A Nero Wolfe Mystery poster

A Nero Wolfe Mystery

TV Show TV-PG 2001 1h/ep 7.8 /10 Ended
A&E A A&E Original
Created by Rex Stout

Nero Wolfe is a genius of deduction who eschews the usual detective routine, preferring to solve crimes from his penthouse office. His sharp witted assistant Archie Goodwin handles the field work and keeps the world at bay while Wolfe stays glued to his orchids and the desk. Each case presents a... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 19, 2026

About A Nero Wolfe Mystery

Nero Wolfe is a genius of deduction who eschews the usual detective routine, preferring to solve crimes from his penthouse office. His sharp witted assistant Archie Goodwin handles the field work and keeps the world at bay while Wolfe stays glued to his orchids and the desk. Each case presents a seemingly unsolvable puzzle as suspects multiply and the truth seems buried beneath misdirection. The duo relies on precise observation, a knack for reading people, and Wolfe's signature world weary humor to tease out the killer's logic. While the outside world tries to pull Wolfe into the hustle, Archie threads through social circles to uncover crucial leads. Cases unfold with clever puzzles and a dry humor that undercuts drama subtly.

A Nero Wolfe Mystery launched in 2001 as a television series based on Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe stories, with Maury Chaykin as Wolfe and Timothy Hutton as Archie Goodwin, noted for its faithful mood and crisp production throughout.

There are no widely cited major nominations or wins for the series. It gathered a niche following among fans of Rex Stout and detective fiction, but did not become a staple of award season. Fans of the franchise still point to the performances as a strong reason to revisit.

The show stands out as a faithful on screen take on Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe, emphasizing the unusual partnership between a brilliant but reclusive inventor of ideas and his capable, quick witted assistant. It remains a touchstone for veteran crime fiction fans. It sparked renewed interest.

Critics and viewers praised the series for its witty dialogue, faithful mood, and strong chemistry between the leads. The themes center on intellect over brute force, the tension between Wolfe's isolation and Archie's social acumen, and the craft of deduction. Its tone balances wit with noir mood.

Details

Release Date
April 22, 2001
Episode Length
1h
Rating
TV-PG
User Ratings
23 votes
Type
TV Series
Seasons
2
Episodes
27
Network
A&E
Status
Ended
Genres
Drama, Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Country
United States
Studio
Jaffe/Braunstein Films +3 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Cast

Maury Chaykin

Maury Chaykin

Nero Wolfe

Timothy Hutton

Timothy Hutton

Archie Goodwin

Colin Fox

Colin Fox

Fritz Brenner

Bill Smitrovich

Bill Smitrovich

Inspector Cramer

Created by: Rex Stout

Seasons (2 seasons, 27 episodes)

Season 1

Season 1

11 episodes - 2001

Season 2

Season 2

16 episodes - 2002

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Nero Wolfe Mystery is not currently available to stream, rent, or buy online in the US. Check back later for updates.

A Nero Wolfe Mystery has 2 seasons with a total of 27 episodes.

With a rating of 7.8/10 from 23 viewers, A Nero Wolfe Mystery is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

Nero Wolfe is a genius of deduction who eschews the usual detective routine, preferring to solve crimes from his penthouse office. His sharp witted assistant Archie Goodwin handles the field work and keeps the world at bay while Wolfe stays glued to his orchids and the desk. Each case presents a ...

A Nero Wolfe Mystery stars Maury Chaykin, Timothy Hutton, Colin Fox, and Bill Smitrovich.

A Nero Wolfe Mystery was created by Rex Stout.

A Nero Wolfe Mystery was released on April 22, 2001.

A Nero Wolfe Mystery is a Drama, Comedy, Crime, and Mystery series.

Yes, it draws from Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe detective canon. The series follows Nero Wolfe and his right-hand man Archie Goodwin solving crimes.

The show aired from 2001 to 2002, spanning 2 seasons and 27 episodes. It is listed as Ended, so there are no plans for a third season.

Maury Chaykin plays Nero Wolfe, and Timothy Hutton plays Archie Goodwin. Colin Fox is Fritz Brenner, and Bill Smitrovich portrays Inspector Cramer.

The series has 27 episodes across its 2 seasons.