Envision *Golden Girls* colliding with *Murder, She Wrote*, and you’ll grasp the lively essence of *The Thursday Murder Club*.

Though these references might feel nostalgic, try to pinpoint a contemporary, popular franchise that depicts retirees as astute, vibrant, and unapologetically trendy. Sure, *Only Murders in the Building* captures some of that vibe, yet it carries New York’s neuroses and self-mockery. *The Thursday Murder Club* is steeped in dry British humor and features comparable star appeal.

Adapted from Richard Osman’s beloved book series, *The Thursday Murder Club* showcases Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie as four retirees who refuse to regard their prime years as over. Utilizing talents honed through lives spent as a spy, union leader, psychiatrist, and nurse, this inquisitive group tackles cold cases or, like Jessica Fletcher, explores new mysteries that surface nearby.

Seeking family viewing? Prepare yourself.

*The Thursday Murder Club* delivers clever, cheeky, crime-infused enjoyment.

Osman’s novels are contemporary, with the initial installment published in 2020, yet they possess a timeless charm. Set in the delightful retirement community of Cooper’s Chase, presented like a *Downton Abbey*-esque estate, *The Thursday Murder Club* depicts its elders in a warm environment full of exhilarating energy. Screenwriters Katy Brand and Suzanne Heathcote eschew ageist clichés, illustrating them not as forgetful grandmas or cranky grandpas. Instead, they are intellectual, emotionally insightful, and vibrant. Most impressively, they wield ageist stereotypes against those who underestimate them, feigning frailty when it serves their interests, like to gain access to a specific police officer, played by Naomi Ackie of *Blink Twice*.

Meet Elizabeth Best (Mirren), who is composed, stylish, and straightforward as she questions both law enforcement and criminals. Ron Ritchie (Brosnan), sporting a silver beard and a knack for boisterousness, acts as the group’s provocateur, eager for rousing speeches. In contrast, Ibrahim Arif (Kingsley) is introspective, a profound thinker proud of his health regimen. Newly joined is Joyce Meadowcroft (Imrie), a recent widow keen to forge connections through her baking prowess and crime scene photograph evaluations.

Collectively, like Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose, they embody a blend of characters brimming with attitude, humor, and affection. Across four novels, they evolve beyond mere comedic detectives; they are authentic and remarkable. *The Thursday Murder Club* brings them to life on screen with charisma, distinctiveness, courage, and flair.

*The Thursday Murder Club* is a delightful present, albeit somewhat subdued.

To streamline Osman’s first novel into a film, certain risqué storylines are softened or omitted. Characters like tattooed tough guy Bogdan, enacted by Henry Lloyd-Hughes, undergo a Hollywood transformation. Nonetheless, the film accurately presents its protagonists: they are ingenious and aspirational.

A personal note: I began reading these books after my grandmother’s passing. She wasn’t a detective, spy, psychologist, or nurse, yet she was intelligent and kind-hearted. In her eighties, she passionately defended what she believed was just. Some dismissed her, perhaps due to her mobility challenges, yet she was knowledgeable and opinionated. I miss her vibrant spirit each day.

Watching *The Thursday Night Murder Club*, I found amusement as Elizabeth and Joyce embarked on secretive adventures, while Ibrahim and Ron outsmarted a police officer. I celebrated their triumphs, gasped at challenges, and chuckled at their humor—never at their expense. Osman’s novels explore the fish-out-of-water experience of being an elder in a rapid world, but his compassion for their journeys is profound. His regard for the characters is mirrored in the casting.

With three globally recognized stars portraying Elizabeth, Ron, and Ibrahim, the trio carries immediate weight. Joyce, joining the team, appears nearly starstruck. Imrie, with her extensive career and impeccable comedic timing, is ideal as the enthusiastic newcomer. Mirren’s poise, Brosnan’s daring, Kingsley’s elegance, and Imrie’s vivacity create an exquisite balance. They don’t directly remind me of my grandmother, yet like her, they are lively, passionate, and committed to aiding others. While viewing, it felt as though I could almost hear her laughter.

*The Thursday Murder Club* is an exceptionally humorous, heartwarming, and clever crime-comedy with a dynamic ensemble. If you’re anticipating a new season of *Only Murders in the Building*, missing *Golden Girls* and *Murder, She Wrote*, or simply longing for a cherished senior in your life, this is a treasure, a treat, and a joy—comparable to Joyce’s Bake-Off-worthy delicacies.

*The Thursday Murder Club* premieres on Netflix on Aug. 28.