Forget rebooting Poirot – there’s an entirely different direction the BBC should pursue with Agatha Christie’s detective

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Get ready for a new Poirot! The BBC is searching for an actor to take on the iconic role, following David Suchet’s widely praised performance. But with Suchet considered by many to be the ultimate Poirot, people are wondering if a reboot is even necessary.

Past attempts to play Hercule Poirot haven’t quite measured up to David Suchet’s iconic performance – neither Kenneth Branagh nor John Malkovich have surpassed him. So, is the BBC taking a risk by bringing the character back? The answer, as Poirot himself would observe, lies in how they approach it.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s think about this: instead of sending Poirot on another predictable trip on the Orient Express, wouldn’t it be smarter to take him in a completely new direction?

The idea isn’t new – the show Endeavour proved it works. It successfully revisited the character of Inspector Morse, showing his beginnings as a detective. So, why not do the same with Poirot? A series focusing on a young Poirot, or even his early cases, could be a great success.

Agatha Christie deliberately kept much of Poirot’s early life a mystery. We know he was once the head of police in Brussels, escaped Belgium during World War I, and came to England as a refugee before becoming a famous detective. While his history can be briefly stated, it’s rich with possibilities and hints at a complex past – a story about the making of the man, not just a retelling of his legendary status.

Some traditionalists might object to new stories that aren’t written by Agatha Christie herself. However, this has already happened – Sophie Hannah has successfully continued the Poirot series, and now Lucy Foley is taking on Miss Marple. This shows there’s a demand for these stories, as long as they’re well-written.

This strategy cleverly avoids the biggest trap: trying to copy what’s already been done. Instead of attempting to be like David Suchet’s Poirot, this approach explores the detective’s early life, allowing for a completely new take on the character. This not only creates opportunities for new mysteries, but also provides a deeper understanding of what made Poirot who he is. We can finally explore questions like: What experiences led to his need for order? Why did he prioritize his work over love? And how did being an outsider influence his perspective on the world?

The series is set in early 1900s Europe, and later in Britain where radical political ideas are gaining traction. This historical setting gives the show a surprising relevance to today’s world. Seeing a young Poirot experience a rapidly changing society makes the story feel meaningful, offering more than just a mystery to unravel.

The BBC doesn’t need to find another actor like David Suchet; that’s an impossible goal. Instead, they should focus on making the character of Poirot relevant for modern audiences. The key is to explore Poirot’s beginnings – an origin story – rather than simply trying to copy what’s been done before. If they think creatively, the solution becomes clear.

Authors

David BrownDeputy Previews Editor, TopMob

David Brown is the Deputy Previews Editor at TopMob, where he focuses on crime and fantasy television shows. He’s a regular media commentator, having appeared on BBC News, Sky News, and Radio 4’s Front Row. His writing has been featured in publications like the Guardian, the Sunday Times, and the i newspaper. Beyond reviewing, David has also worked as a writer and editor for the National Television Awards and contributed to documentaries about prominent figures such as Lenny Henry, Billy Connolly, and the band Take That.

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2026-05-22 13:34