'Perfect' BBC drama based on greatest book of all time is 'best series ever'

Another BBC drama has captivated viewers and has been hailed as one of the best shows with just one season. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, inspired by the bestselling novels by Alexander McCall Smith, follows Mma Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott), Botswana's first female private investigator, as she opens her own agency in the capital, Gaborone. Wise, compassionate, and deeply intuitive, Mma Ramotswe takes on a range of cases, from missing persons to family secrets, relying on her sharp instincts and strong moral compass to bring resolution and justice.

She's joined by her ambitious assistant, Mma Grace Makutsi (Anika Noni Rose), and the kind-hearted mechanic Rra J.L.B. Matekoni (Lucian Msamati), with the trio forming the emotional core of the series. Directed by Oscar-winner Anthony Minghella, the show debuted with a feature-length pilot in 2008, followed by a six-episode series in 2009. Despite critical acclaim and a Peabody Award win in 2010, the show was cancelled after just one season, much to the disappointment of its devoted fans. The show is based on the beloved book series by Alexander McCall Smith, who launched the franchise with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in 1998.

Since then, 26 novels have been published, with the most recent, In the Time of Five Pumpkins, hitting shelves in 2025.

The series has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been translated into at least 40 languages, cementing its place as a global literary success.

Readers praised the depiction of life in Botswana through the perspective of Mma Precious Ramotswe, with one branding it the "greatest book of all time" on Reddit.

Readers have praised the books for their warm, insightful depiction of life in Botswana through the eyes of Mma Precious Ramotswe, with one fan even calling it the "greatest book of all time" on Reddit.

Fans have expressed their admiration for the series online, as well as their disappointment over its short run.

One wrote: "The best African based series I've ever watched is "No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency". Jill Scott's Setswana wasn't bad at all."

A second agreed: "A show you might not remember but was great was "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." With so many books, it's incredible to me it hasn't continued or been rebooted."

"It was SO good. When the producer passed away it lost all its momentum. They still do tours in Gaborone. I loved it. Was perfect," added a third.

Another posted: "I love the series. From hysterical comedy to dramatic issues, like loss of a child, or caring for a family member, I find No 1 Ladies Detective Agency the best I've ever watched. Excellent portrayal of people and the region."

"One of the best single season shows ever," declared a fifth as another said: "Man @JillScottJS8 was so amazing in No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Still one of the best shows I've seen til this day."

"The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency is one of the best series ever," someone else remarked.