The Brokenwood Mysteries
The Brokenwood Mysteries
Now Showing

The Brokenwood Mysteries

7.6
Yr 2014
Rt 90m
Status Returning Series
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

In a seemingly quiet country town the newest resident, Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd, finds that murder lurks in even the most homely location.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 70 /100

Critical reaction to The Brokenwood Mysteries characterizes the New Zealand police procedural as an easygoing, accessible series. Reviewers praise its appealing scenery, the blend of light humor, country music soundtrack, and the core character dynamic between the eccentric Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd and his partner Kristin Sims.

On the other hand, commentators note that the series offers little innovation to the mystery genre. While the overarching plots are viewed as decent, some reviewers feel the tone occasionally leans too far into silliness, making it a comfortable rather than groundbreaking watch.

“Appreciated strong mixture of humor and C&W music, amid character development of eccentric/quirky/sloppy-in-appearance Shepherd...”

“Brokenwood is an easy show to watch...”

“There isn’t anything especially innovative or exciting about The Brokenwood Mysteries.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Hoopla
CA • US
Show 11 more
Next Signal

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Why fans love it

The series sets its crimes against the distinct landscape of New Zealand, replacing the frantic energy of typical police procedurals with the steady rhythms of a small town. The tone relies on a deliberate pace and a recurring country western soundtrack, establishing a mood that feels grounded even when the narrative presents increasingly elaborate puzzles.

Neill Rea anchors the show as a detective who navigates these rural mysteries with a quiet composure. The focus remains on the contrast between the picturesque, seemingly ordinary setting and the calculated nature of the crimes, favoring steady investigation over high-octane action. It is a formula that prioritizes atmospheric consistency and classic whodunit mechanics.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 3
Longest run 60 eps
Show 67 more
Jodie Rimmer as Gloria Ginsberg 2 episodes Bronwyn Turei as Holly Collins 1 episode Micheala Rooney as Pam 1 episode Jodie Hillock as Renee 1 episode Jason Fitch as Len 1 episode Anna-Maree Thomas as Opheila 1 episode Olivia Tennet as Daisy Rose 1 episode Kelson Henderson as Felix 1 episode Amanda Tito as Zoe Fuller 1 episode Wesley Dowdell as Ollie 1 episode Romy Hooper as Corina 1 episode Tomai Ihaia as CJ Walker 1 episode Toni Potter as Toni 1 episode Tameka Sowman Vahatau as Jonesy 1 episode Colleen Davis as Jessica (Jesse) James 1 episode Kieran Foster as Manu 1 episode Christopher Hobbs as Charlie Baxter 1 episode Brett O’Gorman as Tony Canetti 4 episodes Tom Knowles as Timothy 2 episodes Cian Elyse White as Chontelle 2 episodes Rawiri Jobe as Kahu Taylor 7 episodes Shane Cortese as Dennis Buchanan 10 episodes Jamie Irvine as Johnny Oades 3 episodes Phil Peleton as Neil Bloom 9 episodes Laura Hill as Miranda Temple 5 episodes Mike Edward as Philip Henderson / Thomas Henderson 2 episodes Jason Hoyte as Ray Neilson 17 episodes Roimata Fox as Missy Tohoroa 3 episodes Tracy Lee Gray as Trudy Neilson 19 episodes Kauri Williams as Todd Taylor 7 episodes Peter Tait as Doug Randall 5 episodes Roy Ward as Rev. Lucas Greene 14 episodes Cameron Rhodes as Dr. Roger Plummer 8 episodes Jess Loudon as Beth Haines 6 episodes Kip Chapman as Warren Bugle 2 episodes Karl Willetts as Frankie "Frodo" Oades 29 episodes Miriama McDowell as Tania Stokes 2 episodes Colin Moy as Hughes 14 episodes Andi Crown as Meredith Wilmott 3 episodes Bruce Phillips as Gray Jenkins 2 episodes Phoenix Connolly as Brianna 2 episodes Tami Neilson as Singer 2 episodes Ascia Maybury as Dr. Abi Carlton 6 episodes Tom Broome as Band 2 episodes Bronwyn Bradley as Mrs. Becky Baker 5 episodes Calvin Tuteao as Walter Elliott 2 episodes Sam Bunkall as Charles Wadsworth 2 episodes Ingrid Park as Jools Fahey 5 episodes Amelia Reid as Nancy Jacks 2 episodes Peter Hambleton as Ralph St. John 2 episodes Lynette Forday as Lydia Lee 2 episodes Elizabeth McRae as Mrs. Marlowe 14 episodes Peter Feeney as Marcus Donovan 2 episodes Phillip Spencer-Harris as Dominic Nichol 2 episodes Neena Dekkers-Reihana as Hine 2 episodes Greta Gregory as Nicky 3 episodes Abi Blanchett as Police officer 2 episodes Dan Veint as Billy Franks 3 episodes Geoff Houtman as Nigel Medlock 3 episodes Lucinda Jane Tarrant as Cushla 2 episodes Nicola Kawana as Tina Morehu 2 episodes Ken Blackburn as Edward Alderston 2 episodes Zara Cormack as Kimberly Mason 5 episodes Edward Newborn as Wally Seymore 2 episodes Milo Cawthorne as Christopher Kramer 2 episodes Katlyn Wong as Dr. Jackie Lee 2 episodes Kerynn Walsh as Diane 2 episodes
Keyword Cloud

Keywords

new zealand whodunit "country western" soundtrack
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 28, 2014
Status
Returning Series
Episode Runtime
90 minutes
Origin
NZ
TMDB Votes
89