Watch Murders at Barlume

Murders at Barlume is an Italian crime comedy-drama television series that follows the adventures of Massimo Viviani, a retiree who has taken over his grandfather's café in Barlume, a small coastal town in Tuscany. Despite his age, Massimo has a sharp wit and a curious mind, which leads him to be involved in solving the various crimes that take place in the town.

The series is based on a series of novels by Marco Malvaldi and was adapted for television by Bruno Mistrali, Fabrizio Ravazzani, and Giulia Calenda. Its first season was released in Italy in 2014, and it has since gained a loyal fan following across the world.

Set in the picturesque town of Barlume, the show features a colorful cast of characters who are all too familiar with each other's business. Massimo runs the café, which serves as the town's social hub and attracts a host of eccentric characters. His loyal friends and customers include the local police chief, Vittoria Fusari, the elderly ladies of the town who gossip about everything, and the charming but shady retired lawyer, Aldo.

The series is a typical example of the classic whodunit genre, where the plot revolves around the mystery surrounding a murder or a crime that has taken place in Barlume. The episodes are standalone, meaning each episode has a unique plot that gets resolved by the end of the episode.

The format of the show is that Massimo finds himself involved in solving the crimes as they occur. Usually, he does this by using his wit and skills to investigate and gather clues, often with help from his quirky friends. With his knowledge of the town's inhabitants and their secrets, Massimo is often one step ahead of the police, making him a valuable asset in uncovering the culprits of each crime.

Murders at Barlume stands out because of its unique combination of comedy and drama that is woven throughout. The humor is mainly derived from the eccentricities of the characters and their mannerisms. The drama, on the other hand, comes from the tension created by the mysteries and the subsequent investigations.

One of the show's most significant strengths is its character development. The characters are well-rounded and believable, and they grow over the course of the series. As the series progresses, audiences get to know them better and see their relationships with each other evolve.

Another strength of the series is its setting. Barlume is a beautiful town that creates a stunning backdrop for the drama. The coastal scenery, quaint streets, and colorful buildings add to the show's appeal, making it an excellent visual experience as well.

The show adopts a lighthearted and playful tone, and it never takes itself too seriously. Despite the show's subject matter, the creators do an excellent job of balancing the humor with the drama. This balance creates a unique viewing experience, as it is rare to find a crime series that is simultaneously comical and gripping.

Overall, Murders at Barlume is an enjoyable series that combines humor, drama, and mystery to great effect. Its colorful characters, beautiful setting, and unique blend of genres make it a must-see for fans of crime shows and comedy-dramas alike. With four seasons and a loyal fan following, it's clear that Murders at Barlume is one of the standout Italian shows out there.

Murders at Barlume is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on November 11, 2013.