How to watch

Inspector Morse Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch Inspector Morse in order

Last updated: November 5 2026

Written by: ChronoChris

Inspector Morse grew into a beloved British crime universe with the spin-off Lewis and the prequel Endeavour. Together they span more than 35 years of Oxford mysteries, so here's how to watch them in order.

Based on Colin Dexter's novels, Inspector Morse starred John Thaw as the opera-loving, crossword-solving detective and Kevin Whately as his loyal sergeant Robbie Lewis. After the original series ended in 2000, Lewis became the lead in his own show, and Shaun Evans later played a young Morse in Endeavour, set in the 1960s and 1970s. All three series are rich with Oxford atmosphere and cleverly plotted murders.

πŸ• Release Order

Release order follows the franchise as ITV produced it, from the original detective to his sergeant and then the prequel.

  1. Inspector Morse (1987–2000)
  2. Lewis (2006–2015)
  3. Endeavour (2012–2023)

Because Endeavour is a prequel, the story order is quite different from the release order. Lewis and Endeavour also overlapped on air for a few years.

πŸ“– Story Chronology

Chronologically, the saga begins with young Endeavour Morse in the 1960s, continues with the older Morse and ends with Lewis.

  1. Endeavour (2012–2023) β€” 1965 to 1972
  2. Inspector Morse (1987–2000)
  3. Lewis (2006–2015)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Start with Inspector Morse in release order. Endeavour is full of loving nods to the original, and its final season directly echoes Morse's later life, which is much richer once you know where he ends up. Then move on to Lewis, before finishing with Endeavour as the perfect origin story.

πŸ”— Related Guides

  • Sherlock Watch OrderGuide
  • Broadchurch Watch OrderGuide
  • Luther Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!