Phyllis Logan Stars as The Puzzle Lady in Upcoming PBS Series
A new series is set to hit PBS in the 2025-2026 TV season, and it’s generating significant buzz among fans of mystery and comedy. The Puzzle Lady, starring Phyllis Logan, has been likened to "Miss Marple on steroids" or "Jessica Fletcher meets Groucho Marx," and a recent teaser trailer suggests it’s living up to the hype.
According to Tellyvisions.org, the series is based on the best-selling novels by the late Parnell Hall, and follows the adventures of Cora Felton, a nationally syndicated crossword puzzle maker who moonlights as an amateur sleuth. Logan stars as Cora, with Charlotte Hope playing her niece Sherry Carter, the real brains behind the puzzles.
The series will begin with a six-part adaptation of Hall’s series debut, A Clue for the Puzzle Lady, which has been retitled "Murder Most Puzzling" for the show. As Tellyvisions.org notes, the Puzzle Lady Mysteries ran for 20 installments, so if the plan is to adapt one book per season, the show has a long and successful run ahead of it.
The teaser trailer for The Puzzle Lady promises a laugh-out-loud comedy with plenty of twists and turns. As Tellyvisions.org describes it, the show might be more accurately described as "Miss Marple on One Too Many Pints." With Logan in the lead role, fans are expecting a charming and witty performance.
Phyllis Logan is perhaps best known for her role as Mrs. Hughes in the hit series Downton Abbey, but The Puzzle Lady promises to be a very different kind of character. As Tellyvisions.org notes, Logan’s Cora Felton is "a front for the real brains of the family," with her niece Sherry Carter providing the intellectual firepower behind the puzzles.
The comparison to Downton Abbey is an interesting one, given the vastly different tone and style of the two shows. While Downton Abbey was a period drama with a strong focus on character development and social commentary, The Puzzle Lady promises to be a more lighthearted, comedic take on the mystery genre. As Tellyvisions.org reports, the show is set in the 1940s and has a strong LGBTQ+ theme, making it a welcome addition to the PBS lineup.
With its unique blend of mystery, comedy, and strong female leads, The Puzzle Lady is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new series of the 2025-2026 TV season. Fans of Phyllis Logan and mystery enthusiasts alike will be eagerly anticipating the show’s debut on PBS. As Tellyvisions.org notes, the show has already generated significant buzz, and it’s clear that The Puzzle Lady is going to be a must-watch series for fans of quality television.
The series is produced by UKTV and Alibi and based on best seller by Parnell Hall
