Foyle’s War Is Finally Coming to Netflix — And It’s the WWII Crime Drama Every Detective Fan Needs to Watch

Calling all lovers of intelligent detective dramas and richly detailed period television: Foyle’s War is officially heading to Netflix on 22 October, and for many viewers, this long-awaited arrival feels like the return of a true classic. Created by Midsomer Murders mastermind Anthony Horowitz, the acclaimed British series is widely regarded as one of the finest crime dramas ever produced — and now, a whole new generation is about to discover why.

Originally airing between 2002 and 2015, Foyle’s War ran for eight seasons and carved out a reputation for doing something remarkably rare: telling gripping crime stories against the backdrop of World War II, without ever resorting to bombast or melodrama. Instead, it offered quiet tension, moral complexity, and meticulously crafted storytelling — the kind that lingers long after the credits roll.

A War-Torn Setting Where Crime Never Sleeps

Set in the coastal town of Hastings, Foyle’s War unfolds on Britain’s home front during WWII. While bombs fall overseas and the nation struggles under rationing, blackouts, and fear, crime does not simply pause for the war effort. In fact, it often thrives in the shadows.

At the centre of the series is Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle, a modest, fedora-wearing widower whose calm demeanour and razor-sharp intelligence make him an unforgettable screen detective. While many wartime dramas focus on the battlefield, Foyle’s War turns its gaze inward — toward corruption, betrayal, profiteering, espionage, and murder among civilians who believe chaos gives them cover.

Netflix’s official log line perfectly captures the show’s quiet menace:
“Set during World War II, this crime drama follows police inspector Christopher Foyle, who learns that crooks don’t stop for anything — not even war.”

Michael Kitchen’s Masterclass Performance

At the heart of the show’s enduring success is Michael Kitchen, whose portrayal of Christopher Foyle has earned near-universal praise from critics and audiences alike. Kitchen plays Foyle with extraordinary restraint — no flashy speeches, no explosive confrontations. Instead, his authority comes from moral certainty, patience, and an unwavering commitment to justice, even when powerful forces try to silence him.

Many fans have long argued that Kitchen’s performance is one of the most overlooked in British television history. As one viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Rewatching #FoylesWar. In my opinion the best drama ever on television. I can’t believe Michael Kitchen never received any awards for his brilliant acting.”

It’s precisely this understatement that makes Foyle so compelling. In a world unraveling under wartime pressure, he remains steady — a quiet moral anchor amid chaos.

A Brilliant Supporting Cast

Alongside Kitchen, Honeysuckle Weeks shines as Samantha Stewart, Foyle’s intelligent, eager assistant. Initially introduced as a former driver, Samantha quickly becomes an essential part of the investigative team. Her curiosity, courage, and evolving independence provide a powerful counterpoint to Foyle’s reserved demeanor.

Weeks’ performance adds warmth and emotional depth to the series, and her chemistry with Kitchen is one of the show’s greatest strengths. Their relationship — built on mutual respect rather than sentimentality — feels refreshingly authentic.

The cast is further rounded out by an impressive ensemble, including:

Anthony Howell as DS Paul Milner, a conflicted officer navigating duty and conscience

Julian Ovenden as Andrew Foyle, Christopher’s RAF pilot son

Ellie Haddington as Hilda Pierce, a sharp-minded intelligence officer whose presence underscores the wider stakes of wartime Britain

Each character is thoughtfully developed, contributing to the show’s layered storytelling.

Written With Intelligence and Moral Depth

As expected from Anthony Horowitz, the writing is meticulous. Each episode feels more like a feature-length film than a standard TV installment, allowing stories to unfold at a measured, deliberate pace. The crimes themselves are often deceptively simple on the surface — a suspicious death, a missing person, a case of black-market trading — but beneath lie tangled webs of fear, greed, loyalty, and desperation.

What sets Foyle’s War apart is its refusal to offer easy answers. The series constantly asks uncomfortable questions:
What does justice mean in wartime?
How far should patriotism excuse wrongdoing?
Can morality survive when survival is at stake?

These themes give the show a timeless quality that feels just as relevant today as when it first aired.

A Lockdown Favourite — And a Comfort Rewatch

For many viewers, Foyle’s War became a cherished companion during lockdown — a series that rewarded patience and attention while offering emotional richness without excess. Its calm, atmospheric tone made it ideal for immersive viewing, and countless fans have revisited it multiple times.

One viewer summed up the experience perfectly:
“Bored and out of series, I started to watch #FoylesWar — now I’m addicted! Elegant, intelligent, beautifully acted.”

That sense of elegance is key. Foyle’s War never shouts for attention; it earns it.

Why Its Netflix Arrival Matters

With its arrival on Netflix on 22 October, Foyle’s War is poised to find a much wider global audience. In an era dominated by fast-paced thrillers and high-concept crime shows, this series offers something increasingly rare: quiet excellence.

For fans of period detective dramas, it’s essential viewing. For newcomers, it’s a reminder that tension doesn’t require explosions — sometimes it’s a look, a pause, a carefully chosen word that hits hardest.

Final Verdict

Foyle’s War isn’t just another crime drama — it’s a masterclass in storytelling, performance, and atmosphere. Anchored by Michael Kitchen’s unforgettable lead performance and brought to life by Anthony Horowitz’s intelligent writing, the series stands as one of British television’s greatest achievements.

If you love thoughtful mysteries, richly drawn characters, and stories that respect your intelligence, mark 22 October in your calendar. This is one war worth revisiting — or discovering — all over again.