EXCLUSIVE: David Suchet is expanding his Agatha Christieverse with a travelog in which he heads down the River Nile.
Suchet, who played Hercule Poirot with aplomb in dozens of Christie adaptations, is presenting Mysteries on the Nile with Sir David Suchet, which has been pre-bought by Austraia’s SBS and will be on sale at this week’s London TV Screenings.
In Mysteries on the Nile, Suchet, who has long been fascinated by ancient civilizations, will explore the enduring enigmas of Ancient Egypt as he travels down one of the most famous rivers in the world. Produced by Pernel Media and helmed by British director Gwyn Williams, the series draws on the latest archaeological discoveries and cutting-edge research.
Suchet led a 2004 adaptation of Death on the Nile, one of Christie’s most famous novels, and the book was of course adapted more recently for a movie with Kenneth Branagh playing the detective. Suchet has moved into Christie docs of late, having also made Travels with Agatha Christie & David Suchet for Channel 4 and BritBox.
Suchet said: “I’m honoured to return to Egypt to learn more about this revelatory civilisation with Pernel Media. It’s truly exciting to have the opportunity to solve a different kind of mystery and unearth the truth about an ancient world that still impacts our everyday.”
Samuel Kissous, who runs Pernel Media, added that the doc is the “perfect example of cross fertilization between scripted and unscripted.” Pernel has moved into drama of late and Suchet starred in the indie’s thriller The Au Pair for Channel 5. Pernel’s next drama is Missed Call starring BAFTA-winner Joanna Scanlan, also for Channel 5.
Kissous will EP Mysteries on the Nile with Céline Payot Lehmann. SBS has pre-bought the rights for Australia and other international deals are currently being finalized by Pernel Media. A distributor is yet to jump on board but talks have begun. Filming will take place on location in the spring of 2026.