New Bergerac gets mixed reviews

The reboot of the hit 80s detective show Bergerac has had a mixed response from TV critics following its debut this week, but its Jersey setting has come off well.

The new Bergerac has divided opinion, as it tries to pay homage to the popular original which ran for a decade, whilst breathing new life in to an old favourite.

The RadioTimes, gave it three out five stars:

"It’s not faithful enough to please fans of the original, not whizz-bang enough to win over a new generation. Molony is terrific as the titular hero, but Nettles had more sting."

Digital Spy rated it one better at 4/5 and  reckons the "reboot's big risk's paid off" with "one key change" making the crime drama "better than ever."

But  Ally Ross in the The Sun newspaper is scathing, dubbing it a 'woke monstrosity', raging that " television people could be stupid and woke enough to decide that, in the new ­version, Charlie Hungerford must be a woman."

C’est dommage! - proclaims Rachel Cooke in the New Statesman, bemoaning 'the half-hearted return of Bergerac' for its absence of drollness and sense of fun.

Reaction from viewers who took to social media, after the first episode aired on U&Drama last night, was varied too.

Nothing beats the original classics, and this new #Bergerac is neither. Not impressed and find it boring. Just can’t get into it. Give me the original any day.

— Deborah (@TrueBlue5376) February 27, 2025

I was very impressed with the new Bergerac.

— Will. (@william95782686) February 27, 2025

Why on earth have they made a new Bergerac? Loved the original this new one is awful #Bergerac

— StephenPay THFC 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇮🇱🐓 (@Stephen1970t) February 27, 2025

Despite being a big fan John Nettles and the original Bergerac and loved it. I'm half way through the first episode and of the new revised show.. you know what it's good.. I'll watch on #Bergerac @dramachannel https://t.co/oBbTDAwf0y

— melisa (@melmontagnon) February 27, 2025

WATCH: Meet the stars at the Bergerac premiere

Jersey's government has invested £1.2m into the Bergerac project, hoping it will bring more visitors to the island.  Visit Jersey is hoping to capture the 'screen-on-screen' effect, where audiences book breaks in locations featured in films and TV programmes.

The wait is over, #Bergerac is here! 🔎🎬

On Monday, we hit the red carpet for the official premiere in Jersey 🌟

Now, it’s your turn to experience the drama, the intrigue and of course, those jaw-dropping island views 🏝️ How to watch the series ➡️ https://t.co/le6IGahp6z pic.twitter.com/rFyt6NMmWL

— Visit Jersey (@VisitJerseyCI) February 27, 2025

Jersey airport has got in on the action too:

And the exposure for Jersey is positive so far.

Jersey's landscapes have been praised by cast and writers alike, with actors agreeing that it 'feels like a character in itself.' 

The RadioTimes notes: "The island setting is windswept as much as it’s sun-soaked. Expect plentiful shots of characters gazing broodingly out to sea."

Watching the new Bergerac on U Drama and reliving memories of last year's fab holiday in Jersey. A truly beautiful island with wonderful beaches.

— Chris 🐦 (@cjkgal) February 27, 2025

Appearing on The One Show on BBC on Thursday, flanked by huge images of Jersey's Seymour tower and Gorey harbour, star Damien Molony (Jim Bergerac) told presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp:

"The natural beauty of Jersey is mind-blowing..."

"The weather is incredible, you've got beautiful beaches...tiny little harbours, old castles.. it's amazing.  I can't believe more things aren't filmed in Jersey."

To which Alex Jones replied, "Summer 2025, here we come Jersey!"

 Bergerac stars Damien Molony and Philip Glenister on The One Show