Shows about crime have grown in popularity in recent months, and honestly, it's not surprising. The suspense, the drama, and the ability to get you out of your own head are all things that we cannot seem to get enough of, especially in the current climate. For example, BBC's The Serpent, an eight-part series about a serial killer named Charles Sobhraj, landed in January and quickly became the BBC's most-watched show since Sally Rooney's Normal People. Shows like Doctor Foster have their place, too, with the success of the show resulting in a spinoff series and the show's creator Mike Bartlett even considering creating another spinoff. Now that's saying something.
Crime and detective shows are something that us Brits have been known to excel at, proven by the global success of both classics like Miss Marple and Agatha Christie's Poirot and more modern series like Sherlock. We're no strangers to a twist ending or witty dialogue, but that's not all that makes a British crime show a cut above the rest. Engaging plot lines, historical links, and well-written characters are all proof that we do the genre better than anyone else.
Whether it's a true story about a serial killer like Sobhraj or an unsolved mystery case from the past like the ones in Unforgotten, there's a crime show out there for everyone. We've rounded up the best ones — new and old — so you don't have to! Have a flick through our top picks, and see what takes your fancy.
Watch if you're into: Great television? Kidding, sort of. If you haven't watched Sherlock, you need to. This modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's notorious detective is incredibly well-done, and as someone who watches anything and everything Sherlock Holmes-related, I can say that this is, simply, the best.
Watch if you're into: Something grittier than Sherlock, sexual tension, and impressive acting. Ruth Wilson's wickedly delightful portrayal of possible psychopath Alice Morgan will give you chills. Also, if you don't have a crush on Idris Elba yet, you will after watching this series.
Watch if you're into: An emotional small-town murder mystery with lots of twists and turns that's more about the psychological examination of the characters than the conclusion. A fascinating look into guilt, grief, relationships, and the secrets we all carry with us. It's a heavy series but so worth it.
Watch if you're into: Grumpy old detectives who are surprisingly smooth with the ladies; long and slow episodes that allow for multitasking (hey, sometimes you need something to watch while you fold clothes, catch up on work, etc.); and '80s and '90s British fashion. I'd also recommend watching this first before the spinoff starring Inspector Morse's partner, Inspector Lewis, and the 2013 prequel series, Endeavour, that follows Morse at the beginning of his career.
How many seasons? Seven plus five special episodes
Watch if you're into: All things Oxford, as this spinoff — along with its predecessor, Inspector Morse — is set in the prestigious university's city. But what really sets this series apart from the rest is the genuine chemistry between Inspector Lewis and Sergeant Hathaway, whose relationship grows and evolves as the seasons progress and makes the show much more than just a whodunit. Their banter and bond make them one of the most enjoyable detective duos to watch.
Watch if you're into: As it's the prequel to Inspector Morse, if you want to learn more about that character, this is the show to watch, but it's by no means necessary. You might be more likely to watch this new show, which is still in its early seasons, before watching the '80s show that inspired it. It's a beautifully shot, riveting series, and Shaun Evans is perfect as the young detective. Plus, the British '60s fashion is to die for.
Watch if you're into: A dark and creepy series — this one's not for the faint of heart. It also helps if you're weirdly attracted to Jamie Dornan as a psychopath (sorry not sorry).
Watch if you're into: Agatha Christie, period pieces, predictable plots, and cheesy dialogue. This is a classic series that's practically made for binge-watching with a whopping 13 seasons.
Watch if you're into: Crime shows that are a little hokey, random celebrity guest stars from before they were famous (Henry Cavill, Orlando Bloom, and Colin Farrell, to name a few), never-ending series (17 seasons and counting!), and the classic "old cop, young cop" partner dynamic. This show has gone through some casting changes since it began in the mid-'90s, but there's always a likeable detective duo at the heart of it, plenty of charming British scenery, and so many murders, it's a wonder anyone is still alive in Midsomer.
Watch if you're into:Helen Mirren as a badass detective chief inspector dealing with sexist male coworkers and her own personal demons while solving murder cases. Did I mention it's Helen freaking Mirren?
Watch if you're into: Dark and heavy dramas, a gorgeous New Zealand setting, and strong female characters. Elisabeth Moss gives a riveting performance as a detective investigating the pregnancy and disappearance of a young girl while struggling with a number of personal life setbacks.
Watch if you're into: An ill-tempered but witty, driven female detective chief inspector who's very good at her job but less than tactful in dealing with her coworkers and personal life. Set in Northumberland, it's a dark, gloomy series with a psychological look at the killers.
Watch if you're into: A very silly crime show about an uptight British inspector who is transferred from London to the Caribbean and is the definition of a fish out of water. The show takes a slight change in tone when the starring role changed from Ben Miller to Kris Marshall in the third season just because the characters are so different from each other.
Watch if you're into: An adult-oriented comedy that follows a bickering male-female detective duo. Personally, I think the second season has a better dynamic when Miranda Raison replaces Lucy Punch, as her Type A character is a better foil to Toby Stephens's lazy ladies man, Jack Armstrong. As with Death in Paradise, don't watch this if you're looking for intellectually stimulating television with superb acting. Use it to cleanse your palate in between the heavy stuff.
Watch if you're into: Period pieces, Agatha Christie, and the witty banter between a married couple who are also solving crimes together. This is a cute series that only lasted one season, but it's worth watching if you're looking for a show with a lighthearted, Hitchcock-esque vibe.
Watch if you're into: Seventies fashion, Jenna Coleman, and Mr and Mrs Smith. Based on a true story, The Serpent is an intense show about a serial killer named Charles Sobhraj, who travels through Asia preying on tourists under the guise of being a gems dealer.
Watch if you're into: British-French crime dramas, cross-channel investigations, and the Swedish-Danish version, The Bridge. The Tunnel follows the story of British-French detectives who are forced to work together in order to unearth the mystery of a French politician's death inside the Channel Tunnel.
Watch if you're into: Detective dramas, period pieces, and book-to-TV adaptations. Grantchester is a detective drama set in the 1950s, following the life of Cambridgeshire clergyman Sidney Chambers.
Watch if you're into: Historic disappearances, cold cases, or Nicola Walker and the authentic, no-nonsense characters she typically plays. Unforgotten follows detectives Cassie Stuart (played by Walker) and Sunil "Sunny" Khan as they unravel cases from the past.
How many seasons? Three, with series four set to land on our screens this year!
Watch if you're into: Explosive dramas, tense relationships, and Killing Eve's Jodie Comer. Doctor Foster is a series about a woman who suspects that her husband is having an affair and follows her investigation into the truth.
Watch if you're into: David Tennant, police dramas, and seeing some of your favourite actors play complex characters. Criminal, which takes place pretty much entirely in the interrogation room, focuses on the intense conflict between detectives and their suspects.
Watch if you're into: BAFTA-winning shows, lots of mystery, and dark, complicated characters. Set in a small town in West Yorkshire, Happy Valley is anything but happy. It follows the life of police sergeant Catherine Cawood, who, from episode one, is haunted by the fact that the man whom she blames for her daughter's death (played by James Norton) has been released from prison. All of the actors deliver stellar performances, which is what makes the show so good; that, and the fact that everything about the series — from the storyline to the setting and scenery — seems so rooted in the human experience.
Watch if you're into: Police dramas, complicated plot twists, and exciting guest appearances from some of the UK's best actors. Line of Duty tells the story of AC-12, an anticorruption unit that DS Steve Arnott (played by Martin Compston) is transferred to after refusing to take part in a cover-up after a raid gone wrong. While the plot continuously follows the drama and intrigue surrounding the core AC-12 unit, each season we also get a new character who is investigated by the team, a list that's included the likes of Keeley Hawes and Thandie Newton. The show has quickly become one of the most popular shows in the UK. Case in point: when series five aired in 2019, it was the second-most-streamed TV show on BBC iPlayer.
Watch if you're into: Witty humour, the Alex Rider series, and Sandra Oh. Killing Eve follows the story of Eve Polastri, a former MI5 security officer who joins an unassuming investigation to capture trained assassin Villanelle (played by Jodie Comer). It's compelling, it's surprising, and most importantly, it's strangely hilarious.
