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Trailer

The Singing Detective

1986Show1 season6 episodes

DramaMystery
65
GoodGoodWatch score
IMDb8.5Rotten Tomatoes–100%

A deeply moving, intricate drama series about the mind and mystery, with standout performances and characters.

Good for thought-provoking · adults · public viewing safe

Skip it if you want fast pacing · you want to half-watch while scrolling

Where to watch

Set your services

Not streaming in United States. Where it is:

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Not for comfort, warmth or laughs.

Shows with

Episodes

1 season · 6 episodes · best: S1E1 "Skin" 8.0

Episodes

7.9

Story

Tormented and bedridden by a debilitating disease, a mystery writer relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations.

Feels like

  • Metafictional Mystery
  • Psychological Drama
  • Musical Hallucination
  • Non-Linear Narrative
  • Tormented Artist Archetype
  • Dennis Potter Signature Style
  • Melancholic & Introspective
  • Genre Deconstruction
  • Michael Gambon Performance
  • Surreal Realism

Cast

21 of 21 · most episodes first

Crew

Directors
Jon Amiel
Written by
Dennis Potter
Produced by
Kenith Trodd, John Harris

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

November 16, 1986 · December 21, 1986 · Ended

First aired
November 16, 1986
Last aired
December 21, 1986
Status
Ended
Length
1 season · 6 episodes
Content
Violence, Strong Language, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Drama, Mystery
Original language
English
Made in
United Kingdom, Australia
Available in
2 countries

Tropes

Never My Fault, Sadist Teacher, Wish Fulfilment +9

  • Never My Fault
  • Sadist Teacher
  • Wish Fulfilment
  • You Are Better Than You Think You Are
  • Bit-Part Bad Guys
  • The Snark Knight
  • Her Code Name Was "Mary Sue"
  • Mind Screw
  • Stepford Snarker
  • Howl of Sorrow
  • Fever Dream Episode
  • Pre-Mortem One-Liner

12 of 48 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

6 questions, like "Where can I stream The Singing Detective?"

Questions about The Singing Detective

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Singing Detective?

It streams in 2 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is The Singing Detective worth watching?

65
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65 (IMDb 8.5).

How long does it take to watch The Singing Detective?

7 h

About 7 hours: 6 episodes in 1 season of about 70 minutes each, aired from 1986 to 1986.

Can I half-watch The Singing Detective?

Easy watchDemanding

No, it needs your attention: the title analysis rates it 10 of 10 for non-linear narrative and 9 for complexity.

Is The Singing Detective plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (10 of 10) and pathos (9 of 10) more than on its plot.

What tropes does The Singing Detective use?

Never My FaultSadist TeacherWish FulfilmentYou Are Better Than You Think You AreBit-Part Bad GuysThe Snark KnightHer Code Name Was "Mary Sue"Mind ScrewStepford SnarkerHowl of SorrowFever Dream EpisodePre-Mortem One-Linerand 36 more

TV Tropes lists 48 tropes for it, including Never My Fault, Sadist Teacher, and Wish Fulfilment.