TV series
The absurd adventures of two defective detectives, who - despite unbelievable incompetence - somehow manage to solve their cases (or be nearby when the cases are solved) and retain their jobs.
Availability
The Detectives premiered January 27, 1993. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
The absurd adventures of two defective detectives, who - despite unbelievable incompetence - somehow manage to solve their cases (or be nearby when the cases are solved) and retain their jobs.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
When the Earl of Lisson is murdered, Briggs and Louis try to discover ""who dunnit"".
Directed by Ed ByeGuest stars Jerry Hall, Jon Cartwright, Adam Maxwell, Noel Coleman, Laura Beckford, Candida Rundle, Peter Geeves, Nick Ball
Episode 2
A fanatical murderer has escaped from prison and Superintendent Cottam orders Briggs and Louis to catch him but the two detectives would rather be watching the F.A. Cup Final.
Guest stars Philip Glenister, Michael Melia, Eileen Way, Norman Lumsden, Stuart Fox, Nick Maloney, John Motson
Episode 3
Johnny McKenna is an arms dealer and a keen golfer. Briggs and Louis have to get evidence of his illegal activities.
Guest stars Jimmy Tarbuck, Michael Godley, Tony Jacklin, Don Gallagher, Nosher Powell, Marcus Eyre
Episode 4
Briggs and Louis are assigned to act as advisors for a TV police drama.
Directed by Ed ByeGuest stars Eddie Webber, Peter Jeffrey, Anthony Stewart Head, Ruth Hudson, Clive Darby, Caroline O'Neill, Alan Bodenham, Sion Tudor Owen
Episode 5
Briggs and Louis find themselves on an assignment in Jersey. It isn't long before they get on the wrong side of Jim Bergerac.
Guest stars John Nettles, Nigel Davenport, Raad Rawi, John Dair, Doug Fisher, Terence Alexander, James Ottaway, John Warnaby
Episode 6
Gangster Tony Mazola has been murdered. Superintendent Cottam thinks that gang warfare may be about to start. He sends Briggs and Louis on an undercover assignment to the Paradise Club in the East End of London.
Guest stars Barry Cryer, Leon Herbert, Leslie Grantham, Andy Lucas, Alex Knight, Dave Atkins, Georgina Hale, Lucy Davis
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Available now in United States
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Robert PowellDave Briggs
George SewellSuperintendent Cottam
Jasper CarrottBob Louis
Jimmy TarbuckMcKenna
John NettlesJim Bergerac
Philip GlenisterUniformed Officer
Christopher VilliersDr Phipps
Eamonn WalkerD.I. Tyler
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
