Drama · Crime

The Singing Detective: all seasons, episodes and where to watch

BBC (U.K.) drama and crime series (1986–1986), 1 season.

Season complete BBC (U.K.) Listings updated October 7, 2026 Listings

Quick answer · Season 1

The Singing Detective is a drama and crime series that aired on BBC (U.K.), running from 1986 with 1 season and 6 episodes. The Singing Detective has ended. Its final episode aired on December 21, 1986.

U.S. premiere: November 16, 1986
Where: BBC (U.K.)
Time: Varies by station
Episodes: 6
Finale: December 21, 1986

Where to watch The Singing Detective season 1 in the U.S.

Where to watch The Singing Detective season 1 in the U.S.
Where	How	When	Notes
BBC (U.K.)	Broadcast (free)Antenna / cable	November 16, 1986 – December 21, 1986	Original U.K. run on BBC One. [1]

Season 1 episode schedule

The Singing Detective season 1 U.S. episode schedule
Ep.	Title	U.S. date	Time	Status
1	Skin	Sun, Nov 16, 1986 ^[1]	Check local listings national slot	Listed
2	Heat	Sun, Nov 23, 1986 ^[1]	Check local listings national slot	Listed
3	Lovely Days	Sun, Nov 30, 1986 ^[1]	Check local listings national slot	Listed
4	Clues	Sun, Dec 7, 1986 ^[1]	Check local listings national slot	Listed
5	Pitter Patter	Sun, Dec 14, 1986 ^[1]	Check local listings national slot	Listed
6	Who Done It	Sun, Dec 21, 1986 ^[1]	Check local listings national slot	Listed

Dates are U.S. dates. Broadcast times are the network's national slot; your local station may differ.

About The Singing Detective

Season 1: Season 1 of The Singing Detective aired from November 16, 1986 to December 21, 1986 on BBC (U.K.) (6 episodes).

Network / service: BBC One (first aired November 16, 1986)
Official site: bbc.co.uk
Main cast over the series (TVmaze): Michael Gambon (Philip Marlow), Patrick Malahide (Mark Binney), Joanne Whalley (Nurse Mills), David Ryall (Mr. Hall), Gerard Horan (Reginald)

Common questions

How many seasons of The Singing Detective are there?

The Singing Detective has 1 season and 6 episodes listed, airing from November 16, 1986 to December 21, 1986.

Is The Singing Detective cancelled or ended?

The Singing Detective has ended. Its final episode aired on December 21, 1986.

Where can I watch The Singing Detective?

The Singing Detective originally aired on BBC (U.K.) in the U.S. Streaming rights for older seasons change over time, so check BBC (U.K.)'s own app and the major streaming services for the current home.