This Netflix murder-mystery is a 'witty, high-speed romp that nails the binge-watch formula' — and it's my favorite show of the year so far

L-R: Lady Eileen Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce) and Lady Caterham (Helena Bonham Carter) hug in a scene from Netflix's "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials"
(Image credit: Netflix)
Tom's Guide verdict

"Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials" is a witty, high-speed romp that nails the binge-watch formula, powered by a sharp ensemble and a breakout lead performance from Mia McKenna-Bruce.

Netflix has kicked off 2026 with several buzzy mystery shows, but I think the streamer's latest release just might be my favorite of the bunch, so far. So yes, while you could be catching up on "Run Away" or streaming "His & Hers," I'd personally recommend carving out an evening to stream "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" instead.

To be crystal clear, while I've read some of Christie's works, I'm not familiar with the original story, so I can't judge how faithful it is. That said, having watched the series in advance of its arrival, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed following this particular romp through to its end — read on to find out why.

What is 'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials' about?

Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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Chris Chibnall's new Netflix miniseries takes us back in time to England in 1925. At a lavish country estate party, a practical joke appears to have gone murderously wrong.

Suspecting foul play's afoot, Lady Eileen "Bundle" Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce) sets out to unravel what actually happened, and in trying to crack this particular mystery wide open, she uncovers a chilling plot that will change her life forever.

In addition to McKenna-Bruce, "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" also features Helena Bonham Carter, Martin Freeman, Corey Mylchreest, Ed Bluemel, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Alex Macqueen.

'Agatha Christie's Seven Dials' is a delightful murder-mystery miniseries

Lady Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce) leans out of a train doorway in a scene from "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" on Netflix

(Image credit: Netflix)

Over on Tudum, Netflix bills their latest original series as "a witty, epic, and fast-paced drama," and, frankly, I can't think of a better way to succinctly sum up "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" myself. Netflix is home to a number of these kinds of distinctly British-coded affairs, but I can't recall one that I've enjoyed more in recent memory.

Tonally, prospective viewers can expect "Seven Dials" to be a spirited, playful and cheeky drama. There's murder, of course, but this is a charming miniseries that throws us into the mystery and then never really lets up.

I've purposefully avoided spoilers wherever I can, because it's best experienced blind, but once the clues start being discovered and the shocks start to pile up, we're soon being treated to a twisting, dramatic watch that contains all manner of secrets, and several thrills to match.

Superintendent Battle (Martin Freeman) walks down the street in a scene from "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" on Netflix

(Image credit: Netflix)

It helps that Chibnall and co. have assembled a strong ensemble, and they bring their respective characters to life with verve (with Freeman's Superintendent Battle being a particular personal highlight). Of course, the series wouldn't work without a capable actor steering proceedings, and Mia McKenna-Bruce shines as Lady Eileen, our inquisitive amateur investigator.

All in all, "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" is a compelling, characterful, and perfectly paced Netflix binge. Initially, I thought running for just three episodes — each under an hour long — was an odd choice, but I think it might be the perfect amount for this show; it left me wanting more, but perfectly satisfied with the mystery at hand.

Simply put, if you love watching a detective go to work and you're in the market for a charming, propulsive series, I'm confident you'll have a blast if you choose to stream "Agatha Christie's Seven Dials" on Netflix. If not, we can still help you find something new to watch this week; check out our definitive round-up of the best shows on Netflix for tons more top streaming suggestions


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Martin Shore
Staff Writer, Streaming

Martin is a Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things movies and TV. If it’s in the theaters or available to stream somewhere, he’s probably watched it… especially if it has a dragon in it. Before joining the team, he was a Staff Writer at What To Watch where he wrote about a broad range of shows that stretched from "Doctor Who" and "The Witcher" to "Bridgerton" and "Love Island". When he’s not watching the next must-see movie or show, he’s probably still in front of a screen playing massive RPGs, reading, spending a fortune on TCGs, or watching the NFL.

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