Father Brown Returns: Series 13 Brings Fresh Mysteries to the Cotswolds

KEMBLEFORD, Gloucestershire – As the new year dawns, fans of gentle whodunnits have reason to celebrate. The beloved BBC crime drama Father Brown is set to premiere its 13th series on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Starring Mark Williams in the titular role, the show continues to blend cozy village life with intriguing murders, drawing millions of viewers who crave its mix of intellect, empathy, and subtle humor. Based on G.K. Chesterton’s classic stories, the series has become a staple of afternoon television since its debut in 2013, amassing over 130 episodes to date.

Williams, best known for his portrayal of Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter films, reprises his role as the unassuming Roman Catholic priest with a knack for solving crimes. His character, Father Brown, navigates the picturesque Cotswolds village of Kembleford with a bicycle, a cassock, and an uncanny ability to uncover hidden sins. “The constant pleasures of filming Father Brown for me are the places we film in,” Williams shared in a recent statement, crediting his late father’s influence as a surveyor for his appreciation of the show’s stunning locations. He often consults Pevsner’s Buildings of England guides on set, adding authenticity to the period drama set in the 1950s.

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Father Brown season 13 shares new pictures as star teases “real …

This season promises evolution for the ensemble cast. Following the jubilant wedding in series 12’s finale, Tom Chambers and Claudie Blakley return as the newlyweds Inspector Sullivan and Mrs. Isabel Sullivan, exploring married life in a new home. Isabel integrates into the Policeman’s Wives Society, while Sullivan grapples with revelations about his father. Ruby-May Martinwood’s Brenda embarks on a self-empowerment arc, stepping in as parish secretary and learning to drive under Sergeant Goodfellow’s (John Burton) guidance. Other returning favorites include Nancy Carroll as the glamorous Lady Felicia, John Light as the enigmatic thief Hercule Flambeau, Lex Shrapnel as Father Lazarus, Roger May as the scheming Canon Fox, and Kieran Hodgson as Father Lindsey.

A highlight is the special return of Sorcha Cusack as the fan-favorite Mrs. McCarthy in the opening episode. After her departure four seasons ago, her surprise visit to Kembleford reunites her with Father Brown for one more investigation, delighting longtime viewers. Executive Producer Neil Irvine teased, “Mrs McCarthy’s return, a rock’n’roll invasion, and a trip to the seaside are just a few of the treats in store.”

Guest stars add star power to the mix. Dame Maureen Lipman (Coronation Street), Julia Sawalha (Absolutely Fabulous), and Phil Daniels (EastEnders) join the fray, alongside Davood Ghadami, Alex Macqueen, and others. Lipman appears in scenes with Williams and Sawalha, hinting at intricate group dynamics in murder plots. These additions bring fresh energy to the show’s formula of “murder and mirth,” as described by critics.

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First-look at Father Brown series 13 shows Dame Maureen Lipman …

Plot-wise, series 13 spans 10 episodes, each a self-contained mystery with overarching threads. The premiere, “The Good Refuge,” sees Mrs. McCarthy and Father Brown probing a murder. Episode 2, “The Hole in My Heart,” introduces rock ‘n’ roll chaos as The Hart Brothers return home, trailing death. A series first comes in Episode 3, “The Palace By the Sea,” where the gang heads to the seaside after Sullivan’s Aunty Pat is arrested for murder – expect sandy sleuthing and coastal intrigue. Episode 4, “The Crackpot and the Dummy,” involves an eccentric ventriloquist friend of Father Brown’s accused of homicide.

Deeper arcs weave through: Father Brown, at Flambeau’s behest, visits the imprisoned Father Lazarus, sparking a perilous cat-and-mouse game with Canon Fox. As Fox nears his bishop consecration, he plots revenge against Brown, potentially altering Kembleford forever. Themes of redemption, forgiveness, and human complexity persist, set against idyllic backdrops that contrast the crimes’ seriousness without graphic violence.

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BBC One – Father Brown, Series 13, The Good Refuge

Filming wrapped in 2025 amid the Cotswolds’ rolling hills, with Williams praising the locations’ historical charm. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its “bingeworthy” nature – lighthearted yet clever, with campy characters and witty dialogue. As one IMDb reviewer noted, it’s “pure comfort,” averaging 7.8/10 from 17,000 ratings. In a world of gritty thrillers, Father Brown offers escapism: a priest who solves puzzles with moral insight, reminding us that even in murder, there’s room for warmth.

With its loyal audience and critical acclaim, series 13 is poised to continue the legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Kembleford’s quirks, tune in for mysteries that engage the