Richard Osman Receives OBE Honour as Thursday Murder Club Heads to Stage
Television Star and Author Recognised in 2026 New Year Honours
British television presenter and bestselling author Richard Osman has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours list. Osman has been awarded an OBE for services to literature and broadcasting, recognising his dual career that has spanned both the television and publishing industries. The award comes at a remarkable moment for the creator of the beloved Thursday Murder Club series.
From Quiz Shows to Literary Success
Richard Osman’s journey to this recognition demonstrates remarkable versatility. Richard Osman is an English television presenter, producer, and novelist who is the creator and former co-presenter of the BBC One television quiz show Pointless. However, it is his transition to literature that has captured the nation’s imagination. His books have been credited with revitalizing the “cozy crime” genre, bringing millions of lapsed readers back into bookshops. The Thursday Murder Club series, set in a retirement village where residents solve cold cases, has resonated deeply with readers across generations.
Expanding the Thursday Murder Club Universe
The recognition comes as Osman’s literary success continues to expand into new formats. Richard Osman’s sleuths are coming to London’s West End, in a new stage adaptation by Osman and writer and actor Tom Basden, with the script still “in development” and coming to the stage sometime after autumn 2026. This follows the Netflix film adaptation featuring Helen Mirren that debuted in 2025.
In November 2023, Osman began hosting a podcast, The Rest Is Entertainment, with Marina Hyde, with the success leading to the two presenters appearing live for a sold out Christmas version of the show at the Royal Albert Hall in December 2024. The podcast has proven influential within the entertainment industry, demonstrating Osman’s continued impact on British media.
Significance for British Literature and Broadcasting
The OBE award highlights Osman’s contribution to British culture across multiple platforms. Osman has been a vocal advocate for libraries and literacy charities, extending his influence beyond book sales. This year, 1,157 recipients have been named on the King’s honours list, which the palace said this year placed a “particular focus on those who have gone above and beyond for their communities”. For readers and television audiences alike, Osman’s recognition celebrates the enduring power of storytelling and the successful bridge between traditional broadcasting and contemporary literature.