Agatha Christie enthusiasts are being urged to turn their attention to a compelling new murder mystery series on Disney+ that delivers a surprisingly dark narrative twist. The seven-part show, titled If It's Tuesday, It's Murder, has been inundated with overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, establishing itself as a must-watch for fans of the genre.
A Sinister Holiday in Lisbon
The programme is set against the picturesque, sun-drenched backdrop of Lisbon, Portugal, where a diverse group of Spanish tourists embarks on what should be a relaxing week-long getaway. However, their holiday takes a chilling and abrupt turn when one member of the party is murdered on the very first day following their arrival.
This grim event forces the four remaining travellers to band together in a desperate quest to identify the killer, all while grappling with the unsettling possibility that the murderer could be lurking among them. The synopsis elaborates further, noting that "this team of devoted true-crime and mystery-novel fans will have to confront the local police, a growing roster of suspicious individuals, the looming threat of expulsion from their trip, and their own concealed personal truths as the days rapidly slip away before their scheduled departure from Lisbon."
Critical Acclaim and Streaming Details
Holding a respectable IMDb rating of 6.4 out of ten, the series originally aired in Spanish but is fully accessible to English-speaking audiences through either dubbing or subtitles. It features a talented ensemble cast of Spanish and Portuguese actors, including Álex García, Inma Cuesta, Ana Wagener, Pedro Casablanc, and Biel Montoro.
The Guardian has acknowledged the show, describing it as a "breezy crime-fighting adventure" despite its somewhat "ludicrous" premise. Hello Magazine has labelled it a "cosy crime" drama, while the Daily Mail simply stated it is "fun to watch." For devotees of similar programmes like Only Murders In The Building, this series is considered equally essential viewing.
Netflix's Marple Series Also Captivates Christie Fans
If If It's Tuesday, It's Murder does not entirely satisfy one's appetite for mystery, Netflix is currently treating Agatha Christie aficionados exceptionally well with its acclaimed Marple series. This adaptation has recently surged to the very top of the streaming platform's popularity charts, according to reports.
Initially broadcast between 2004 and 2014, the series features the legendary detective Miss Marple emerging from retirement to solve a variety of intricate cases. Geraldine McEwan portrayed the titular role for the first three series, with Julia McKenzie taking over the character for the concluding three instalments.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Liberties
Viewers can spot numerous recognisable faces making appearances throughout the programme, including Joanna Lumley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Timothy Dalton, Keeley Hawes, Brian Cox, Richard Armitage, and Amanda Holden, among others. The show does take certain creative liberties with Christie's original novels, with some episodes inserting Miss Marple into narratives where she did not originally feature.
One enthusiastic fan commented on IMDb, "I love the original book, and I love this adaptation. All-star cast (best hits of the actors of Britain). Naturally it's very different to the original, but I enjoyed how it had been adapted, beautiful location as well!" Another viewer, who identifies as an Agatha Christie scholar, remarked, "I can honestly say this is one of the best TV adaptations and definitely worth 10 stars. It's got everything and more. Please give it a chance and stop comparing it against other productions."
If It's Tuesday, It's Murder is available to stream now on Disney+, while the Marple series is available for streaming on Netflix, offering ample options for mystery lovers to indulge in their favourite genre.
