Vera fans missing the police series can get their fix from a “cosy” crime drama that is perfect to fill the gap.
Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, which was a huge hit in the 1900s, is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and viewers have been rediscovering its charms. Starring the late Patricia Routledge as the title character, the drama is set in northwest England and follows Henrietta, or “Hetty” , who has a special knack for solving crimes. She investigates everything from missing people to pension fraud and mysterious deaths, sometimes working with the police.
The show first appeared as a pilot in 1990 and after that it went on to air four full series from 1996 to 1998.
The series is likely to appeal to fans of Vera, which ended last year with DCI Vera Stanhope star Brenda Blethyn saying she was “proud” of what the show had achieved but that it was time to move on.
View 3 ImagesThe series is perfect for fans of Vera(Image: BBC)
Several viewers have posted comments on social media recommending Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and calling it “brilliant” viewing, with one remarking on Reddit: “I secretly love this series, especially the earlier episodes. I watch them on ITVX and they are just such easy, cosy, comfort viewing.”
“It’s comfort TV – inoffensive and easy to follow storylines,” said someone else, adding that it had “a certain nostalgic charm about it” as well.
“Love this show, I have all the episodes,” said another viewer, as one said it was “wonderful viewing”.
“Great show, fun to watch,” said another person on the platform. “Love this series and have watched it a few times,” said somebody else.
“Great stories and actors. Strong female lead in Hetty… Cosy mystery series worth a watch if you have not seen it yet.”
View 3 ImagesHetty Wainthropp Investigates is available on BBC iPlayer(Image: BBC)
“Unexpected intrigue drama,” one fan wrote on reviews site Rotten Tomatoes.
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“Performances by Hetty are impossible to overcome. Just supreme. So are the minimal cases, simply thrilling in its humble presentation.”
Actress Patricia, who was also well known for her role as Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC comedy series Keeping Up Appearances, died in 2025 at the age of 96.
Hetty Wainthropp Investigates is available on BBC iPlayer.