The 25 Funniest Detective Shows Of All Time, Ranked

Kayla Caldwell
Updated May 9, 2024 25 items
Ranked By
440 votes
176 voters
Voting Rules

Vote up the TV series that best blend the comedic with the criminal.

If you think solving crimes is all about grim faces and dark alleys, think again. The funniest detective shows of all time seamlessly blend sleuthing with side-splitting humor, proving that a little laughter is indeed the best remedy—even when dealing with the murkiest of mysteries. These series have cracked the code on combining wit with whodunits, creating a beloved niche that captivates audiences who love a good puzzle as much as they appreciate a hearty chuckle.

Take Castle, for instance, where a mystery novelist teams up with a New York City detective to solve crimes, serving up equal parts suspense and sass. Or Psych, which follows a pseudo-psychic detective and his best friend as they consult for the police, packed with pop culture references and rapid-fire banter. Both shows have set a high bar for humor in the detective genre, boasting clever writing and magnetic chemistry among their casts.

Behind this list stands a team of TV aficionados who've sifted through episodes and seasons to spotlight the cream of the crop. Once they had their picks, it was up to the fans—those devoted watchers—to have their say. Their votes have shaped this ultimate roundup, celebrating the shows that masterfully mix mystery with mirth.

  • Psych
    1
    James Roday Rodriguez, Dulé Hill, Corbin Bernsen
    70 votes

    Psych follows Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez), a crime consultant for the Santa Barbara Police Department who uses his eidetic memory and observational skills to trick people into thinking he has psychic powers. Psych aired on USA Network, and was paired with another popular comedy crime TV series, Monk. There were eight seasons of the series, as well as multiple follow-up movies, a podcast - The Psychologists Are In: A Psych Rewatch - and even books, like Chad Gervich’s Psych’s Guide to Crime Fighting for the Totally Unqualified.

    In the realm of crime-solving comedies, Psych stands out as a refreshing take on the genre. With eight seasons under its belt, this USA Network series garnered a loyal fan base and multiple award nominations. The show follows the adventures of Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez), a clever yet quirky amateur sleuth with an uncanny ability to solve crimes by posing as a psychic detective. Alongside his level-headed best friend, Burton "Gus" Guster (Dulé Hill), the duo tackles cases for the Santa Barbara Police Department, often employing unconventional methods. The show's charm lies in its witty banter, clever plotlines, and endearing characters, making it a must-watch for fans of lighthearted detective stories.
  • Castle
    2
    Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Susan Sullivan
    40 votes

    Castle follows the titular character - Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) - a mystery novelist who is brought in by the NYPD after a copycat murder based on one from his novels. He ends up taking a liking to Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), and decides he wants to shadow her for inspiration for his next book series. The juxtaposition of Castle’s man-child personality and Beckett’s no-nonsense professional attitude brings about much of the show’s humor. Castle is in syndication, and plays on TNT, Ion, and Lifetime.

    In a thrilling blend of crime-solving and wit, the highly acclaimed television series Castle follows the unconventional partnership between mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and no-nonsense NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic). Their dynamic chemistry unfolds over eight seasons as they work together to unravel New York City's most perplexing cases. Lauded for its engaging storylines and memorable characters, the show earned multiple nominations from the Primetime Emmy Awards and People's Choice Awards. Castle's unique combination of suspense, humor, and evolving relationships keeps viewers engaged through its eight seasons.
  • Monk
    3
    Tony Shalhoub, Ted Levine, Traylor Howard
    37 votes

    Monk is a beloved police procedural comedy, having earned eight Emmy Awards, one Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards during its eight-season run. Tony Shalhoub stars as the titular Adrian Monk, a former detective who has become a private investigator following a personal tragedy. Monk works as a consultant for the San Francisco Police, while struggling with his obsessive-compulsive disorder. Though it can make things difficult, his OCD is also what helps him solve cases, thanks to his impressive memory and attention to detail.

    In a skillful fusion of mystery and comedy, this award-winning show delves into the life of Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub), an extraordinary detective with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. As he solves intricate cases with his keen eye for detail, viewers are treated to a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals with OCD. The series has garnered multiple accolades, including eight Primetime Emmy Awards, with Shalhoub's exceptional performance being widely lauded. Through its engrossing narratives and memorable characters, Monk masterfully balances suspense and humor, making it a must-watch for fans of the crime-solving genre.
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine
    4
    Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews
    40 votes

    Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows seven New York City police detectives (including Andy Samberg, Stephanie Beatriz, and Terry Crews) as they adjust to the very stern and stoic nature of their new commanding officer, Captain Holt (Andre Braugher). The Fox (and then NBC) series has been particularly praised for how it handles serious issues - police brutality, COVID-19, etc.  - while keeping its signature comedic style. It also won the GLAAD Media Award for outstanding comedy series for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ people.

    An offbeat police squad must get its act together to impress its precinct's new captain.
  • Bones
    5
    Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, T.J. Thyne
    39 votes

    Bones follows a forensic anthropologist (Emily Deschanel) who has to work with an FBI Special Agent (David Boreanaz) to solve murders and other federal legal cases. In the series, Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Deschanel) writes a popular series of mystery novels that follow a fictional forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. Kathy Reichs is a producer on the show, and the series itself is actually inspired by her life working in forensic anthropology.

    Dr. Temperance Brennan uses impressive forensics skills to solve murders.
  • The Afterparty
    6
    Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Zoe Chao
    26 votes

    The Afterparty has an unbelievable cast, including Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Ike Barinholtz, Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, and Dave Franco, and each one gets an episode where the story is recounted through their eyes. It’s a fresh take on a murder mystery whodunnit, and was liked enough to warrant a second season on Apple TV+. The events of the story take place the evening of a high school reunion, after which, one of the stars is murdered at an after party. 

    The Afterparty is a murder mystery comedy series that follows a group of former high school friends who reunite at a party, only to find themselves implicated in a shocking homicide. Each episode is told from the perspective of a different character, offering unique insights into the events of the fateful night. The show cleverly combines humor with suspense and features an ensemble cast including Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, and Ilana Glazer. The Afterparty features themes of friendship, past regrets, and the quest for truth amidst chaos. It's a fresh take on the whodunit genre with its innovative storytelling approach.
  • Only Murders In The Building
    7
    Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez
    56 votes

    Who knew Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short would make such a delightful trio? The three star as Mabel Mora, Charles-Haden Savage, and Oliver Putnam, respectively, in Only Murders in the Building, a Hulu series that follows three tenants who were strangers until a murder in their building brought them together to make a true crime podcast about it. Only Murders in the Building has been praised for the chemistry of the leads, and the show's brilliant blending of comedy and crime fiction.

    In the labyrinthine corridors of a lavish New York City apartment building, three unlikely neighbors find common ground in their shared obsession with true crime. Only Murders In The Building weaves a darkly comedic mystery as Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez) launch their own amateur investigation into a suspicious death within their very walls. As secrets unravel and hidden motives emerge, this Emmy-nominated series deftly balances suspenseful twists with character-driven humor, delivering an engaging whodunit that keeps audiences on their toes. The show's ensemble cast, including notable guest stars, contributes to its undeniable charm and intrigue.
  • Wednesday
    8
    Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Riki Lindhome
    37 votes

    Wednesday follows the iconic Addams Family character as she is sent off to the Nevermore Academy. Though there are plenty of supernatural elements, when it comes down to it, Wednesday is about solving a murder mystery. A lot of the humor in the Netflix smash hit comes from Wednesday’s infamous stubborn nature and seemingly emotionless personality, as well as from delightful new characters, like her roommate and foil, Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers).

    Wednesday Addams tries to master her psychic ability while attending Nevermore Academy.
  • iZombie
    9
    Rose McIver, Malcolm Goodwin, Rahul Kohli
    22 votes

    iZombie is a murder mystery with more of a sci-fi supernatural twist, as the protagonist, Liv Moore (Rose McIver) is a zombie, having been turned into one after a horrible boat party. Instead of feeding off of innocent people, the medical resident instead gets a job at the King County Morgue, where she eats the brains of the dead. They give her flashbacks into the deceased’s life, and help her to solve the person’s murder. It’s definitely a different take on a whodunnit, but very well-done, funny, and featuring great performances from the stars, including Rahul Kohli and David Anders.

    In a fresh twist on the zombie genre, iZombie explores the life of Liv Moore (Rose McIver), a medical resident turned undead, as she navigates her newfound hunger for brains and its unexpected side effects. With a mix of crime-solving and dark humor, this critically acclaimed series keeps viewers engaged while confronting the complexities of Liv's dual existence. Boasting a talented ensemble cast, the show has been nominated for multiple awards, including a Leo Award for Best Lead Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series. As Liv grapples with retaining her humanity, iZombie delivers an intriguing balance of wit, emotion, and suspense.
  • Barry
    10

    Barry

    Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Henry Winkler
    24 votes

    Barry, co-created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader, follows a former U.S. Marine (Hader) who works as a hitman, but ponders a career change after following a target into an acting class in Los Angeles. The series is beloved by fans and critics, with Rotten Tomato scores for reach season ranging from 95 percent to a whopping 100 percent (for season two). Barry has taken home nine Primetime Emmy awards, including for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series, for Hader, and outstanding supporting actor for Henry Winkler.

    A disillusioned assassin accepts a job in Los Angeles, where he discovers an interest in acting.
  • New Tricks
    11
    Dennis Waterman, Tamzin Outhwaite, Denis Lawson
    19 votes

    The name of British crime comedy series New Tricks comes from the proverb, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” and follows three retired police officers as they work in the (fictional) Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad (UCOS) in London, re-investigating unsolved crimes. A few of the series' stars include Alun Armstrong, James Bolam, Amanda Redman, Dennis Waterman, and Anthony Calf. What started as just a one-off episode in 2003, New Tricks went on to have 12 seasons.

    Detective Sandra Pullman heads the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad.
  • The Boys
    12
    Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr
    20 votes

    The Boys, based on the comic book of the same name, takes a much different approach to the superhero genre. “The Boys” refers to a group of vigilantes working to take down a group of heroes who abuse their powers, called “The Seven,” as well as the corrupt corporation that employs them, Vought International. The Boys, which is one of the most successful original programs on Amazon Prime, boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including, but not limited to, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Elisabeth Shue, Jensen Ackles, and Aya Cash.

    The Boys embark on a quest to expose the truth about The Seven, superheroes who abuse their powers.
  • Queens of Mystery
    13
    Olivia Vinall, Julie Graham, Sarah Woodward
    17 votes

    Queens of Mystery follows three crime-writing sisters - Cat (Julie Graham), Jane (Siobhan Redmond), and Beth (Sarah Woodward) Stone - who solve whodunit-style murder cases with their young niece, Matilda (Olivia Vinall, season 1, Florence Hall season 2), who has been assigned as a detective in their fictional town of Wildemarsh, England. Queens of Mystery has been compared to other beloved mystery shows, like Murder, She Wrote, Agatha Raisin, and Pushing Daisies.

    Queens of Mystery (Acorn TV, 2019) is a British comedy-drama murder-mystery television series. Matilda Stone (Olivia Vinall) is a young detective who has been assigned to the constabulary in her fictional hometown village of Wildemarsh in England where she is also reunited with her three crime novelist aunts Cat, Beth, and Jane.
  • Poker Face
    14

    Poker Face

    Natasha Lyonne, Benjamin Bratt, Simon Helberg
    34 votes

    Poker Face, from Rian Johnson, follows Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne), who has the special talent of being able to tell when someone is lying. Each episode sees Cale helping to solve the mystery of another murder. It’s the perfect series for fans of Johnson’s Knives Out film series, and features new guest stars in each episode, including Hong Chau, Chloë Sevigny, Ellen Barkin, Tim Meadows, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

  • Good Girls
    15
    Christina Hendricks, Lidya Jewett, Matthew Lillard
    17 votes

    Good Girls follows three suburban moms - played hilariously by Retta, Christina Hendricks, and Mae Whitman - who band together to rob a grocery store in order to help with financial problems - but end up in a much more dangerous position, working with a crime boss (Manny Montana). Good Girls aired for four seasons on NBC, and also starred Matthew Lillard, June Squibb, Allison Tolman, and Andrew McCarthy.

    In a suburban world where crime and comedy collide, Good Girls offers a fresh perspective on the lives of three seemingly ordinary women thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Beth (Christina Hendricks), Ruby (Retta), and Annie (Mae Whitman) navigate their way through a life of larceny and money laundering, all while juggling their responsibilities as mothers and friends. This dark comedy-drama has garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for prestigious awards, including the Primetime Emmy Awards. As the show progresses, viewers are treated to a delicate balance of humor and suspense, keeping them engaged and invested in the characters' twisted escapades.
  • Agatha Raisin
    16

    Agatha Raisin

    Ashley Jensen, Mathew Horne, Katy Wix
    30 votes

    Agatha Raisin follows the titular character (played by Ashley Jensen), a PR guru and amateur sleuth who solves mysteries in the Cotswolds. The series is based on the M.C. Beaton books of the same name. Fans have called the series “better than the books” and “amusing nonsense,” and many praise Jensen’s acting.

    Amateur sleuth Agatha Raisin investigates eight entertaining murder mysteries.
  • Murderville
    17

    Murderville

    Will Arnett, Haneefah Wood, Lilan Bowden
    24 votes

    Murderville is a scripted, comedic murder mystery series on Netflix that also incorporates improvisation. Will Arnett plays Terry Seattle, a senior detective for the Murderville Police Department. Each episode, a celebrity guest star plays his rookie detective partner, but they are not given a script, and must improvise their way through the episode, trying to figure out who the killer is. Murderville guests included Conan O’Brien, Marshawn Lynch, Kumail Nanjiani, Annie Murphy, Sharon Stone, and Ken Jeong, with Jason Bateman, Maya Rudolph, and Pete Davidson appearing in a Christmas special.

  • Dead to Me
    18
    Christina Applegate, Linda Cardellini, James Marsden
    10 votes

    Dead to Me is a beautiful black comedy featuring Christina Applegate as Jen Harding, a woman who recently lost her husband due to a hit-and-run, and Linda Cardellini as Judy Hale, who may or may not have been the one who hit him. The pair meet and bond in a grief support group, and the crime and murder go from there. No matter how insane things become, the show never loses its humor or its heart. It also has fantastic performances from James Marsden, Brandon Scott, Diana-Maria Riva, and Natalie Morales.

    In a tale of friendship and dark secrets, Dead to Me delivers a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This critically acclaimed dark comedy series has garnered multiple award nominations, including an Emmy nod for its lead actress Christina Applegate. The plot revolves around the unlikely bond formed between two grieving women, Jen (Applegate) and Judy (Linda Cardellini), as they navigate through loss, deception, and the pursuit of justice. With each episode unveiling new twists, Dead to Me expertly weaves humor and heartbreak, creating a unique viewing experience that resonates with audiences.
  • Landscapers
    19
    Olivia Colman, David Thewlis, Samuel Anderson
    21 votes

    Landscapers is based on the true crime story of the 1998 murders of William and Patricia Wycherley. That’s not exactly funny, but the series, directed by Will Sharpe and starring Olivia Colman and David Thewlis as Susan and Christopher Edwards, has been commended for being “howlingly funny” amidst the darkness. Landscapers also boasts an impressive 98 percent - Certified Fresh - score on Rotten Tomatoes.

    Landscapers is a darkly comedic true-crime miniseries that delves into the lives of mild-mannered couple Susan (Olivia Colman) and Christopher Edwards (David Thewlis). After the discovery of two long-dead bodies in their former backyard, the narrative unfolds through imaginative storytelling that blurs fantasy with reality. The series explores themes of love, escapism, and the cinematic fantasies that the couple uses to reshape their mundane existence. As the investigation progresses, their bizarre and tragic tale unravels, revealing how they managed to get away with murder for over a decade.
  • Search Party
    20
    Alia Shawkat, John Reynolds, John Early
    16 votes

    Search Party, co-created by Michael Showalter, follows aimless New York City assistant Dory Sief (Alia Shawkat), who becomes obsessed with the disappearance of a college acquaintance, Chantal. Ironically, Dory’s insistence that Chantal is in danger actually puts herself and her friend group in danger, as they pursue the mystery despite having no qualifications to do so. Search Party gets weirder and quirkier as the show goes on - even more so after it moved to Max - but even so, the Rotten Tomatoes score for each season doesn’t drop below 93 percent.

    In a subtle yet intriguing fusion of dark comedy and mystery, Search Party has managed to carve its own niche in the television landscape. The show, which has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, follows the journey of Dory Sief (Alia Shawkat) as she becomes entangled in a perplexing missing person case. As Dory's obsession intensifies, her circle of friends, played by a talented ensemble cast, find themselves amidst a whirlpool of unexpected twists and turns. Praised for its sharp writing and impeccable performances, Search Party offers an engrossing tale that masterfully unravels the complexities of human nature while exploring themes of identity, purpose, and the pursuit of truth.
  • The Outlaws
    21
    Rhianne Barreto, Darren Boyd, Gamba Cole
    7 votes

    From Elgin James and Stephen Merchant - co-writer/director of the British The Office - The Outlaws follows seven strangers who are forced to come together thanks to a community service sentence. The group think their luck is about to change when they find a bag of money, but thanks to its owners, their lives are about to get a lot more dangerous. The BAFTA-nominated series stars Merchant, Christopher Walken, and Eleanor Tomlinson.

    Seven bickering lawbreakers forced together on community service discover a bag of cash.
  • Reservation Dogs
    22
    D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis
    4 votes

    Reservation Dogs, from Taika Waititi and Sterlin Harjo, is the first series to feature all Indigenous writers and directors, as well as an almost entirely Indigenous North American cast and production team. The FX Production series follows four Indigenous teens - played by Devery Jacobs, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Lane Factor, and Paulina Alexis - who live on a reservation in rural Oklahoma, but dream of moving to California, as was the wish of their late friend. Reservation Dogs is critically-acclaimed, has won a Peabody Award, two Independent Spirit Awards, and was dubbed by the American Film Institute as one of the ten best TV shows of 2021 and 2022.

    In a refreshing departure from conventional television, Reservation Dogs invites viewers into the daily lives of four Indigenous teenagers navigating their way through adolescence on a rural Oklahoma reservation. The dramatic comedy, which has garnered critical acclaim and award nominations, showcases the talents of Devery Jacobs (Elora Danan Postoak), D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Bear Smallhill), Paulina Alexis (Willie Jack), and Lane Factor (Cheese). The show's authentic portrayal of Indigenous culture, combined with its clever humor and engaging storylines, offers a rare glimpse into a world often overlooked in mainstream media. With each episode, audiences grow more invested in the relatable struggles and triumphs of these young characters as they strive to find their place in a complex and ever-changing environment.
  • The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window
    23

    The Woman In The House Across The Street From The Girl In The Window

    Kristen Bell, Michael Ealy, Tom Riley
    7 votes

    The Netflix miniseries The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window is a hilarious parody of films that came before it, including The Girl on the Train, and the particularly bizarre, The Woman in the Window. Kristen Bell was praised for her entertaining and truly funny performance as Anna, a woman who unwisely mixes alcohol with mental health medications, is afraid of the rain, and has frequent hallucinations, who thinks she may have witnessed a murder. Though it is incredibly silly, there is still a fun bit of murder mystery involved.

  • Scream: The TV Series
    24

    Scream: The TV Series

    Willa Fitzgerald, Bex Taylor-Klaus, John Karna
    8 votes

    Like the films that inspired it, Scream: The TV Series is a murder mystery whodunnit. The first two seasons follow the lives of Emma Duval (Willa Fitzgerald) and her fellow students in the fictional town of Lakewood, which has a dark and troubled past. The third season has a new cast and location, and a new network - VH1. It follows Atlanta high school football star Deion Elliot (RJ Cyler), who has a tragic past that comes back to haunt him and his classmates. All of the seasons incorporate the tongue-in-cheek humor and meta vibes of the beloved film franchise.

    In a small town shrouded in mystery and haunted by its bloody past, a group of high school students find themselves entangled in a web of fear and suspicion. Scream, inspired by the iconic horror film franchise, artfully combines elements of slasher movies with teen drama to create an intense, suspenseful atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. As the body count rises, so does the tension among friends and foes alike. With standout performances from characters such as Emma Duval (Willa Fitzgerald) and Audrey Jensen (Bex Taylor-Klaus), this series not only pays homage to the original films but also stands strong as a thrilling tale in its own right. Scream has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, proving that even in a saturated genre, it can still deliver shocking twists and unforgettable scares.
  • Year of the Rabbit
    25
    Matt Berry, Alun Armstrong, Freddie Fox
    6 votes

    Year of the Rabbit follows Detective Inspector Rabbit (Matt Berry, What We Do in the Shadows, The IT Crowd), who loves his booze as much as he loves to solve a mystery. He, a brilliant policewoman named Sergeant Mabel Wisbech (Susan Wokoma), and his rookie partner, Detective Sergeant Wilbur Strauss (Freddie Fox), work together to solve murders in 1887 London.  In February 2021, the show was renewed for a second season. However, the COVID-19 pandemic started shortly after, and it ended up getting cancelled because of that.

    DI Rabbit is a hardened cop who's seen it all, but health issues force him to take on a partner.