Midsomer Murders 'could be axed' as ITV pull series from schedules after one episode
ITV crime staple Midsomer Murders has sparked fears it “could be axed” after it was pulled from the schedule after just one episode the new series. For decades now, the long running drama has had millions of viewers thoroughly invested in its intricate whodunnit storylines, and this year looks set to be no different, as stars Neil Dudgeon and Nick Hendrix return as Barnaby and Wilson to lead the cast in four new feature length stories.
The first of these stories hit our screens on Sunday April 14, in the same primetime time-slot, 8-10pm which had previously been occupied by another ITV favourite, crime series Vera. In the episode, Barnaby and Winter investigated the death of a man whose body was found in a bombproof shelter, with EastEnders star Nina Wadia and comedy icon Kate Robbins joined them.
In a baffling twist, following the conclusion of the two hour episode, the series appeared to mysteriously vanish from future TV listings as part of a schedule shake-up.
Initially it had been assumed that the show would air over consecutive Sundays following the first episode, but a look at the TV listings for ITV on Sunday, April 21, shows no sign of Midsomer Murders. Instead, the second episode of Britain's Got Talent's new series is set to broadcast from 7.40-9pm, as its return dominates ITV's weekend primetime schedule for two nights in a row.
The show will then be followed by the first episode of highly anticipated drama Red-Eye, featuring Richard Armitage and Jing Lusi.
Following the decision to pull the show from the schedule, one fan wrote: “So apparently this is another random schedule filler, and its not on next week...FFS @itv @itvx This is not acceptable.; ITV doing their random episode then another one god knows when…."
A second fan also weighed in and commented: "#MidsomerMurders what on earth? S23 has 1 ep, then we have to wait for the next which is WHEN? S 23 & 24 have already aired (8 episodes), not sure where but not on ITV. So disappointing!; 2025 for the next one now probably. ”
They then continued: “Absolutely fuming. And even more upset that we will probably have to wait until next year for the rest; Yup, no MM next week, using it again as a random filler. Its so frustrating.”
A third fan then echoed the sentiment as they wrote: “I was hoping @ITV was actually going to show us #MidsomerMurders fans some respect and air the whole series continuously; Yeah @ITV @itvpresscentre as much as I'm looking forward to #RedEye I would much rather have a whole series of #MidsomerMurders first”
Given the short notice change, many fans have been left scratching their heads about when the show will actually return to our screen, with bookies currently predicting that the show may even be cancelling following the screening of the new series.
Given the short notice change, many fans have been left scratching their heads about when the show will actually return to our screen, with bookies currently predicting that the show may even be cancelling following the screening of the new series.
Lee Astley, spokesperson for betideas.com, said: “The new series of Midsomer Murders was met with a mixed reception last night and with no confirmed date for its second episode, it appears ITV could be losing patience with its long-running drama.
“Series 23, whenever it does resume, could well be the last one to hit our screens, with the show now just 8/11 to be canned after the latest season is aired."
“Meanwhile, ITV bosses could look to keep hold of the show but instead give it a major revamp to appeal to new viewers, including a new cast, with Midsomer Murders 6/4 to receive a significant rebrand.”
Although fans and bookies have been quick to speculate that an axe or rebrand may be on the cards, ITV have since confirmed that this is “definitely not the case” and added: "there'll be more episodes in the coming months. "
