Midsomer Murders made a comeback on Tuesday evening as the cosy ITV detective series broke its three-month hiatus.
In the second episode of the series, DCI John Barnaby (played by Neil Dudgeon) was investigating a murder at a police retirement community, but unfortunately some viewers were left disappointed after the long wait.
The drama first aired back in 1997 and has become an ITV staple with its unexpected twists and some cameo appearances.
The latest episode saw Barnaby looking into a murder at Challis Court – a gated community for retired police officers. Plenty of unlikely suspects cropped up in the drama before the killer was unearthed.
Unusually, the episode made its return on Tuesday rather than it’s normal Sunday evening slot after it was delayed by the Euro 2024 final.
However, viewers were left divided by the two-hour episode, with some labelling the plot “boring” and others comparing the show to its early days.
Midsomer Murders finally aired its second episode of the series after three months
ITV
Taking to X, many expressed their thoughts on the continuation of series 23, with one writing: “#MidsomerMurders is so boring, and it always features a middle class family etc.”
“This isn’t doing it for me. I prefer the early, funny ones. But the tweets are great! #MidsomerMurders,” a second admitted.
“Terrible acting. Terrible casting. Terrible script. Just terrible. #MidsomerMurders,” a third critiqued harshly.
“It’s always the most famous actor on #MidsomerMurders that did it! Fail-safe conclusion everytime!” another complained.
Some Midsomer Murders fans deemed the series ‘boring’
ITV
“Lol, now I know why I don’t watch this nonsense.. seems the programme makers don’t understand how airbags work. #MidsomerMurders,” someone else noted.
However, the classic whodunit show did leaved some fans pleased with its highly-anticipated comeback, with another viewer sharing: “I love a twisty-turny #CosyCrime drama & #MidsomerMurders fits that bill.”
“New Midsomer Murders, just what the doctor ordered #MidsomerMurders,” another enthused.
Following the first episode of the series, which aired in April, speculation about the show’s axe increased following negative feedback.
Midsomer Murders fans have been waiting months for the ITV series to resume
ITV
According to betting company betideas.com, odds for the drama to end soon are at 8/11, which isn’t good news for fans.
Lee Astley, spokesperson for the company, stated: “The new series of Midsomer Murders was met with a mixed reception and with no confirmed date for its second episode, it appears ITV could be losing patience with its long-running drama.
“Series 23, whenever it does resume, could well be the last one to hit our screens, with the show now just 8/11 to be canned after the latest season is aired.
“Meanwhile, ITV bosses could look to keep hold of the show but instead give it a major revamp to appeal to new viewers, including a new cast, with Midsomer Murders 6/4 to receive a significant rebrand.”