"The Singing Detective" is a British television serial created by Dennis Potter that first aired in 1986. The story follows Philip Marlow, a writer suffering from a severe skin disease, who is confined to a hospital bed. As he battles his illness, he experiences vivid hallucinations that blend his memories, fantasies, and the plot of a detective story he is writing. The series is notable for its innovative storytelling and use of music, featuring songs from the 1940s and 1950s. It explores themes of identity, trauma, and the power of imagination, making it a landmark in television history.