Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | February 24, 2012 |
| Founder | Deb Cox and Fiona Eagger |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Television series, film, spin-off series |
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is a detective television series from Australia that debuted on ABC on 24 February 2012. Developed by Deb Cox and Fiona Eagger, the show adapts the historical mystery novels authored by Kerry Greenwood. It chronicles the adventures of Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis), a stylish private investigator working in 1920s Melbourne. The series consists of three seasons, followed by the feature film Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears released in February 2020, and the 2019 spin-off titled Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. The program has been broadcast in over 100 countries worldwide.
Plot and series
Set in late 1920s Melbourne, the narrative explores both the personal and investigative life of Phryne Fisher. A significant plotline in the first season revolves around the unresolved kidnapping and subsequent death of Phryne’s younger sister Janey, a pivotal event shaping much of Phryne’s motivations.
The initial season, comprising thirteen episodes, was shot over a six-month period starting July 2011 in Melbourne, with each episode having a production budget of A$1 million. The show achieved international reach, securing distribution deals in 120 countries. Due to its popularity, a second season was greenlit in August 2012; filming commenced in February 2013 and the episodes aired between September and December 2013, concluding with a special Christmas episode. A third season received approval in June 2014 and premiered on 8 May 2015.
Main
- Essie Davis portrays The Honourable Phryne Fisher, an elegant private detective committed to solving crimes
- Nathan Page plays Detective Inspector John 'Jack' Robinson, a police officer who collaborates with Miss Fisher somewhat reluctantly
- Ashleigh Cummings appears as Dorothy 'Dot' Williams, Miss Fisher’s paid companion and devout Catholic who weds Hugh Collins late in season three
- Hugo Johnstone-Burt acts as Constable Hugh Collins, Inspector Robinson’s trusted aide and Dot’s boyfriend turned husband
- Richard Bligh features as Mr. Tobias Butler, Miss Fisher’s faithful butler and veteran of the Australian Imperial Force
Recurring
- Travis McMahon is Bert Johnson, a former AIF soldier and working-class communist who assists Miss Fisher’s inquiries
- Anthony Sharpe plays Cecil 'Cec' Yates, also an ex-AIF member and communist ally aiding investigations
- Tammy MacIntosh portrays Dr. Elizabeth 'Mac' Macmillan, a close confidante of Miss Fisher and physician at a Melbourne women’s hospital known for her menswear fashion
- Miriam Margolyes appears as Prudence Elizabeth Stanley, Miss Fisher’s aunt and society matron
- Ruby Rees-Wemyss plays Jane Ross, Miss Fisher's ward named after her late sister (seasons 1–2)
- Nicholas Bell is Murdoch Foyle, an ex-lecturer imprisoned due to his connection to Jane’s disappearance (season 1)
- Pip Miller portrays The Baron of Richmond (Henry George Fisher), Phryne’s father (season 3)
Guests
| Actor | Role | Ep. count |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Jeffery | Samson | 1 |
| Andrea Demetriades | Beatrice Mason | 1 |
| Andrew Blackman | Roderick Gaskin | 1 |
| Anna McGahan | Miss Proust | 1 |
| Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood | Harriet Edwards | 1 |
| Brett Swain | Arthur Briggs | 1 |
| Caroline Brazier | Hetty | 1 |
| Craig Hall | Jefferson Clarke | 1 |
| Dan Spielman | Dr Harcourt | 1 |
| David Berry | Alastair | 1 |
| Dee Smart | Rosie Sanderson | 3 |
| Diana Glenn | Mary Maddison / Velma | 1 |
| Geoff Morrell | Bob Armstrong | 1 |
| Greg Stone | Mr Sheridan | 1 |
| Heather Mitchell | Madame Fleuri | 1 |
| Jacek Koman | Mr Merton | 1 |
| Jack Finsterer | Peter the Painter | 1 |
| Jane Harber | Clara Whiting | |
| Jonny Pasvolsky | Warwick Hamilton | 1 |
| Julia Blake | Hilly McNaster | 1 |
| Julie Forsyth | Mrs Bolkonsky | 1 |
| Kaiya Jones | Poppy | 1 |
| Laura Gordon | Jemima | 1 |
| Maeve Dermody | Eunice Henderson | 1 |
| Maria Mercedes | Madame Breda | 1 |
| Mark Coles Smith | Tom Derrimutt | 1 |
| Martin Copping | Constable Young | 2 |
| Miranda Otto | Lydia Andrews | 1 |
| Nell Feeney | Hilda Cobb | 1 |
| Nick Carrafa | Pierre Sarcelle | 1 |
| Penne Hackforth-Jones | Reverend Mother | 1 |
| Philip Quast | Dr Hayden Samuels | 1 |
| Renai Caruso | Mrs Waddington | 1 |
| Robert Mammone | Guido Lupinacci | 1 |
| Rohan Nichol | Vic Freeman | 1 |
| Roz Hammond | Mrs Opie | 1 |
| Shareena Clanton | Lena | 1 |
| Wendy Hughes | Adele Freeman | 1 |
Background
Head writer and producer Deb Cox, together with Fiona Eagger, aimed to bring a crime novel adaptation to television, responding to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) growing interest in prime-time crime dramas. Initially, they found the available material unsatisfactory, with Cox stressing the necessity of selecting projects that balanced both economic practicality and core values. Their search led them to Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher novels, which stood out due to their extensive fan following and a feminist protagonist that matched their narrative vision.
Eagger pointed out the series' ability to resonate across multiple generations, describing Phryne Fisher as a trailblazing feminist icon characterized by independence and elegance. Recognizing the novels' alignment with their principles, Cox and Eagger moved forward with adapting the stories.
However, the process of translating the novels to screen was more challenging than expected, demanding new expertise to maintain story integrity while accommodating production realities. Greenwood played an active role in scriptwriting and ensuring historical accuracy, fostering a collaborative environment for adaptation.
In June 2011, ABC ordered a thirteen-episode series for ABC1. The initial title, The Phryne Fisher Murder Mystery Series, was later shortened on the advice of distributor All3Media to improve its appeal and ease of pronunciation in international markets.
Series 1
Filming for the inaugural series took place over six months starting July 2011 in Melbourne and its surroundings. The production drew heavily on Greenwood’s detailed research into Melbourne’s history, which influenced the authentic recreation of settings. While certain scenes were shot on location, others—such as those depicting a Turkish bathhouse and the Eastern Market—were constructed sets. The interior of Phryne’s residence was created on a sound stage at ABC’s Elsternwick studio, with exterior shots filmed at the heritage-listed Wardlow house in Parkville. Additional National Trust sites like Rippon Lea Estate, Labassa, and Como House were also utilized. Each episode had a budget allocation of $1 million. Eagger emphasized efforts to maximize production quality by incorporating period-appropriate elements such as steam locomotives, vintage aircraft, ocean liners, and a Hispano-Suiza automobile. Funding sources included ABC TV, Film Victoria, Screen Australia, and All3Media.
Series 2
In July 2012, Screen Australia granted funding for a second series. Production commenced on 18 February 2013 in Melbourne and wrapped up on 9 August. ABC confirmed the renewal following strong viewer ratings from the first season. Carole Sklan, Head of Fiction at ABC, highlighted the return of an outstanding cast and crew for thirteen new episodes. This series adapted Greenwood’s novels Dead Man's Chest, Unnatural Habits, along with several short stories. Producers Cox and Eagger expressed excitement about reuniting much of the original team. The second season premiered on 6 September 2013.
Series 3
By February 2014, ABC TV controller Brendan Dahill indicated that commissioning a third season of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries was still undecided due to budget limitations and the challenge of balancing established series with fresh projects. Additional concerns included potential funding reductions and ABC’s strategic goal to attract younger viewers. It was anticipated that if approved, the third season would air in 2015.
Following a fan-led social media campaign, ABC announced on 13 June 2014 that the third series had been commissioned. Filming started in Melbourne in October 2014 and concluded in January 2015. Producer Eagger confirmed that the entire main cast would return and revealed plans to introduce new storylines, including an episode set within a military context and hints about an upcoming wedding. She acknowledged financial constraints faced by ABC while expressing gratitude for continued support from Film Victoria. The third season debuted on 8 May 2015.
Costumes
Marion Boyce, the costume designer for the series, drew inspiration from the fashion of the 1920s and 1930s while appreciating the opportunity to work on a production set in her native Melbourne. She had eight weeks for pre-production planning, followed by an intense 16-day timeframe to finalize costumes for two episodes, which featured a variety of environments including circuses, nightclubs, and waterfront areas. Boyce's team consisted of a cutter, sewer, coordinator, buyer/art finisher, and milliners, collectively crafting approximately 120 outfits that ranged from sleepwear to daywear, evening attire, and garments for special occasions.
Although some authentic vintage items were incorporated, the majority of costumes were tailor-made. Lead actress Cox mentioned that sourcing genuine 1920s clothing from places like eBay and vintage stores was challenging due to size and condition issues, necessitating the creation of many pieces from scratch. Fabrics were sourced from Boyce’s own collection as well as shops in Melbourne and Sydney; some textiles were kept after filming while rented materials were returned.
Boyce designed Phryne’s wardrobe to embody her dynamic spirit and versatility, ensuring costumes allowed ease of movement. In contrast, Dot’s more restrained clothing reflected her religious upbringing and social status, featuring buttoned styles with tweeds and cardigans that provided a clear visual distinction between the characters.
International broadcast
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries reached audiences in 120 countries worldwide. In Canada, Knowledge Network began airing the show on 5 October 2012. The UK saw UKTV acquire the rights in September 2012, with Series 1 debuting on the Alibi channel in February 2013.
The series was picked up by French broadcaster France 3 in January 2013, while both Alibi and Knowledge Network renewed agreements for Series 2. Additional networks acquiring the show included Norway's TVNorge, Poland's Canal+, and Eastern Europe’s Viasat. As of 2023, it continues airing on Germany’s ARD ONE and Servus TV. Italy's Rai 1 began broadcasting the show in July 2013.
In North America, the series was initially exclusive to Acorn TV. It premiered on PBS in the United States in 2013, with other stations joining throughout 2014. From 2016 onward, it aired on Ovation alongside PBS and has continued beyond its PBS run. American viewers also received Miss Fisher Uncovered, a behind-the-scenes feature with interviews from cast, crew, and author Kerry Greenwood in August 2015.
Some American Public Television stations implemented slight censorship; for instance, a nude painting scene in "Murder in Montparnasse" was blurred on certain broadcasts unlike its presentation on Netflix.
By mid-2017, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries was broadcast across 172 territories. Netflix holds streaming rights for all three seasons in numerous countries including the U.S., Denmark, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada. Additionally, Netflix holds rights for the first two seasons in Australia alongside ABC TV and ABC Commercial.
Home media
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries - OST, a CD compilation featuring various artists alongside the series theme by Greg J. Walker, was released in Australia by ABC Commercial on 27 April 2012. The soundtrack was simultaneously made available on iTunes. The soundtrack for Series 2 followed on 15 November 2013, with Series 3’s release on 1 May 2015. An official score composed by Greg J. Walker was issued on iTunes on 10 June 2014.
Episodes 1 through 7 were released on DVD Region 4 on 3 May 2012; episodes 8 through 13 followed on 7 June 2012. The series was also made available on Blu-ray. ABC Commercial released Series 1 as a DVD box set in November 2012, while Acorn Media issued Series 2 as a box set on 27 May 2014. A complete DVD box set containing Series 1–3 was released by ABC Commercial on 4 November 2015.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries became accessible for streaming and video-on-demand via Netflix in the U.S. starting September 2014; subsequent launches occurred in the UK (June 2015), Canada (March 2016), and Australia/New Zealand (April 2017). It also debuted on Amazon Video on 16 May 2016.
Film adaptation
A standalone action-adventure movie continuing the storyline from the third season completed filming in November 2018. The cast includes Essie Davis, Nathan Page, returning original actors, alongside newcomers Rupert Penry-Jones, Daniel Lapaine, and Jacqueline McKenzie. Directed by Tony Tilse, the production had a budget of $8 million.
Rumors about transforming the series into a feature film circulated from 2016 onward. In May of that year, Essie Davis expressed enthusiasm for returning to her role, with ambitions to create a film that would surpass the television series in scale and impact. Later in 2016, announcements surfaced regarding plans for a trilogy of films centered on Phryne Fisher.
In April 2017, an image posted on the official Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries Instagram featured Davis and Page holding early script copies titled Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. A Kickstarter campaign launched in September 2017 quickly raised its $250,000 target within two days. To maintain financial support, an IndieGoGo campaign was initiated in December 2017. Filming began in October 2018 and wrapped up by late November.
Television spin-off
Announced in July 2018 and debuting in 2019, the spin-off series Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries follows Phryne Fisher’s niece, Peregrine Fisher. Set in mid-1960s Melbourne during the mod era, Peregrine inherits her aunt’s residence and automobile and embarks on a career as a private investigator. The show premiered on Australia’s Seven Network before international distribution. Geraldine Hakewill stars as Peregrine Fisher, with Joel Jackson portraying Detective James Steed and Catherine McClements as Birdie, a former WWII Special Forces operative who leads The Adventuresses’ club.
International adaptations
A Mandarin-language version produced by Shanghai 99 Visual Company, Tencent Penguin Film, and Easy Entertainment consists of 30 episodes starring Ma Yili and Gao Weiguang. Named Miss S., it takes place in 1930s Shanghai and involved original series creators. The adaptation premiered on August 28, 2020.
Reception
David Brown from the Radio Times commended Essie Davis for her captivating performance as Phryne Fisher, emphasizing the series’ innovative approach to the amateur detective genre set against late 1920s Ballarat.
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Recipients and nominees | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Australian Production Design Guild Awards | Best Costume Design for Screen | Marian Boyce | Template:Nom |
| Best Design on a Television Drama | Robert Perkins | Template:Nom | ||
| Screen Music Awards | Best Music for a Television Series or Serial | Greg J. Walker | Template:Nom | |
| Best Television Theme | Template:Nom | |||
| 2013 | 2nd AACTA Awards | Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama | Essie Davis | Template:Nom |
| Equity Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Series 1 cast | Template:Nom | |
| Logie Awards | Most Popular Actress | Ashleigh Cummings | Template:Nom | |
| 2014 | 3rd AACTA Awards | Best Costume Design in Television | Marion Boyce | Template:Won |
| Equity Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | Series 2 cast | Template:Nom | |
| Logie Awards | Most Popular Actress | Essie Davis | Template:Nom | |
| Most Popular Drama Program | Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries | Template:Nom | ||
| Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on TV | Essie Davis | Template:Nom | ||
| 2015 | 5th AACTA Awards | Best Television Drama Series | Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries | Template:Nom |
| Best Costume Design in Television | Marion Boyce | Template:Nom | ||
| 2016 | Logie Awards | Best Actress | Essie Davis | Template:Nom |
| Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on TV | Template:Nom | |||
| Most Outstanding Actress | Template:Nom |
External links
- Articles with short description
- 2012 Australian TV series debuts
- 2010s Australian crime dramas
- 2010s Australian drama series
- Australian English-language programs
- Television shows with lesbian themes
- 2010s mystery series
- TV adaptations of Australian novels
- Series set in the 1920s
- Programs set in Melbourne
- Australian mystery dramas
- Detective genre television shows
- Historical drama series
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original content
- 2015 Australian TV series conclusions
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming