Fans of cozy crime television have something to look forward to: Father Brown is set to return for a 13th season on the BBC in early 2026.

The BBC has confirmed that the beloved series, based on the works of G.K. Chesterton, will continue to bring its unique blend of mystery, charm, and period detail to viewers around the world.

Father Brown has been a consistent success for the BBC since it first aired in January 2013.

The show, which is loosely adapted from Chesterton’s early 20th-century detective stories, stars Mark Williams as the titular character, a Catholic priest with a knack for solving crimes in the fictional village of Kembleford in the Cotswolds.

With its steady viewership, Father Brown has proven to be one of the BBC’s most reliable series.

The show regularly attracts around 2 million viewers per episode in the UK, and its appeal extends far beyond the UK borders.

Internationally, it has been sold to over 200 territories, where it has garnered a devoted following.

Its success is a testament to the enduring appeal of cozy crime, a genre that emphasises character and puzzle-solving over graphic violence or dark themes.

Release Date

I’m nothing if not an intrepid sleuth, and I, like most of you reading this, was absolutely desperate to know when Father Brown would be returning.

So, off I went, pen and paper in hand, to do a little mystery solving of my own.

What did I discover? Well, the first nine seasons all began on the first Monday in January.

Then, in 2023 – season ten – and in 2024 for season eleven, new episodes dropped on the first or second FRIDAY of January.

Staying true to form, the confirmed date for Father Brown season 12 was Friday, 10th January.

So, I have deduced that while we’re still recovering from the excesses of Christmas, Mark Williams will be donning his Priest’s garb and solving yet more puzzling murders in the quaint town of Kembleford on January 9th, 2026.

What to Expect in Season 13

With the renewal of Father Brown for another season, fans can expect more of the same engaging mysteries and charming character interactions that have characterised the show so far.

Each season typically consists of 10 episodes, and Mark Williams, best known for his role as Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter films, has become synonymous with the role of Father Brown.

His portrayal of the kindly, unassuming priest who always seems to be one step ahead of the police has won him praise from both critics and audiences alike.

And the show would be nothing without him, which is why he will be back, continuing to bring warmth and depth to the character.

The supporting cast, which includes Claudie Blakley as Mrs Devine, Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan, Ruby-May Martinwood as Brenda Palmer, and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow, has been integral to the show’s success.

So, just what mysteries await the Father and his band of merry sleuths?

Sadly, to answer that, I would need a crystal ball, as absolutely no details have been released about what we can expect from season 13.

Season 12 of Father Brown was a delightful whirlwind of murder, mystery, and mayhem.

From medieval reenactments gone horribly wrong to ballroom dancing with deadly consequences, Father Brown and his trusty gang tackled it all.

Mrs. Devine found herself accused of murder amidst wedding preparations, while Sergeant Goodfellow faced career turmoil.

Brenda dazzled on national TV, and Lady Felicia hosted a group of writers that ended in murder rather than manuscripts.

The season ended in a dramatic finale as Mrs. Devine and Chief Inspector Sullivan tied the knot, but not before Father Brown uncovered secrets, solved crimes, and ensured the big day wasn’t ruined by a would-be killer.

With Vatican intrigue, a priceless relic hunt alongside Flambeau, and a shadowy nemesis lurking in the background, Season 12 kept viewers guessing until the very end.

And we fully expect to do it all over again in season 13!

A Brief History

Father Brown first appeared in a series of short stories written by G.K. Chesterton, with the first collection, The Innocence of Father Brown, published in 1911.

The character of Father Brown, unlike many literary detectives, solves crimes not through forensic science or deductive reasoning but through his deep understanding of human nature and his compassion.

Chesterton wrote a total of 53 Father Brown stories, and they have been adapted into various films, radio plays, and television series over the years.

The BBC adaptation, however, has taken significant liberties with Chesterton’s stories.

While the original tales are set in various locations in England and abroad, the TV series centres the action in the fictional village of Kembleford in the early 1950s.

This setting has allowed the show to delve into the social issues of the time while maintaining the cozy atmosphere that fans have come to love.

Why Father Brown Endures

The enduring popularity of Father Brown can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost is the show’s ability to maintain a delicate balance between mystery and light-heartedness.

The crimes in Father Brown are serious, but they are never gruesome, often exploring themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the complexity of human nature.

The picturesque village of Kembleford, with its thatched cottages, rolling hills, and quaint church, provides the perfect backdrop.

Combined with the period details of the 1950s, we can escape into a world that, while not without its problems, is a far cry from the fast-paced, technology-driven society of today.

The Future of Cozy Crime

The renewal of Father Brown for seasons 12 and 13 is not just good news for fans of the show; it’s also a positive sign for the future of cozy crime television.

While the genre may not dominate the primetime slots like gritty crime dramas or reality TV, its steady popularity demonstrates that there is still a strong appetite for stories that prioritise character and community over shock value.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in cozy crime, with new series and adaptations appearing on both traditional TV and streaming platforms.

Shows like Midsomer Murders, Grantchester, and Agatha Raisin continue to draw large audiences, while new entrants such as The Madame Blanc Mysteries are finding their own niche.

This suggests that Father Brown is not alone in its appeal and that the cozy crime genre is likely to remain a fixture on our screens for years to come.