The Singing Detective

The Singing Detective (1986)

EndedScripted showDrama, Crime

The Singing Detective was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC1 in 1986 on Sunday nights from 16 November to 21 December with later PBS and cable television showings in the United States. Mystery writer Philip E. Marlow is suffering writer's block and is hospitalised because his psoriatic arthropathy, a chronic skin and joint disease, is at an acute stage forming lesions and sores over his entire body, and partially cripples his hands and feet. As a result of constant pain, a fever caused by the condition, and his refusal to take medication, Marlow falls into a fantasy world involving his Chandleresque novel, The Singing Detective, an escapist adventure about a detective (also named "Philip Marlow") who sings at a dance hall and takes the jobs "the guys who don't sing" won't take.

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday (70 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E06Who Done ItDez. 21, 1986
S01E05Pitter PatterDez. 14, 1986
S01E04CluesDez. 7, 1986
S01E03Lovely DaysNov. 30, 1986
S01E02HeatNov. 23, 1986
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did The Singing Detective premiere?

The Singing Detective premiered on November 16, 1986.

Who created The Singing Detective?

The Singing Detective was created by Dennis Potter.

What genre does The Singing Detective belong to?

The Singing Detective belongs to the genre of musical crime drama.

Who played the lead role in The Singing Detective?

The lead role in The Singing Detective was played by Michael Gambon.

What is the name of the lead character in The Singing Detective?

The lead character in The Singing Detective is named Philip Marlow.

In which country is the setting for The Singing Detective?

The Singing Detective is set in England.

Who directed the episodes of The Singing Detective?

The episodes of The Singing Detective were directed by Jon Amiel.

What was the budget for The Singing Detective?

The budget for The Singing Detective is unknown.

How many episodes were there in the first season of The Singing Detective?

There was only one season of The Singing Detective which consisted of six episodes.

In what year is the majority of The Singing Detective set?

The majority of The Singing Detective is set in the year 1945.

Who played Detective Mark Binney in The Singing Detective?

The role of Detective Mark Binney in The Singing Detective was played by Patrick Malahide.

How many awards did the series receive?

The series received a total of 12 awards including a BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series.

Did The Singing Detective receive any Emmy nominations?

Yes, The Singing Detective was nominated for five Emmy Awards.

Who wrote the screenplay for The Singing Detective?

The screenplay for The Singing Detective was written by Dennis Potter.

Is the series based on a book?

No, The Singing Detective is not based on a book.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
FBI
Running

FBI

FBI is a fast-paced drama about the inner workings of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These first-class agents, including Special Agent Maggie Bell and her partner, Special Agent Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan, bring all their talents, intellect and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep New York and the country safe.

GenreDrama, Crime
Watson
Running

Watson

In Watson a year after the death of his friend and partner Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty, Dr. John Watson resumes his medical career as the head of a clinic dedicated to treating rare disorders. Watson's old life isn't done with him, though — Moriarty and Watson are set to write their own chapter of a story that has fascinated audiences for more than a century. Watson is a medical show with a strong investigative spine, featuring a modern version of one of history's greatest detectives as he turns his attention from solving crimes to addressing the greatest mystery of all: illness, and the ways it disrupts our lives.

Tracker
Running

Tracker

Tracker features lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw, who roams the country as a "reward seeker," using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement to solve all manner of mysteries while contending with his own fractured family.

GenreDrama
Marshals
Running

Marshals

Marshals stars Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton. With the Yellowstone Ranch behind him, Dutton joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, combining his skills as a cowboy and Navy SEAL to bring range justice to Montana. Kayce and his teammates - Pete Calvin, Belle Skinner, Andrea Cruz and Miles Kittle - must balance the high psychological cost of serving as the last line of defense in the region's war on violence with their duty to their families, which for Kayce includes his son Tate and his confidants Thomas Rainwater and Mo from the Broken Rock reservation.

NCIS
Running

NCIS

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it's a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Marine gunnery sergeant, whose skills as an investigator are unmatched, leads this troupe of colorful personalities. Rounding out the team are Anthony DiNozzo, an ex-homicide detective whose instincts in the field are unparalleled and whose quick wit and humorous take on life make him a team favorite; the youthful and energetic forensic specialist Abby Sciuto, a talented scientist whose sharp mind matches her Goth style and eclectic tastes; Caitlin Todd, an ex-Secret Service Agent; and Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate whose brilliance with computers far overshadows his insecurities in the field; Assisting the team is medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, who knows it all because he's seen it all, and he's not afraid to let you know. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents travel the globe to investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.