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BBC Agatha Christie adaptation that has earned itself a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score
Mirror | August 29, 2025 12:39 AM CST

There's been numerous Agatha Christie novels adapted into TV series over the years, from Towards Zero to And Then There Were None, but one programme truly captivated fans.

2016 miniseries The Witness for the Prosecution was praised by TV viewers and critics upon its release, quickly becoming a firm favourite withAgatha Christie enthusiasts. The show is based on the author's 23-page short story of the same title.

The BBC series, made up of two hour-long episodes, transports viewers to 1920s London, where widow Emily French has been brually murdered at her townhouse.

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Her lover, Leonard, is accused of her murder, with housekeeper Janet certain he's guilty. His freedom is hanging by a thread as his wife Romaine is the only one who can provide him with an alibi.

The official synopsis reads: "All evidence points to Leonard, a dashing young chancer who seduced the older woman into leaving him her vast fortune before ruthlessly taking her life.

"At least, this is the story that Emily's distraught, devoted housekeeper Janet stands by in court. Mayhew, a penniless solicitor, is put in charge of Leonard's case. Initially treating the suspect with indifference, Mayhew is gradually moved by the young man's case. Leonard is certain that his innocence can be proved by his wife, the enigmatic chorus girl Romaine.

"The entire case rests on her alibi, and Mayhew is reassured to learn that she witnessed Leonard return at 9.30pm, the time when he supposedly murdered Emily. Will she testify and save her husband, or will his infidelity make her vengeful?"

The Witness for the Prosecution has earned an impressive 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with numerous five-star reviews from fans and critics.

One fan penned: "Great acting and beautiful photography," while another said the series is "grippingly unpleasant in an impressive way".

"You may be familiar with the story, but this adaptation is excellent. Great acting and direction. Studios who do mysteries should take note," a third fan wrote.

Meanwhile, The Guardian's review branded the series "perfectly crafted", adding: "Expertly cast and beautifully scripted by Sarah Phelps, who gave us her brilliant adaptation of And Then There Were None."

The LA Times praised actor Toby Jones, who leads the cast as John Mayhew, saying he had taken "another step" in his "evolution from supporting player to star".

Toby stars alongside Kim Cattrall, Andrea Riseborough, Billy Howle, Monica Dolan, David Haig and Hayley Carmichael in The Witness for the Prosecution.

The Witness for the Prosecution is available to stream on BBC One


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