There are a ton of great shows to watch these days. Streaming allows everyone to get their hands on their favorite shows in seconds. But this also means that’s it’s more difficult to find quality shows over the large quantity available. As a lover of murder mysteries, I’ve compiled a list of the top murder mystery detective TV shows that you need to watch. They’re set in different time periods and there are both US and UK options to choose from, but I promise you that every option on here is incredible.
True Detective – This anthology crime series follows detectives in various complex investigations that blur the lines between good and evil. It’s known for its moody, philosophical tone. Each season tackles a new case, revealing deep psychological and moral dilemmas in atmospheric settings. Seasons 1 and 3 were my favourites so far.
Broadchurch – This show is set in a small English seaside town. Broadchurch explores the community’s response to the shocking murder of a young boy. Detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller uncover secrets and lies within the town as they work to solve the emotional case. It completed after 3 seasons. There is also a US remake that follows the same storyline called Gracepoint – which was cancelled after 1 season.
Sherlock – This is a modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective. Sherlock brings Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson to present-day London. It has fast-paced mysteries, witty dialogue, and Holmes’s trademark deductive brilliance. Each episode also reinterprets classic stories with a fresh twist.
Mindhunter – This psychological thriller follows two FBI agents in the 1970s who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think. Their pioneering work lays the foundation for modern criminal profiling, but it takes a toll on their personal lives as they confront the darkest sides of human nature. It completed after 2 seasons, but it’s one of those murder mystery detective shows that will permanently occupy a place in your mind.
Luther – Detective John Luther (Idris Elba) is a brilliant – but emotionally troubled – investigator with a relentless drive to catch violent criminals. It is set in London and combines intense cases with Luther’s internal struggles, examining the thin line between justice and vengeance.
Mare of Easttown – In a small Pennsylvania town, Detective Mare Sheehan investigates a local murder while dealing with her own personal tragedies. This is a gripping miniseries that combines a well-crafted murder mystery detective TV show with a raw, emotional portrait of a community under pressure.
The Killing – This show is based on the Danish series Forbrydelsen. The American adaptation follows detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder who investigate dark and complex murder cases in Seattle. Each season focuses on a different case.
Happy Valley – This British crime drama centers on Sergeant Catherine Cawood, a tough, but compassionate, police officer in a rural Yorkshire town (UK). The show follows her as she battles crime and confronts her personal demons. It offers a gritty, realistic view of life on the frontlines of small-town law enforcement.
The Fall – This show follows Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson as she tracks a serial killer preying on young women in Belfast (Northern Ireland). It has a tense, psychological approach to murder mystery shows that delves deep into both the killer’s mind and Gibson’s relentless pursuit. It is a chilling cat-and-mouse-chase style show.
Line of Duty – This is an intense British drama that follows the Anti-Corruption Unit (AC-12) who are tasked with investigating corruption within the police force. Each season features complex, suspenseful cases that tackle the moral ambiguities and inner conflicts of officers who must police their own ranks.
Top 10 Murder Mystery Detective TV Shows
They are all incredibly addictive and will scratch that itch you have for good murder mystery detective TV shows. Most of them have already completed, so they are perfect for a weekend binge session. Get your popcorn ready and choose at random, because you won’t be disappointed.
