First broadcast: 1992
Stars: Michael Gambon, Barbara Flynn
Based on: The stories of Georges Simenon
The lowdown: This very satisfying adaptation of the Simenon crime novels stars film and TV actor Michael Gambon in the title role. He plays the detective from the Paris Surete as a solid, dependable plodder who studies people far more than shreds of evidence. He’s more at home in cafes than his office and can always depend on Madame Maigret to provide a hearty meal at night.
Memorable moments: A young Minnie Driver guest stars in the second series as the ill-fated stripper Arlette, who has links with one of Maigret's own detectives.
Trivia: The series was filmed in Hungary because it was cheaper and looked more like old France and Paris than the real thing. Gambon was initially lined up as George Lazenby’s successor as James Bond. He was invited to audition for the role of 007 by the franchise’s legendary producer Cubby Broccoli. But the films’ makers decided they didn’t want to take another risk with a relatively unknown actor, and so instead cast Roger Moore.
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