen, with the BBC set as the broadcaster. Executive producer Damien Timmer, who had previously worked on the long-running Agatha Christie's Poirot, joined the new programme as an executive producer, with the series to be scripted by Benji Walters. On June 8, the series was confirmed to be titled Hercule, with Edward Bluemel having won the lead role.
Jonny Campbell joined the project to executive produce and direct the first two episodes. Charlie Palmer was also named as the primary producer. Chanya Button and Alrick Riley were later confirmed to direct the remaining blocks. The series will consist of six 60 minute episodes covering three of the novels. Further cast members were announced in August, including Jack Gleeson, James D'Arcy, Tamsin Grieg, James Nesbitt and Mawaan Rizwan. Production began later that month, with filming largely taking place in Liverpool and England's north-west area.
A commitment has reached for a potential run of at least three series. Lord Edgware Dies will be the first book adapted for the series. Hercule is expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the latter end of 2027. BritBox will distribute the series in North America and Canada, while Fifth Season will handle the international release.
Reader's Guide
Hercule represents a fresh take on Agatha Christie's iconic detective, focusing on a younger Poirot in interwar London. The series is significant for its connection to the long-running Agatha Christie's Poirot through executive producer Damien Timmer, and for its commitment to a potential run of at least three series, indicating long-term planning. By adapting three novels across six episodes, the series aims to provide deeper exploration of Christie's stories. The casting of Edward Bluemel as the lead, along with a notable ensemble including Jack Gleeson, James D'Arcy, and Tamsin Greig, brings new attention to the franchise. Filming in Liverpool and England's north-west area grounds the production in a period-appropriate setting. The series' release on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with international distribution by BritBox and Fifth Season, ensures broad reach. Its legacy will depend on how it balances honoring Christie's original work while offering a fresh perspective on Poirot's early career.
Did You Know?
- The series is titled Hercule and stars Edward Bluemel as a younger Hercule Poirot.
- The first book adapted for the series is Lord Edgware Dies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hercule (TV series)?
Hercule is a six-part mystery drama from the BBC that reimagines Agatha Christie's famous Belgian detective in his younger years. Set in interwar London, the show traces Poirot as he establishes his reputation while facing a fresh adversary and crossing paths with future partners like Hastings and Japp.
Who plays Hercule Poirot in the new BBC series?
Edward Bluemel takes on the title role of the young Belgian detective. He is joined by a supporting cast that includes Jack Gleeson, Tamsin Greig, James Nesbitt, and Henry Ashton among others.
When was Hercule (TV series) first announced?
The project first surfaced in reports during late May 2026 as a fresh adaptation of Christie's Poirot stories. It is being produced for the BBC as a six-episode limited series.
Which Poirot novel does Hercule (TV series) adapt first?
The opening storyline is drawn from Lord Edgware Dies, one of Christie's well-known Poirot mysteries. The series then expands beyond that single book to explore a broader arc of the younger detective's career.
How long is each episode of Hercule (TV series)?
The series consists of six episodes, each running approximately 60 minutes. It is structured as a contained limited run rather than an ongoing multi-season commitment.
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