10 essential Murdoch Mysteries episodes you need to watch ahead of the new season

A special Beginner's Guide to Murdoch Mysteries collection is now available to stream for free on CBC Gem. If you are new to the series, or just haven't watched for a while, these 10 iconic episodes — to be watched in order, if you dare! —  are the perfect Murdoch primer, pulled from across the series' history, highlighting the show's trademark mystery, murder and Detective Murdoch's unflappable resolve. It's a great way to catch up on the series without watching all 17 seasons! 

You can tune into a new season of Murdoch Mysteries this fall on CBC television and CBC Gem as new cast member Paul Sun-Hyung Lee joins Station 44 for Season 18.

Here are the episodes from the Beginner's Guide to Murdoch Mysteries:

Murdoch Air (Episode 601)

For your first dip into the Murdoch library, this episode is all about action — we get to see Detective Murdoch and fellow inventor Pendrick cross Niagara Falls in an early aircraft. Meanwhile, Murdoch's love life is also about to kick into high gear when Dr. Ogden returns to town with second thoughts about marriage.

Who Killed the Electric Carriage (Episode 506)

Combining the strange new world of modern innovation with an alluring mystery, this high-speed episode contains all the elements that led Murdoch to become a world-wide phenomenon. Who Killed the Electric Carriage also showcases the ways in which the series incorporates real-life historical figures into its fantastical storylines.

Mrs. Crabtree's Neighbourhood (Episode 1710)

Murdoch has an intriguing case to solve, while fan-favourite Effie Crabtree has a broken leg, a bottle of pain medication and too much time on her hands. This hilarious episode sees Effie become a bit of a busybody as she is convinced that her neighbours are up to something nefarious when they bury something seemingly suspicious in their yard at night. 

Sir. Sir? Sir!!! (Episode 1206)

This outside-of-the-box Halloween episode pays homage to some of the biggest sci-fi and horror classics, like Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Twilight Zone. Sir. Sir? Sir!!! also opens with a spine-chilling version of the original Murdoch Mysteries theme music.

Dying to be Enlightened (Episode 1706)

In this unique episode, Ogden, Effie and Watts take centre stage. What starts as a relaxing getaway at a bohemian health retreat quickly turns into a gripping murder investigation. Viewers will enjoy seeing characters out of their usual period dress, adding a fresh twist to this captivating story.  

Kung Fu Crabtree (Episode 716)

Kung Fu Crabtree stands out as an exciting, action-packed episode. Toronto's growing Chinese community in the early 1900s is highlighted, and viewers are transported to the area that would later become the city's first Chinatown.

Republic of Murdoch (Episode 708)

Murdoch goes on location to the beautiful surrounds of Newfoundland for the first of two special CBC crossover episodes between Murdoch Mysteries and Republic of Doyle. We also meet Crabtree's infamous, flower-named aunts, who raised him in Canada's most easterly province. 

Murdoch Ahoy (Episode 701)

Murdoch Ahoy, the Season 7 opener, was filmed on location in Port McNicoll, Ontario. This episode is particularly special because it was shot aboard the spectacular SS Keewatin, the world's oldest surviving Edwardian steamship. 

Murdoch of the Klondike (Episode 501)

This distinctive episode brings Detective Murdoch to Dawson City, Yukon, where he encounters Jack London, the famed author of The Call of the Wild, portrayed by Aaron Ashmore. This episode stands out as a rare glimpse of Murdoch in an unconventional setting, away from his usual urban environment, adding an adventurous twist to the series. 

Power (Episode 101)

Season 1, Episode 1 of Murdoch Mysteries marks the thrilling beginning of the series. From the very start, the series blends historical intrigue with crime-solving drama, featuring notable historical figures such as Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla. This episode not only lays the foundation for Murdoch's innovative investigative techniques but also sets the stage for a captivating blend of historical and fictional storytelling.

What were your all-time favourite episodes of Murdoch Mysteries? Were there any you'd like to see on this list we didn't mention here?