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"Agatha Christie's Marple" is a British television series that follows the adventures of Miss Jane Marple, a keen-witted elderly spinster living in the serene village of St. Mary Mead. As she visits friends and relatives in various locations, she often becomes embroiled in mysterious murders. Despite initial reluctance from the police, her astute observation skills usually lead to solving the crimes. The series, which began on December 12, 2004, creatively incorporates stories from Agatha Christie's novels and short stories, with Miss Marple aiding in investigations when her expertise is called for.

The title character, Miss Marple, is portrayed by Geraldine McEwan in the first three series (2004–2009), and by Julia McKenzie in the subsequent three series (2009–2013). Their performances captured the essence of Agatha Christie's beloved character, who is known for her insightful deductions. Other notable recurring characters include those played by actors like Joanna Lumley as Mrs. Dolly Bantry, who appears in several episodes, and Stephen Churchett as the coroner, featuring in multiple roles throughout the series.

"Agatha Christie's Marple" consists of six series with a total of 23 feature-length episodes. Each series typically includes four episodes, although the sixth series contains only three. The episodes primarily adapt Agatha Christie's novels featuring Miss Marple, while later episodes also draw elements from Christie’s other works, showcasing the flexibility of storytelling within the established universe.

"Agatha Christie's Marple" made several significant changes when adapting Agatha Christie's works. For instance, in "The Body in the Library," additional plot lines including a lesbian affair were introduced, diverging from the original text. Other adaptations simplified character backstories or introduced new elements that were not present in Christie's original work to better fit the television format. The series combined several short stories into feature-length episodes, illustrating a creative approach to adaptation while still aiming to honor Christie’s legacy.

The series was filmed in various picturesque locations across the United Kingdom, including Englefield in Berkshire, and the charming villages of Chilham and Turville. Key sites also featured in specific episodes, such as Windsor Guildhall representing the fictional town of Melchester in "Murder at the Vicarage," and Highclere Castle appearing in "4.50 from Paddington." The show utilized these scenic backdrops to enhance its storytelling and bring Christie's narratives to life visually.

"Agatha Christie's Marple" has been distributed to various countries, adapting to local broadcasting needs. In the United States, it aired on PBS as part of the anthology series "Mystery!" and later on "Masterpiece Theatre". The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) aired it nationally, including French versions on Radio-Canada. Notably, the series faced censorship challenges in China; episodes such as "The Body in the Library" and "Murder Is Easy" were not shown due to themes involving a lesbian relationship and incest, respectively, prompting significant edits to others like "Why Didn't They Ask Evans?". This variation in reception highlights how cultural standards influence broadcasting.

Throughout its run, "Agatha Christie's Marple" featured several celebrity cameos that added a unique flair to the series. Notable guest stars included actors such as Joanna Lumley, who portrayed Mrs. Dolly Bantry in two episodes, and other well-known figures making brief yet memorable appearances. These guest roles not only drew attention to the series but also highlighted the versatility of the show in blending mainstream talent with the classic detective narrative. By incorporating these celebrities, the series enhanced its appeal, potentially attracting viewers who might not have been regular fans of Agatha Christie adaptations.

"Agatha Christie's Marple" generally received favorable ratings throughout its six series run. For instance, the first episode, "The Body in the Library" (aired on December 12, 2004), attracted 8.72 million viewers, ranking 14th in the weekly ratings. The viewership numbers fluctuated across seasons, with Series 6 opening to 4.31 million viewers on June 16, 2013. The show was praised for its production quality and lead performances, particularly by Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie, although some critics noted it diverged significantly from the source material. In 2005, the show was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, validating its impact within the television landscape of that time.

"Agatha Christie's Marple" garnered several accolades during its broadcast, notably a Satellite Award nomination for Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film for Geraldine McEwan in 2005. The series also received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Program the same year. In 2006, series composer Dominik Scherrer won a Gold Medal at the New York Festivals for Best Original Music, further solidifying the program's artistic merit. Significantly, it was inducted into the Online Film & Television Association's Television Hall of Fame in 2014, underlining the show's enduring legacy and recognition in television history.

"Agatha Christie's Marple" has been released on various formats, including DVD and Blu-ray, catering to audiences in multiple regions. In the United States, Acorn Media has distributed the series, making it accessible in both individual series sets and complete collection formats. In the UK, ITV DVD released the entire series, and it is also available through retailers like Amazon. Notably, a limited edition Blu-ray release of the first three series is set for 2024 in Australia, appealing to collectors and fans of the series. These home media initiatives help maintain the show's popularity long after its original airing.