Father Brown is not only a beloved fictional character -- created in 1910 by British Catholic author G.K. Chesterton -- but also a popular show streaming fans love to binge.
On the BBC's Father Brown, set in rural 1950s England, Mark Williams has been playing the much-adored Catholic priest since 2013.
Season 11 is currently streaming, and season 12 is due out in 2025, followed by season 13 in 2026. This show is not going anywhere, in part due to the enduring charm of the main character.
Here's how it all began:
He's Easygoing
Father Brown is an even-tempered fellow, who never gets riled. He is rather low-key, and troubles seem to slide off his back. He takes life in stride, even when he’s solving a murder. In the heat of the action, he still maintains his calm demeanor, which is an admirable trait.
Viewers see the wheels of his mind spinning as he assesses situations, and yet he remains cool, calm, and collected.
And his calmness allows him to easily ride around the British hamlet of Kembleford on his bicycle, although, at times, he has to pedal quickly to get to the scene of a crime.
This man is at home in nature as well as in the church. He never puts on airs, nor does he place himself above others. On the contrary, he is just a simple man with a brilliant mind that viewers embrace and have embraced for decades.
Here's a bit from Season 9:
He's Loyal and Empathetic
If there’s one word to describe Father Brown, it is loyal. He is not only loyal to his faith but also to his friends.
There have been several instances when someone he knew was arrested for a crime and put in jail. In no time at all, Father Brown is sitting beside that person ready to help ease his friend’s mind and assure him or her that he will do whatever it takes to prove the person's innocence.
And he always does.
He never even considers the prospect that that his friend is guilty of whatever crime has been committed. On the contrary, Father Brown holds steadfast in his belief in the innocence of those he knows, and his dedication to finding the real culprit.
A bit from Season 10:
He Has Deep Faith
His religion is always foremost in everything he does. He takes his vows and the laws of the Church seriously, and no one can ever shake his belief in his Catholic faith.
His stole is always with him, so when he comes across a deceased person (which is very often), he is ready to unroll the stole, kiss it, and offer his prayers for the departed.
And even when he is praying, it’s obvious to viewers that he desperately wants to get to the bottom of the cause of death. Whether he is out of the building or inside his church, Father Brown is always a man of God.
When Williams was interviewed in 2023 about his character for America: The Jesuit Review, he was quick to point out what lies deep in Father Brown’s heart:
It’s hope, all the time. It’s like happiness: It’s not a destination, it’s something you have to have every day.
That, in a nutshell, describes Father Brown.
This behind-the-scenes video from Season 11 showcases a Father Brown character who now has her own series on BritBox, Sister Boniface Mysteries:
He's a True Friend
Father Brown would do anything to help someone, providing it is within the law. He keeps confidences, administers guidance, and always sees the good in people.
This is truly evident when he befriended young Brenda Palmer (Ruby-May Martinwood) and brought her into his household, even though some people thought her past brushes with the law meant she was not suitable to work for him.
He saw deep within her and knew she was a good person. And through the past couple seasons, she has proven him right.
Together with parish secretary Mrs. Devine (Claudie Blakley), the trio has proven itself to be one of television’s most beloved crime-solving teams. Their loyalty to each other is second to none, as they charge into the middle of whatever is happening to unravel the mystery.
Speaking of Brenda, here's her first appearance:
He's Insightful
The wheels of his mind are always turning. Father Brown sees deep within people’s souls and can determine if someone is lying or hiding something. This trait comes in handy when he’s solving a murder, to the dismay of the police.
Father Brown manages to be one step ahead of the police, thanks to his insight and understanding of people that only his training and his disposition can provide.
The character is a delight to watch and, along with his friends who aid him in the murder investigations, the show is fun and entertaining even for non-Catholics.
There is a cuteness and even charm about the characters that attracts viewers. After all, the show has been around for 11 seasons and it is still going strong.
Father Brown can be streamed on BritBox, Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and The Roku Channel.
God Bless Father Brown ...
Image: BritBox
Francine Brokaw is a longtime journalist, covering entertainment, product reviews and travel, and is the host of Beyond the Red Carpet on Village Television and YouTube.
Recent posts:
Reality (TV) Can Bring Families Together
A Nun, a Princess, a Billionaire, and Sea Monsters -- on Vespas?
Diving Into Netflix's 'Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie'
Faith & Family News: 'Reagan,' LOTR on Prime, Tim Allen Returns to TV
Keep up with Family Theater Productions on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
