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
The Superintendent selects the duo for a particularly sensitive assignment. His granddaughter has become involved in an anti-road protest and he needs Louis and Briggs to 'rescue' her.
Guest stars Sandy Hendrickse, Midge Taylor, Rupert Holliday-Evans, Gracy Goldman
Episode 2
When a gang member is shot during a getaway, Briggs and Louis are dispatched to the hospital. But with so many sick people, doctors and nurses around, Louis' hypochondria knows no bounds...
Guest stars Christopher Villiers, Jamie Foreman, Tony Pritchard, Jason Griffiths, Angus Kennedy, Joanne Good, Martyn Whitby, James Curran
Episode 3
A night patrolling the marshes, on the lookout for an escaped bear, is really not what our heroes had in mind - particularly when their umbrella act for the Super's variety show is really coming together.
Guest stars Tony Selby, Olivia Nash, Dicken Ashworth, Peter Lovstrom, Angela Curran, Mark Steel, Gwenan Edwards, Martin Sadler
Episode 4
When Briggs and Louis, helped by a mysterious Commanch Chief, go on the hunt for a sacred Indian carving, they soon find themselves on the trail of tragedy, death and disaster...
Guest stars Tony Selby, Dicken Ashworth, Mark Steel, Anthony Valentine, Tat Whalley, Stephen Marcus, Tim Stern, Dean Gatiss
Episode 5
Much to his and everybody else's astonishment, Briggs is chosen to be best man at a colleague's wedding. When he discovers just who the bride's father is, Briggs isn't exactly keen either...
Guest stars Tony Selby, Brenda Cowling, Claudette Barnard, Jacey Sallés, Derek Martin, Ken McKay, Tony Sloman, Walter van Dyk
Episode 6
Briggs and Louis have found their true vocation - the river police. With peace, quiet and the total absence of any type of crime, it seems like paradise. Then the boat runs into an unexploded WWII river mine...
Guest stars Gracy Goldman, Malcolm McFee, Larry Dann, Andrew Lancel
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
