The Art of the Invention: Murdoch Mysteries Returns with a Masterclass in Victorian Intrigue

By Julian Vane | Arts & Entertainment Correspondent

TORONTO – In an era where television series often burn out after a handful of seasons, CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries continues to defy the laws of narrative gravity. Now well into its nineteenth season, the long-running procedural remains as sharp as a forensic scalpel, proving that Detective William Murdoch’s knack for innovation is shared by the show’s relentless creative team.

Since its Canadian premiere on October 6, 2025, Season 19 has been a whirlwind of high-stakes drama, Victorian social commentary, and the quintessential “Murdoch-ian” gadgets that fans have come to adore. As the series begins its international rollout on Acorn TV this March, the buzz surrounding Station House No. 4 has reached a fever pitch.

A Season of Evolution

While the core DNA of the show—the brilliant deduction and the turn-of-the-century setting—remains intact, Season 19 feels notably more atmospheric. The writers have leaned into the shifting tides of the early 20th century, where the rigid structures of the Victorian era are beginning to fray at the edges.

Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) finds himself at a fascinating crossroads. No longer just the “young upstart” with a chemistry set, Murdoch is now the elder statesman of forensic science. This season, his investigations have felt more personal, often forcing him to reconcile his unwavering faith in logic with a world that is becoming increasingly chaotic.

The Power Couple of Station House No. 4

The heartbeat of the show continues to be the partnership—both professional and romantic—between Murdoch and Dr. Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy). Their relationship has survived everything from kidnappings to social scandals, and in Season 19, the stakes are shifted toward their legacy.

Viewers have been treated to a nuanced exploration of their domestic life, proving that “happily ever after” doesn’t have to be boring. Whether they are debating the ethics of a new surgical procedure over breakfast or secretly collaborating on a case that crosses jurisdictional lines, Bisson and Joy display a shorthand that only two decades of screen time can produce.

New Faces and Old Rivals

The supporting cast remains the secret sauce of the series. Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) continues to provide the gruff, grounded counterbalance to Murdoch’s eccentricities, though this season sees him grappling with a changing police force that values paperwork over “copper’s intuition.”

Meanwhile, Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) remains the show’s emotional anchor. His ever-present theories about lizard men and Martians provide the necessary levity to balance out some of the season’s darker episodes. Rumors of a significant promotion for Crabtree have been swirling in recent episodes, leading fans to wonder if the Constable’s cap might finally be traded for an Inspector’s hat.

“The brilliance of Season 19 lies in its ability to honor the past while sprinting toward the future. It’s a love letter to the fans who have been here since 2008.”

Technological Marvels and Macabre Crimes

The “mystery of the week” format is where Season 19 truly shines. Highlights so far include:

The Clockwork Assassin: A case involving a series of murders committed by a seemingly autonomous mechanical device.

The Silent Cinema Scandal: An investigation into the burgeoning film industry in Toronto that turns deadly during a screening.

Medical Miracles: Dr. Ogden faces a moral dilemma when a radical new treatment she champions leads to an unexplained fatality.

The production design team deserves a standing ovation. From the soot-stained alleyways to the opulence of the Toronto elite, the world-building is more immersive than ever. The costumes, too, have evolved, reflecting the subtle shift in fashion as the Edwardian era begins to loom on the horizon.

Where to Watch

For those who have missed the initial broadcast, the journey is just beginning. Following its successful CBC run, Acorn TV became the international home for the season starting March 2, 2026. New episodes are being released weekly, allowing global audiences to join the conversation and attempt to solve the puzzles alongside the world’s first forensic detective.

As Murdoch Mysteries approaches its milestone 20th year, Season 19 stands as a testament to the enduring power of a well-told story. It’s a season defined by “unexpected twists”—one that reminds us that while the crimes may be vintage, the storytelling is timeless.