The Best British Detective Series
- 1Kevin Whately, Laurence Fox, Rebecca Front
Set in the picturesque university city of Oxford, this thrilling spin-off of the classic detective series follows the brilliant Detective Inspector Robbie Lewis and his equally sharp sidekick DS James Hathaway. As the dynamic duo unravel perplexing mysteries, they confront a plethora of challenging cases, criminal masterminds, and deeply-rooted secrets.
More Inspector Lewis
- #172 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- #7 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #4 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- 2Shaun Evans, Roger Allam, Anton Lesser
Embark on a spellbinding prequel to the renowned Inspector Morse, witnessing the early career of a young Endeavour Morse. Fresh out of Oxford University, the young detective constable faces the harsh realities of 1960s England while solving a string of complex cases using nothing but his keen intellect and unwavering determination.
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- 3
Unforgotten
Sanjeev Bhaskar, Jordan Long, Carolina MainDCI Cassie Stuart and DI Sunil Khan delve into long-dormant cases that have seemingly slipped through the cracks of time. As the tenacious detectives unearth shocking secrets from decades past, they strive to bring closure to grief-stricken families and ensure that justice is finally served.
More Unforgotten- #2 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #5 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- #10 of 54 onThe 45+ Best PBS Shows Of All Time, Ranked
- 4Douglas Henshall, Alison O'Donnell, Steven Robertson
Journey to the windswept, remote islands of Shetland, where DI Jimmy Perez navigates the treacherous waters of crime in a tight-knit community. With a strong moral compass and dogged persistence, DI Perez untangles twisted webs of deception, murder, and intrigue in this spellbinding series.
More Shetland- #18 of 252 onThe 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
- #3 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #2 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- 5David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Andrew Buchan
A gripping series set in a small coastal town where two detectives, Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller, grapple with the disturbing murder of an 11-year-old boy. As the investigation unfolds, their community's darkest secrets and unsavoury characters come to light, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
More Broadchurch- #52 of 85 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #21 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #174 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 6Brenda Blethyn, Jon Morrison, Riley Jones
Meet the unorthodox yet exceptionally cunning DCI Vera Stanhope as she solves murders alongside her loyal team in the beautiful yet sometimes bleak Northumberland countryside. Quirky, determined, and sharp as a tack, Vera has a knack for digging deep into the darkest corners of human nature to find answers.
More Vera- #4 of 29 onCurrent British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time
- #405 of 645 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #3 of 76 onThe 70 Best Acorn TV Shows, Ranked
- 7Michael Kitchen, Anthony Howell, Honeysuckle Weeks
Set amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, this enthralling series features Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle, who tackles crime on the homefront in Hastings. Amid wartime strife, Foyle unravels intricate mysteries, spies, and other treacheries that plague his seaside town.
More Foyle's War- #1 of 76 onThe 70 Best Acorn TV Shows, Ranked
- #13 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #6 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- 8John Thaw, Kevin Whately, James Grout
In this timeless classic, the astute and cerebral Detective Chief Inspector Morse and his loyal companion DS Robbie Lewis pursue justice across the historic city of Oxford. In a world of hidden motives, cryptic puzzles, and chilling crimes, Morse's exceptional mind proves to be an invaluable asset.
More Inspector Morse- Dig Deeper...The Best Inspector Morse Episodes
- #10 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- #48 of 55 onThe Best 1980s TV Dramas
- 9Neil Dudgeon, Nick Hendrix, Fiona Dolman
For over two decades, this British television staple has captivated viewers with its tales of macabre murders set against the lush backdrop of the fictional Midsomer County. As Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and his successors navigate intriguing whodunits, they encounter eccentric characters and baffling plots that keep audiences hooked.
More Midsomer Murders- Dig Deeper...The Best Episodes of Midsomer Murders
- #2 of 76 onThe 70 Best Acorn TV Shows, Ranked
- #207 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- 10David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson
The legendary Hercule Poirot, a mustachioed Belgian detective, takes center stage in this delightful adaptation of Agatha Christie's novels. With his captivating wit, meticulous attention to detail, and irrefutable powers of deduction, Poirot solves intricate cases that leave even Scotland Yard dumbfounded.
- #7 of 76 onThe 70 Best Acorn TV Shows, Ranked
- #131 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- #78 of 117 onThe 100+ Best TV Cop Shows
- 11
Sherlock Holmes
Jeremy Brett, Charles Gray, Edward HardwickeFrom the foggy streets of Victorian London comes one of literature's most iconic detectives, Sherlock Holmes, and his loyal confidant Dr. John Watson. With unparalleled deductive reasoning, Holmes faces off against cunning criminals, diabolical masterminds, and perhaps his most formidable foe – the enigmatic Moriarty.
More Sherlock Holmes- #1 of 43 onWhat to Watch If You Love 'Sherlock'
- #14 of 153 onThe 120+ Best Detective Shows of All Time
- #12 of 223 onThe 160 Best Mystery TV Shows Of All Time
- 12
Line of Duty
Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, Kelly MacdonaldThis riveting police drama delves into the murky world of corruption within the force as the dedicated officers of AC-12 work tirelessly to expose wrongdoing. With gripping plots, complex characters, and an unwavering sense of justice, Line of Duty leaves viewers breathless and hungry for more.
More Line of Duty- #3 of 29 onCurrent British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time
- #4 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #92 of 117 onThe 100+ Best TV Cop Shows
- 13Martin Shaw, Lee Ingleby, Melanie Clark Pullen
Set in the 1960s, this enthralling series follows the diligent and uncompromising Inspector George Gently as he solves cold cases against the backdrop of England's changing social landscape. Paired with the impulsive and ambitious DS John Bacchus, Gently must navigate shifting loyalties and changing times to uncover the truth.
- 14Stephen Tompkinson, Andrea Lowe, Caroline Catz
Adapted from Peter Robinson's novels, this gritty series follows no-nonsense Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks as he investigates chilling crimes in the picturesque Yorkshire countryside. Tackling disturbing cases that test his moral compass, Banks relies on his intuition and tenacity to catch ruthless killers and bring justice to his community.
More DCI Banks- #17 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #15 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- #2 of 29 onThe Best British TV Shows on HBO Max
- 15Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott
This modern reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective brings Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson into the 21st century. With dazzling wit, supreme intellect, and cutting-edge technology, Holmes and Watson face off against a new generation of criminals in this phenomenal adaptation.
More Sherlock- Dig Deeper...What to Watch If You Love 'Sherlock'
- #1 of 252 onThe 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
- #3 of 85 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- 16
Wallander
Kenneth Branagh, Sarah Smart, Tom HiddlestonBased on Henning Mankell's popular novels, this gritty drama delves into the life of Swedish detective Kurt Wallander, who battles his own demons while solving complex cases. Haunted by failed relationships and a fractured family, Wallander relies on his instincts and unwavering determination to make sense of a dark, complicated world.
More Wallander- #20 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #22 of 54 onThe 45+ Best PBS Shows Of All Time, Ranked
- #22 of 43 onWhat to Watch If You Love 'Sherlock'
- 17
Miss Marple
Joan Hickson, Gwen Watford, David HorovitchThe delightful amateur sleuth Jane Marple uses her keen observational skills and razor-sharp intuition to unravel baffling mysteries in post-war England. Armed with a wealth of knowledge about human nature, the elderly spinster-turned-detective tackles cases that even the professionals can't solve.
More Miss Marple- Dig Deeper...The Best Miss Marple Books
- And Deeper...The Best Miss Marple Episodes
- #19 of 54 onThe 45+ Best PBS Shows Of All Time, Ranked
- 18David Jason, Bruce Alexander, John Lyons
This beloved series showcases the captivating exploits of Detective Inspector Jack Frost, an unconventional yet skilled sleuth who investigates crimes in the fictional town of Denton. Despite his gruff exterior and unorthodox methods, Frost tackles each case with determination and a surprising degree of compassion.
- 19Anna Maxwell Martin, Rachael Stirling, Sophie Rundle
In this gripping post-WWII drama, four exceptional women who served as codebreakers at Bletchley Park reunite to solve a string of baffling murders. As they apply their formidable intelligence and unparalleled skills to unmask dangerous killers, they strive to overcome the constraints of a male-dominated society.
More The Bletchley Circle- #25 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #14 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- #7 of 43 onWhat to Watch If You Love 'Sherlock'
- 20Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Dermot Crowley
Idris Elba stars as the tormented DCI John Luther, an astute detective who becomes consumed by the darkness of the crimes he investigates. In a world of depravity and violence, Luther navigates the treacherous line between right and wrong as he confronts his own capacity for both.
More Luther- #8 of 252 onThe 250+ Best BBC One Shows, Ranked
- #1 of 29 onCurrent British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time
- #172 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 21James Norton, Robson Green, Morven Christie
Set in the idyllic 1950s Cambridgeshire village, this captivating series follows the unlikely partnership of Anglican vicar Sidney Chambers and police officer Geordie Keating. As the pair investigate the darker side of their quaint village, they face moral dilemmas, matters of faith, and entangled personal lives.
More Grantchester- #8 of 29 onCurrent British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time
- #19 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #16 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- 22Dennis Waterman, Tamzin Outhwaite, Denis Lawson
This lighthearted crime drama reunites a team of retired police officers who use their old-school knowledge and experience to tackle unsolved cases that have haunted them for years. With lively chemistry, humor, and a knack for uncovering hidden truths, the team proves that sometimes, the old ways are the best ways.
- 23Suranne Jones, Lesley Sharp, Amelia Bullmore
Featuring a dynamic partnership between Detective Constables Rachel Bailey and Janet Scott, this gripping series explores the personal and professional lives of two police officers tasked with solving Manchester's most brutal crimes. With intricate plotlines and compelling character development, viewers are drawn into their world of heartache, humor, and unwavering determination.
More Scott & Bailey- #12 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #77 of 113 onThe Best Dramas On HBO Max
- #18 of 47 onThe Very Best British Procedurals, Ranked
- 24Tala Gouveia, Jason Watkins, James Murray
An unlikely duo from the historic city of Bath forms the backbone of this engaging detective series. The ambitious, fastidious DCI Lauren McDonald and the unassuming, brilliant DS Dodds apply their unique talents to solving the city's most baffling crimes, often with unexpected results.
More McDonald & Dodds- #61 of 85 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #21 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- #11 of 176 onThe 150+ Best New Mystery TV Shows
- 25Julia McKenzie, Geraldine McEwan
In this adaptation of Agatha Christie's beloved novels, Geraldine McEwan and Julia McKenzie bring the formidable Miss Marple to life. Nothing escapes her sharp intuition as she traverses post-war England, using her encyclopedic knowledge of human nature to solve crimes others dismiss as unsolvable.
- #5 of 31 onThe Best Movies Based on Agatha Christie Stories
- #12 of 43 onWhat to Watch If You Love 'Sherlock'
- #23 of 153 onThe 120+ Best Detective Shows of All Time
- 26
River
Stellan Skarsgård, Nicola Walker, Adeel AkhtarThis compelling drama features Detective Inspector John River, whose exceptional mind struggles to cope with the tragic loss of his partner. As he delves into London's criminal underworld, River battles his own inner demons and uncovers shocking secrets that challenge his understanding of loyalty and betrayal.
- 27Gillian Anderson, Jamie Dornan, John Lynch
When a calculating serial killer begins a murderous spree in Belfast, the cunning Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson is called upon to bring him to justice. As the cat-and-mouse game unfolds, Gibson must confront her personal demons and navigate the complex labyrinths of power and desire at play in the thrilling chase.
More The Fall- #270 of 449 onThe 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
- #208 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- #16 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- 28Martin Clunes, Stephen Wight, Christopher Fulford
Based on a true story, this riveting miniseries follows the relentless pursuit of serial killer Levi Bellfield by Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton. As the intricate investigation unfolds, Sutton's unwavering determination and meticulous attention to detail are put to the test in a gripping race against time.
More Manhunt- #19 of 42 onThe Best New Limited Series of 2019
- #16 of 75 onThe 70 Best Acorn TV Shows, Ranked
- #17 of 21 onThe Best New Streaming Acquired Shows Of 2019
- 29Ralf Little, Élizabeth Bourgine, Don Warrington
Set on the idyllic Caribbean island of Saint Marie, this sun-soaked series follows a succession of British detectives as they adapt to the local lifestyle while solving complex murders. With an engaging ensemble cast and stunning scenery, viewers are transported to a tropical paradise where danger and intrigue lurk just beneath the surface.
More Death in Paradise- #10 of 29 onCurrent British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time
- #193 of 208 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- #32 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
- 30Sarah Lancashire, James Norton, Siobhan Finneran
This gripping drama delves into the life of spirited police sergeant Catherine Cawood as she navigates the bleak yet beautiful landscapes of West Yorkshire. As she confronts personal demons and harrowing cases, Catherine's belief in justice and her unyielding determination drive her to pursue the truth, no matter the cost.
More Happy Valley- #17 of 29 onCurrent British TV Shows You've Been Missing This Whole Time
- #202 of 208 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- #6 of 132 onThe Very Best British Crime Dramas
