Endeavour

Set in the 1960s, Endeavour follows a young, cerebral police constable named Endeavour Morse as he joins the Oxford City Police and begins shaping his identity as a detective. Reserved and bookish, Morse is drawn to music, literature, and puzzles, which set him apart from colleagues and suspects. Partnered with seasoned DI Fred Thursday, he takes on intricate murders and baffling small-town crimes across college quadrangles, pubs, and rain-slick streets. Each investigation tests his methodical mind and personal code, while workplace rivalries, moral ambiguities, and early friendships push him toward the investigator he will become, without spoiling later events. He often clashes with institutional expectations, yet forms a complicated mentor-protege bond with Thursday, shaping his methods and sense of justice.

Created by Russell Lewis from Colin Dexter's original characters, Endeavour premiered in 2013, starring Shaun Evans as Morse and Roger Allam as DI Fred Thursday, establishing a distinct prequel identity. It began with a pilot and expanded into several seasons.

The series has earned multiple British television nominations and praise for its acting and production values, with particular attention on Shaun Evans and Roger Allam. It hasn't been a major presence at large international awards, but it enjoys strong industry respect. Nominations spanned acting, writing, and technical categories.

As a prequel to Inspector Morse, the show revived interest in Colin Dexter's universe and highlighted Oxford as a character in its own right, encouraging visitors to filming sites and introducing Morse to a new generation of viewers. Its atmosphere and period detail reinforce the show's moody tone.

Critics and audiences have responded well, reflected in an average user rating around 8.1/10, praising the show's slow-burn mysteries, period detail, and character-driven storytelling. User score averages 8.09/10 from 266 votes, reflecting steady audience approval. Frequent themes include class tensions, ethics in policing, and the clash between intellect and emotion.