Endeavour Morse to return for a second series
ITV has recommissioned Endeavour for a second series of four films starring Shaun Evans and Roger Allam and produced by Mammoth Screen.
ITV’s critically acclaimed crime drama – a prequel to Inspector Morse, debuted in 2012 with a feature length story to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Morse. The first full series aired earlier in the year and was up against BBC One’s The Village and attracted 7m viewers (25% share), making it one of the best performing drama series on ITV so far this year alongside Broadchurch and Mr Selfridge.
The series stars Shaun Evans (The Take, The Last Weekend) in the lead role of young Morse, Roger Allam (The Thick of It, Parade’s End, Game of Thrones) as Detective Inspector Fred Thursday, and written is by Russell Lewis, who wrote for Morse and devised Lewis. The high production values and beautifully crafted stories are inspired by the character created by acclaimed novelist Colin Dexter, whose first Morse story was published in 1975. Colin continues his association with the drama acting as a consultant to Endeavour producers, Mammoth Screen.
The new series will comprise 4 x 120 minute films with Russell Lewis returning to writing duties and serving as an Executive Producer alongside Mammoth Screen’s Michele Buck and Damien Timmer who have executive produced Endeavour since its inception. Camille Gatin (Shadow Dancer) will produce the series and the directors will be appointed in the coming months.
“We’re truly delighted by the audience’s reaction to the first quartet of Endeavour stories, and very grateful to ITV for the opportunity to further embellish the legend,” said Russell Lewis.
“As to where we’ll be going next time out..? 1966. The year of Revolver. In the Bodleian. With Miss Scarlet. ‘They think it’s all over..?’ It’s only just started, matey!”
ITV’s Director of Drama Commissioning Steve November: “The audience’s response to the classic crime partnership of Endeavour and Thursday has been incredible and we’re thrilled at the prospect of more Endeavour stories written by Russell Lewis and produced by Mammoth Screen.”
Endeavour will go into production in Oxford later this year.
