Jersey is Back in the Spotlight Thanks to Bergerac – But Here's Where It Gets Controversial...
The iconic TV drama Bergerac has returned to screens, and its revival is creating a surprising buzz that’s putting Jersey back on the map for tourists around the world. Industry insiders are saying the show is not just entertainment—it’s effectively a tourism campaign in disguise.
According to research conducted by Visit Jersey over the summer, around 8% of visitors to the island admitted that their decision to travel there was directly influenced by the new Bergerac series, which premiered earlier this year in February. And here’s a fascinating detail: of those who were drawn to Jersey after watching the show, 70% were visiting for the very first time. Clearly, the drama isn’t just entertaining—it’s opening the island to a whole new audience.
Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey, expressed excitement over the impact the show has had so far. She noted that the first series of the rebooted crime drama, originally made famous by John Nettles in the 1980s and 90s, offered viewers a fresh glimpse into what Jersey has to offer. "We’re thrilled to see Bergerac return for a second series, showcasing even more of Jersey's breathtaking scenery and distinctive charm," she said. Warwick also hopes that the next season, scheduled to air in 2026, will continue to attract new visitors and perhaps even spark another tourism boom.
Filming for the second series has wrapped, with over 100 cast and crew members spending time on the island during production. Locations featured in the show included the stunning St Brelade's Bay, the popular Havre Des Pas lido, and historic Fort Regent. One location with a special legacy is St Aubin's Old Court House, famously known to locals as "Bergerac's pub" in the original series. For the reboot, it was transformed into a restaurant called Tomassi's, but its connection to the show remains a major point of interest.
This resurgence of interest raises an intriguing question: can a television series genuinely shape tourism trends, or is this just a temporary spike fueled by nostalgia and media hype? Some may argue that while Bergerac brings attention, the true challenge lies in turning fleeting curiosity into long-term tourism growth. What do you think—should islands like Jersey lean heavily on pop culture to boost visitor numbers, or risk over-commercializing their local charm?
And this is the part most people miss: the show doesn’t just sell locations—it sells experiences. Every café, bay, and historic building featured in Bergerac becomes a potential must-visit spot, showing that storytelling and tourism are more connected than many realize. With the next series on the horizon, Jersey could see an even bigger wave of curious travelers eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite TV characters.
