8.5
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The Singing Detective fingerprint
Masterful craft, stunning style.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence4
- Scare3
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Nostalgia7
Humor
Some sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody5
- Absurdist Humor4
World
The mind and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Novelty9
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
Craft
Standout performances, storytelling, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure10
- Character Depth10
Style
Standout editing, score, and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
- Editing9
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality9
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Singing Detective is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny7Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, melancholic, and nostalgic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
World
HighThe mind and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around the mind and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Surrealism8Dreamlike, bizarre imagery.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime5Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
Very highStandout performances, storytelling, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, storytelling, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure10Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative10Time-shifts and structure play.
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative9Stories about storytelling.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Homage & Reference6Allusions to other works.
Style
Very highStandout editing, score, and cinematography
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the editing, score, and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
AdultsPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
Tormented and bedridden by a debilitating disease, a mystery writer relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations.
Metafictional MysteryPsychological DramaMusical HallucinationNon-Linear NarrativeTormented Artist ArchetypeDennis Potter Signature StyleMelancholic & IntrospectiveGenre DeconstructionMichael Gambon PerformanceSurreal Realism
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Singing Detective
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Singing Detective worth watching?
65
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 8.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Singing Detective rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does The Singing Detective have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 6 episodes of about 70 minutes each.
When did The Singing Detective air?
S1
It ran from 1986 to 1986 and has ended.
What language is The Singing Detective in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, Australia.
In how many countries can I watch The Singing Detective?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Singing Detective in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
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 storytelling tropes for The Singing Detective, including Never My Fault, Sadist Teacher, Wish Fulfilment.