If you love a gentle crime drama with a unique twist and heartwarming charm, Pie In The Sky offers a refreshing escape. Set in a fictional English town and starring Richard Griffiths, this series blends detective work with culinary passion, making it an ideal comfort watch for anyone craving something familiar yet delightfully different.
- Unique detective-chef lead character
- Mixes light crime drama with warm restaurant life
- Available to stream now on Channel 4 and U
What happened
Pie In The Sky first aired on BBC One in 1994, introducing viewers to DI Henry Crabbe, played by Richard Griffiths. Crabbe is a detective in the fictional county of Westershire who dreams of retiring from the police force to open a restaurant with his wife. However, a violent incident during a case and a corrupt blackmail scheme force him to stay on the job, splitting his time between investigations and running the eatery.
Over the course of five series, the show unfolds various creative crime plots alongside Crabbe’s restaurant challenges. From mysterious disappearances to playful con artists and even gangsters targeting a rare bottle of wine, the series offers a charming mixture of intrigue and homely moments set in the fictional town of Middleton.
Why it feels good
Pie In The Sky stands out from typical crime dramas by blending the worlds of policing and cooking through a protagonist who is both detective and chef. This duality adds warmth and humour, making it a soothing and engaging watch without heavy suspense or darkness. It’s exactly the kind of show that offers comfort and nostalgia, especially appealing to fans of the quaint British mysteries like Midsomer Murders.
The cast, including Maggie Steed as Crabbe’s supportive wife and Malcolm Sinclair as his uncompromising boss, brings depth and gentle humour to the series. Its charm lies in the unpredictable yet light-hearted cases and the heartwarming interactions set against the backdrop of Crabbe’s restaurant, creating a relaxing atmosphere that invites viewers to unwind and enjoy.
What to enjoy or watch next
All episodes of Pie In The Sky are currently available on Channel 4 and U for those eager to dive into this underrated classic. Alongside the series trailer, viewers can expect an accessible, nostalgic journey that pairs well with other cozy British crime dramas.
If you’re looking for similar comforting crime stories, Inspector George Gently on Netflix offers a grittier 1960s detective experience, while Agatha Raisin on Acorn TV via Prime Video presents a modern but equally cozy mystery set in a sleepy Cotswolds town. These series complement Pie In The Sky’s warm style and make for great viewing choices after finishing Crabbe’s culinary and crime-solving adventures.