Serveur du lecteur
Épisode
Saison
Jim Bergerac, le flic de Jersey

Jim Bergerac, le flic de Jersey

19817
Drame
Sortie
18 oct. 1981
Pays
Royaume-Uni
Production
BBC TV
Jim Bergerac est un sergent détective au Foreigners Office qui aime faire les choses à sa manière. Tout en luttant contre ses propres démons, Bergerac a le don de se retrouver dans des ennuis, et parfois même de les provoquer.

About

Quick guide

A 1980s British detective drama set on the island of Jersey. Jim Bergerac returns to the force after personal setbacks and tackles complex cases his own way.

Jim Bergerac is a former police detective who struggles with alcoholism and a broken leg before returning to Jersey’s police force. As a sergeant in the fictional Bureau des Étrangers, he is known for his unorthodox methods, sharp wit, and a tendency to get drawn into danger. Over nine series and 81 episodes, his stories weave personal drama with crime solving, exploring moral dilemmas and relationships with colleagues and love interests. The series blends mystery, romance, and occasional supernatural elements in a distinctly British atmosphere. It closed with a Christmas special hinting at Bergerac’s future as a private investigator.

What to know

  • Series ran from 1981 to 1991 on BBC One.
  • It featured 9 series, 81 episodes and 6 Christmas specials.
  • Filmed on the island of Jersey, using real locations.
  • Jim Bergerac was a recovering alcoholic and former policeman.
  • Charlie's role as a charming rogue is central to the show.
  • The series mixed crime drama with personal romance and occasional supernatural bits.
  • The theme music was composed by George Fenton.
  • A 2025 reboot was announced, starring Damien Molony.

Watch if

If you enjoy period detective series with a charismatic lead who balances gritty investigations with a personal, sometimes troubled life, ‘Bergerac’ offers a unique blend of mystery and human drama set against the scenic backdrop of Jersey.

Skip if

If you prefer modern high‑speed police procedurals, or are sensitive to mature themes, language, and occasional violence, this classic may feel slow and dated.

crime violencedialogue heavyinvestigation heavylanguage somepsychological elementsromance elementsmature themessuspenseful
Island Setting
Bergerac is filmed on Jersey, using real locations such as St Helier and the historic Haut de la Garenne. The island’s unique geography, from harbor docks to seaside cliffs, provides a distinctive backdrop for the series’ crime scenes and personal moments.
Jim Bergerac’s Background
Former police sergeant Jim Bergerac returns to Jersey after recovering from alcoholism and a broken leg. He is known for his sharp wit, unconventional methods, and a personal code that often clashes with official procedures.
The Bureau des Étrangers
A specialized police unit dealing with non‑Jersey residents, the Bureau serves as the primary workplace for Bergerac. Its quirky internal dynamics add depth to the procedural aspect of the series.
Romantic Subplots
Bergerac’s relationships with women, from his ex‑wife to later partners, provide ongoing personal drama. These subplots humanize the detective and create emotional stakes beyond the case at hand.
Iconic Car
Bergerac’s 1947 Triumph Roadster, painted burgundy, is a recurring character that underscores his independent spirit and serves as a mobile clue‑gathering tool.
Series Structure
Each episode presents a standalone mystery with a blend of crime, humor, and occasional supernatural twists. The show balances procedural resolution with character development across its nine seasons.
Reboot and Legacy
In 2025, a new series was announced to reboot the original storyline, starring Damien Molony. The reboot aims to capture the original’s charm while exploring contemporary themes.

FAQ

22 Q&A
What is Bergerac about?
Bergerac follows Jim Bergerac, a former detective who returns to Jersey’s police force after recovering from alcoholism and a broken leg, solving crimes in an unconventional way.
Who is Jim Bergerac?
Jim Bergerac is the series’ protagonist, a detective sergeant in the fictional Bureau des Étrangers who balances personal demons with his investigative duties.
Where is the series set?
The show is set on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands, using real locations such as St Helier and the historic Haut de la Garenne.
When did Bergerac air?
Bergerac first broadcast on BBC One on 18 October 1981 and ran until 26 December 1991, spanning nine series and six Christmas specials.
How many episodes were produced?
The series produced 81 regular episodes and six Christmas specials, totaling 87 episodes.
Did the series have a reboot?
Yes, a 2025 reboot was announced featuring Damien Molony in the lead role, aiming to preserve the original’s essence while introducing modern themes.
Who played Charlie Hungerford?
Charlie Hungerford, Bergerac’s lovable rogue father‑in‑law, was portrayed by Terence Alexander throughout the series.
What type of car does Bergerac drive?
Bergerac drives a 1947 Triumph Roadster, painted burgundy, which becomes a notable character in its own right.
Was Bergerac filmed in Jersey?
Yes, the production used many real Jersey locations, adding authenticity to the series’ setting and atmosphere.
Who composed the series’ theme music?
The theme music was composed by George Fenton, featuring a distinctive reggae‑acoustic blend.
Are there romantic subplots?
Bergerac includes several romantic arcs, from his divorce to later relationships, adding personal depth to the detective narrative.
Does the show contain supernatural elements?
Occasionally, the series touches on supernatural themes, but they are not central to the overall storyline.
What is the Bureau des Étrangers?
It’s a specialized Jersey police unit handling cases involving non‑Jersey residents, serving as Bergerac’s main workplace.
How is the show’s tone described?
Bergerac balances a serious investigative tone with occasional humor, mature themes, and a strong focus on character psychology.
What is the nature of Bergerac’s personal struggles?
His main challenges include overcoming alcoholism and coping with the emotional aftermath of a broken leg, which shape his investigative approach.
Why did the series end in 1991?
The final season concluded with a Christmas special that hinted at Bergerac’s future as a private investigator, bringing closure to the original run.
Is Bergerac available on streaming services?
The original series is available on BritBox and Amazon Prime in certain regions, with the 2025 reboot expected to appear on similar platforms.
What was the viewership like during its run?
Bergerac regularly attracted around 15 million viewers, making it one of the BBC’s most popular drama series of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Did the show feature any notable guest stars?
Yes, guest appearances included actors such as Peter Laird, Julian Glover, and Bill Nighy, adding prestige to the series.
Does the show touch on moral dilemmas?
Several episodes explore moral choices, such as handling war criminals or dealing with the consequences of past actions.
What is the significance of the 1947 Triumph Roadster?
Bergerac’s car symbolizes his independent spirit and serves as a mobile tool for gathering evidence during investigations.
How does Bergerac’s relationship with his ex‑wife develop?
Their interactions provide recurring conflict and emotional stakes, offering viewers insight into Bergerac’s personal life beyond crime scenes.

Acteurs

John Nettles
John Nettles
DS Jim Bergerac