Inspector Morse (1987): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Inspector Morse first went out in January 1987 on ITV (Central). It ran until 2000, with 7 series and 28 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

detective
oxford
british
More from the 1980s

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Why it is worth your time

John Thaw as the real-ale, crossword and Wagner-loving Oxford detective, with Kevin Whately as Lewis. Thirty-three feature-length films that led to Lewis and Endeavour.

The details

First broadcast: 6 January 1987
Originally on: ITV (Central)
On air: 1987–2000
Series: 7
Episodes: 28
Typical length: 120 minutes
Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery
First episode: “The Dead of Jericho”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

Inspector Morse: quick answers

When did Inspector Morse start?

On 6 January 1987, on ITV (Central).

How many episodes of Inspector Morse are there?

28 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 7 series. The last aired in 2000.

Where can I watch Inspector Morse now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.