Name: Jonathan Creek
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery
Released: 1997-05-09
Rating: 7.5
Cast: Alan Davies, Sarah Alexander

A magician in a windmill solves crimes that break your brain. Yes, really.

Watch(US)

Cozy brain-teasersDeadpan British witImpossible puzzles

Latest Episode

7.858 min

Season 5 • Episode 3

Latest

The Curse of the Bronze Lamp

Mar 14, 2014

A wealthy kidnap victim appears to pull off a mind-boggling act of teleportation to alert the police to her whereabouts.

Overview

Comedy Drama Mystery

Working from his home in a converted windmill, Jonathan Creek is a magician with a natural ability for solving puzzles. He soon puts this ability to the use of solving impossible crimes and mysterious murders.

Content warning

journalist detective magician investigative journalist cosy crime

Perception vs realityThe art of misdirectionIntellectual arroganceIsolation and connection

Standout Aspects

Writing

David Renwick's locked-room mysteries are genuinely ingenious

Acting

Alan Davies' eternal exasperation is comedic perfection

Production

That windmill set is instantly iconic British TV

Best for:Solo·Rewatch·Background

Heads up:Violence·Disturbing

Creator

David Renwick

First AiredMay 9, 1997

StatusEnded

Vibe

Pacesteady

Intensitymedium

Tonemixed

Feellight

Seasons5·Episodes26

Top Cast

Alan Davies

Jonathan Creek

Sarah Alexander

Polly Creek

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Alan Davies was cast after David Renwick saw him on a panel show being deliberately obtuse about a simple riddle.

Cultural

The show single-handedly revived the 'impossible crime' subgenre on British television for a decade, influencing everything from Sherlock to Death in Paradise.