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
Louis and Briggs are cuffed to a notoriously slippery customer as they escort him to his latest prison by train. So how do they end up crossing the Yorkshire moors carrying a toilet door?
Guest stars Russell Hunter, Anthony Lewis, Ken Kitson, Toni Galacki, Colin Spaull, Bryan Pringle, Hugh Dennis, Sean Patterson
Episode 2
Louis and Briggs are called in to investigate a murder that has taken place during the re-creation of a medieval battle scene. However they are more concerned with the police football quiz.
Guest stars Frank Windsor, Steve Speirs, Dean Harris, Kemal Sylvester, Jeremy Sinden, Paul Chapman, Ken Jones, Eve Bland
Episode 3
After Briggs and Louis manage to murder the last female white-flippered turtle on the planet, they are only too pleased to investigate a drug scandal at an exclusive girls school.
Guest stars Sarah Crowden, Rebecca Root, Julie Etchingham, Jessica Fox, Sarah Harris, Cathy Sara, Stephen Churchett, Jessica Marshall-Gardiner
Episode 4
Briggs and Louis mistake the new Superintendent for a stripper at Cattams farewell party.
Guest stars Frank Windsor, Tony Selby, Paul Bigley, Ann Mitchell, Pamela Cundell, Anthony Jackson, Mark Steel, Jeremy Turner-Welch
Episode 5
Although Louis and Briggs have been assigned to a security operation at Wembley Stadium, they have their minds on winning the police table football tournament.
Guest stars Adam Godley, Tony Mathews, Jonty Stephens, Simon Slater, John Bardon, Richard Karlsson, Allison Dean, Chris Armstrong
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match The Detectives.
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
