Netflix’s adaptation of *The Thursday Murder Club* is a single feature film, not a series—despite the ongoing confusion fueled by Richard Osman’s multi-book franchise. Here’s what’s confirmed about the 2025 movie, its star‑studded cast, and why there’s no season 2.

Release year 2025 Director Chris Columbus Streaming platform Netflix Format Feature film Based on Richard Osman’s novel series Number of films to date 1

Film Details

  • Title: The Thursday Murder Club
  • Director: Chris Columbus
  • Release Year: 2025
  • Streaming on: Netflix

Cast

  • Helen Mirren
  • Pierce Brosnan
  • Ben Kingsley
  • Celia Imrie

Book Series

  • Author: Richard Osman
  • Number of books: 4 (as of 2025)
  • First book published 2020

FAQ Highlights

  • Movie or series? Movie.
  • On Netflix? Yes, in 2025.
  • Season 2? Not announced.
Key Facts
Title The Thursday Murder Club
Director Chris Columbus
Release year 2025
Streaming platform Netflix
Cast Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie
Based on Richard Osman’s novel

Here’s how the film stacks up against a TV series format:

Comparison: Film vs. Series
Feature The Thursday Murder Club (2025 Film) Typical TV Series
Length One feature film (~2 hours) Multiple episodes / seasons
Source material First book only Could cover multiple books
Netflix classification Movie Series
Official page Netflix title page Separate series page
Current status Released August 28, 2025 None announced

Is The Thursday Murders Club a Movie or a Series?

The adaptation is a single film, confirmed by Netflix’s own title page (Netflix official site) and Netflix Tudum, which describes it as “a film based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novel.” No TV series adaptation has been announced.

What is the format of the Netflix adaptation?

It is a feature film, directed by Chris Columbus, and intended as a standalone movie. The Netflix Tudum casting page frames the story around four retirees whose hobby becomes a real murder investigation.

Is there a TV series of The Thursday Murder Club?

No. All official sources—Netflix, Newsweek, and the Los Angeles Times—refer to a movie only. The Los Angeles Times review calls it “a streamlined version of the novel,” confirming it compresses material into one film.

Warning: Some internet searches still confuse the film with a possible series. Stick to Netflix’s primary sources for accuracy.

Is The Thursday Murders Club on Netflix Now?

Yes, the film arrived on Netflix on August 28, 2025. Newsweek reported a midnight Pacific Time launch. Cosmopolitan UK says the date was confirmed by Netflix on April 24, 2025.

When will the film be available to stream?

It is available now. The Netflix title page shows a “Play” button (Netflix official site).

What time does it start on Netflix?

Newsweek states it was available at 12:00 a.m. PT on August 28, 2025.

“The Thursday Murder Club arrives August 28 — based on Richard Osman’s smash-hit novel.”

— Netflix US on Facebook

How Many Thursday Murders Club Films and Series Are on Netflix?

Exactly one film. No TV series exists. Netflix’s official page lists it as a movie entry. IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes also categorize it as a 2025 film.

How many films in the franchise exist?

One. The film is the first adaptation of Richard Osman’s book series.

Are there any TV series on Netflix?

No. The adaptation is exclusively a film.

Pattern: Book series length (four novels) does not equal Netflix content count. Netflix has adapted only the first book so far.

Will There Be a Season 2 or a Sequel?

No sequel or season 2 has been officially announced. Netflix has not confirmed any additional content. The book series continues with multiple novels, leaving room for future adaptations—but none are confirmed.

Is there a second film planned?

Not yet. No press release from Netflix, Amblin, or Chris Columbus mentions a sequel.

Will there be more content on Netflix?

Unclear. The success of the first film may influence decisions, but at present there is only one film.

“The Thursday Murder Club is on the case — coming to Netflix on August 28th.”

— Amblin Entertainment on Facebook

Who Stars in The Thursday Murder Club?

The core quartet: Helen Mirren as Elizabeth, Pierce Brosnan as Ron, Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim, and Celia Imrie as Joyce. Supporting cast includes Naomi Ackie (Donna De Freitas), David Tennant, Jonathan Pryce, Tom Ellis, and many others (Netflix Tudum).

Main cast members

As confirmed by Netflix official page: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tom Ellis, Jonathan Pryce, Paul Freeman.

Characters played

Netflix Tudum identifies the four leads and Naomi Ackie’s role as Police Constable Donna De Freitas.

Implication: The film assembles one of the most densely experienced casts in a 2025 Netflix original—spanning Oscar winners and veteran character actors.

What Is the Release Date and Plot?

Release date: August 28, 2025 (Cosmopolitan UK, Amblin Entertainment). Plot: A group of retirees in Coopers Chase retirement village solve a real murder after years of cold cases. Based on Richard Osman’s 2020 novel.

Official release date

August 28, 2025, as confirmed by Netflix’s own title page.

Plot summary

Four friends—Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce—use their collective experience to investigate a murder that takes place in their retirement community.

“A group of friends in a retirement home… caught in a real case.”

— Netflix Tudum

FAQ

Is The Thursday Murder Club based on a true story?

No, it is based on Richard Osman’s fictional novel, not true events.

How many books are in the Thursday Murder Club series?

As of 2025, four books have been published: the first in 2020, with sequels continuing.

Is the Netflix film the same as the book?

The film adapts the first novel but compresses the story into a single film, as noted by the Los Angeles Times.

Who wrote the Thursday Murder Club books?

Richard Osman, British author and television presenter.

Where was The Thursday Murder Club filmed?

Filming locations have not been officially detailed; principal photography began in 2023.

Is there a trailer for The Thursday Murder Club?

Yes, Netflix released a trailer ahead of the August 28 debut.

Will the film cover the whole first book?

Reviews suggest it streamlines the first book’s plot into a single movie.

Bottom line: The catch: Netflix has one film for now; the book series offers four novels.