The programme often takes place in unconventional environments or situations, such as at a racecourse, scrap dealers, the Eiffel Tower or a commercial printing business.
Two selected viewers took part and had to guess who was guilty when inspector Bourrel said the famous line: "Good God!
Over time, many actors and personalities have featured on the show, including: Françoise Fabian, Guy Kerner, Ginette Leclerc, Rellys, Pierre Brasseur, Henri Virlogeux, Bernard Fresson, Henri Crémieux, Jacques Monod, Henri Vilbert, André Valmy, Robert Vattier, Serge Gainsbourg, Anémone, Jean Topart, Paul Le Person, Jess Hahn, Marie-Georges Pascal, Pierre Clémenti, Michel Robin and Paul Préboist.
In recognition of his character, the following commissioners were no longer called Bourrel, but instead, Le Carré, Cabrol and Massard.
The theme music played (on trumpet by Pierre Thibaud) during the opening sequence is called "Arsenic Blues" and was composed by Marc Lanjean.