BBC One Gives Father Brown Two-Season Renewal

BBC One has ordered 12th and 13th seasons of its hit crime drama Father Brown, produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions.

Mark Williams returns as Father Brown, a charismatic clergyman sleuth based on the character created by GK Chesterton. Following the proposal at the end of season 11, Kembleford becomes abuzz as wedding plans get underway, but a surprise visit from the father of the groom quickly throws everything into turmoil.

In addition to Williams, returning cast members include Tom Chambers, Claudie Blakley, Ruby-May Martinwood and John Burton.

Father Brown first aired on BBC Daytime in 2013. Its 11th season recently concluded on screen and averaged 2.5 million viewers.

“As we start the 12th season of Father Brown, I feel like I’m starting to get to know him,” Williams said. “He’s a mysterious sort of bloke, the sort of person who you can never predict other than knowing he won’t do what you expect. The best thing about playing the character is that I am never, ever bored by him.”

“Father Brown is a real favorite with Daytime and iPlayer viewers, so we couldn’t be more excited to commission both series 12 and 13 together, giving audiences another two years of new episodes to look forward to, and underlining our continued commitment to commissioning drama in the Midlands,” commented Rob Unsworth, head of BBC daytime and early peak commissioning.

Neil Irvine, executive producer for BBC Studios Drama Productions, added, “I’m delighted that Father Brown will be cycling back onto our screens for a further two series. The show has an enduring magic which has captured the imagination of viewers across the globe—a testament to Mark’s magnetic performance, compelling storytelling and our talented Midlands crew. Series 12 will introduce Father Brown’s biggest fan, amateur playwright Father Lindsey and a deadly new nemesis, alongside the return of some old favorites.”