Bergerac, the iconic detective series that first introduced Jersey to television audiences in the 1980s, is making its much-anticipated return. Premiering on 27 February 2025, the newly reimagined U series stars Damien Molony alongside the breathtaking landscapes of our island. Viewers can tune in on U and U&DRAMA to experience this thrilling crime drama.
About Bergerac
Credit: BBC Archive
The original series
The original Bergerac detective series captivated audiences with its gripping mysteries and breathtaking island scenery. Celebrated for its stunning locations, the show masterfully intertwined thrilling detective stories with Jersey’s distinctive charm, bringing the island’s culture and characters to life on screen.
A BBC One staple, Bergerac ran for a decade from 1981 to 1991, peaking at nearly 15 million viewers and sparking a surge in visitors to the island. At its heart was Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac—a free-spirited yet troubled investigator navigating both the criminal underworld and the complexities of his personal life. From high-stakes jewel heists to smuggling rings and murder investigations, Bergerac delivered intrigue, action, and a vivid portrait of Jersey’s unique allure.
Bergerac 2025
So, what’s new? The highly anticipated return of Bergerac brings a fresh, six-episode series described as a “modern reimagining” of the original classic. Stepping into the iconic role of Jim Bergerac is Irish actor, Damien Molony, known for his work in Derry Girls, Brassic, The Split, and Crashing. He takes over from John Nettles, who made the character famous in the 1980s.
This new chapter sees Bergerac “thrown into a knotty, high-stakes police investigation and challenged to his very core”. Along the way, he is “forced to confront his demons, while trying to save his family and career”.
Jersey is one of the main characters in the series, with its stunning island backdrop taking centre stage. The new series provides a unique marketing hook to engage audiences and encourage set-jetting experiences.
When we meet Jim Bergerac, he is a broken man, struggling with grief and alcoholism following the tragic loss of his wife. His mother-in-law, Charlie (Zoë Wanamaker), fears he is failing to put his daughter, Kim (Chloé Sweetlove), first. But when the daughter-in-law of powerful businessman Arthur Wakefield (Philip Glenister) is murdered, Jim must push past his personal turmoil to reclaim his place as the formidable investigator he once was.
Unlike the original series, where Bergerac cracked a new case each episode, this reimagined version unfolds as a single, character-driven mystery spanning all six episodes, offering a deeper and more immersive storytelling experience.
Why is Bergerac good for Jersey?
“For many, the words ‘Jersey’ and ‘Bergerac’ are synonymous. We were delighted to welcome cast and crew to our island’s beautiful shores for filming in late summer 2024. The modern re-imagining of Bergerac presents an opportunity to celebrate the show’s legacy in Jersey, whilst reaching a new generation of fans who will be eager to ‘set jet’ to the featured locations. We’ve been delighted to work with UKTV, Banijay UK, and BlackLight TV to showcase Jersey’s unique charm and picturesque landscapes through the lens of this beloved show in a fresh, contemporary way.”
Tricia Warwick, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Jersey
How to get involved and use Bergerac
The return of Bergerac presents an exciting opportunity for our Trade partners: inspiring travel to Jersey by tapping into the show’s strong nostalgic appeal and fresh, contemporary storytelling. With Jersey’s stunning island backdrop taking centre stage, the new series provides a unique marketing hook to engage audiences and encourage set-jetting experiences.
Discover our range of destination toolkits to help you plan the perfect break to Jersey. Or explore our online training platform to become a Jersey specialist.
Get in touch
Looking to make the most of Bergerac’s return? The Visit Jersey team are here to help. Get in touch to explore partnership opportunities.
