Pints, Pounds, & Pâté
  • Welcome & About
  • Lifestyle
  • U.S. & Canada
  • England & Scotland
  • Continental Europe
  • Travel Tips
  • Europe Travel Essentials
  • Shop with Julianne
  • Privacy Policy & Contact
  • Web Stories

The 20+ Best British Detective Series to Watch Right Now

11/10/2023

26 Comments

 
The British have the art of the addictive murder mystery down to a science. Tune into these top, easily streamable British detective series, and see them in action!
Best British Detective Shows
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Updated November, 2023

Looking for a great
​British detective series?

Best British Detective Series
If you're reading this post, then I'll assume you're like me. If I'm not in the middle of a cozy mystery audiobook, then I'm searching for my next one. If I'm not in the grip of my newest streaming British detective series, then I'm reading exactly these kinds of blog posts!

The good news is: as streaming services increase exponentially, it's becoming increasingly easy to get all of the best of English murder mysteries, even over here in the U.S! Anglophiles like me are even getting our own British streaming services, geared toward exactly the types of shows we're dying to watch.

So grab a cup of tea, your knitting, and your warmest blanket - it's time for a bit of *murder.*
Best British Detective Series
And don't forget to check out my lists of Best Shows on Acorn TV, Best Shows on Britbox, and British Detective Shows with Female Leads!

The Classic: ​Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders. Best British Detective Series
The gold standard of English mystery shows, early episodes of Midsomer Murders, staring John Nettles, are starting to show their age these days, but the nostalgia is a huge part of their charm. Hour-and-a-half-long episodes just make for more time to dig into a story, and the proliferation of towns in the fictional county of Midsomer, in and around the 'biggest' city of Causton, certainly have their fair share of ... murder.

Fresh off its 22nd season and well-established into its second Detective Inspector Barnaby and his fifth detective sergeant, DS Winter, Midsomer Murders isn't going anywhere anytime soon. The fact they keep coming up with interesting plots is frankly impressive.

Wondering how to stream Midsomer Murders? In the US, Midsomer Murders is currently available through various streaming services, including Amazon.  Already burned your way through all of Midsomer Murders? Check out my British Detective Shows like Midsomer Murders.

Stop by the Etsy store for Midsomer Murders merchandise!

Midsomer Murders Tea Towel
Midsomer Murders Badger's Drift Joke Mug
Best British detective shows and how to stream them

Period Classics:
​Foyle's War & George Gently

Best British Detective Series Foyles War and George Gently
If you like Midsomer Murders, I can guarantee you'll love both Foyle's War and George Gently, set in war-time coastal and 1960's Northern England, respectively.

With period costumes and historic sets, Michael Kitchen and Martin Shaw star as similarly sympathetic detectives Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle and Inspector George Gently, investigating a range of era-specific crimes. Foyle's War was created by the original writer on Midsomer, Anthony Horowitz. Harry Potter fans will recognize Lee Ingleby, as Inspector Gently's hapless righthand man.
Endeavour. Best British Detective Series.
My recent 'favourite" - Endeavour. Recently wrapping up a 9-season run, I literally can't turn it off. I've watched 4 seasons in a month. Showing us the "creation" of Inspector Morse, you don't have to have watched the original Morse to fall in love with Endeavour.
6+ Best British Movies on Netflix about WWII

The Revamp: Sherlock

Best British detective shows and how to stream them
Perhaps the opposite of Midsomer in many ways, yet still built on the classic concept of the great detecting duo, the modern interpretation of Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock, staring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, is a dark, yet fun, and highly-award winning installation of the English classic.

Eventually ending in 2017, Sherlock's 4 seasons contain plenty of banter and enjoyable allusions to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short stories and novels. Sherlock is available via Amazon.

The Darker Side: Broadchurch

Best British detective shows and how to stream them
In the genre of the small town English murder, Broadchurch is undoubtedly dark, but an absolute masterpiece. Discovering the grisly death of one of the town's young boys, Olivia Colman (of The Favourite, The Crown, and Peep Show fame) shines in this brooding tale of deceit and despicable behavior, as it tears apart an English holiday village. Her banter with her superior, former Doctor Who star David Tennant, lightens the mood and Doctor Who fans will also recognize Jodie Whittaker, as the victim's mother. Broadchurch is available on Amazon.

A Swedish Touch: Wallander

Yes, Wallander is about Sweden, set in Sweden, and based on a book by a Swedish author, so why does it belong on this list? Well, if you like Broadchurch and Shetland, you'll love Wallander, which can absoutely compete with the best British crime dramas. It was produced by the BBC and stars some of the greatest British actors of a generation, so it's on the list! Kenneth Branaugh stars as the titular character, balancing his personal and professional life, and solving complex (and occasionally disturbing) murders set in picturesque Swedish backgrounds.

With veteran star David Warner as Wallander's ailing father, and Tom Hiddleston as his snarky subordinate - I promise you'll enjoy.
Best British detective shows and how to stream them

A More Modern Take: Marcella

Best British Detective Series- Marcella
A Netflix original, Marcella is one of the less traditional crime dramas on the list. Struggling with severe anger issues, Marcella is prone to blackouts at inconvenient times - leaving her unsure of her role in the murders she's meant to be solving. Interestingly, former Midsomer star Jason Hughes (D.S. Jones) has a supporting role.

A Bit Grittier: Happy Valley

Happy Valley. Best British Detective Series.
Another Netflix original, Happy Valley premiered with its first season in 2017 and aired its final season to universal acclaim in 2023. Reminiscent of Broadchurch, Sarah Lancashire as Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood works to solve a deeply personal crime in gritty Northern England, opposite the incredibly sinister James Norton - you'll never look at Grantchester the same way again. Ending in 2023, Happy Valley has gained considerable buzz as it wrapped up!
Best British Detective Series

Power Detective: The Fall

The Fall - Best British Detective Series
Continuing the theme of strong female detectives paired with guys who I can never look at the same way again thanks to their marvelous acting skills in terrifying roles, Gillian Anderson opposite Jamie Dornan is excellent in the Northern Irish drama.

Dornan shines as Paul Spector in The Fall - guy next door turned crazy serial killer, who tries to hold his world together...while he continues committing his heinous crimes, with Anderson's D.S. Gibson in hot pursuit. The three seasons under its belt, wrapping up in 2016, it's a satisfying, if disturbing watch. 

All About Scotland: Shetland

Best British detective shows and how to stream them
Shetland is one of my 'favourite' detective shows of all time - the story of DI Perez, returning home to the Scottish island chain after the death of his wife. BAFTA-winning Douglas Henshall's DI Perez is supported by a strong team of a supporting cast. In the most recent season, we're welcoming Ashley Jensen, who you may recognize from Agatha Raisin and Extras (no spoilers!)

The Inside Job: Line of Duty

Line of Duty. Best British Detective Series.
Not unlike Her Late Majesty, I became instantly addicted to Line of Duty the minute I tuned in. It's definitely not a "cozy" murder mystery by any stretch of the imagination, but instead a gritty story of the internal investigations branch investigating London's finest...at their lowest (and most interesting). Adrian Dunbar stars as the lovable leader of the imaginary AC-12, leading a team of detectives, including Martin Compston, investigating corruption at all levels and he's never afraid of a fight.
Best British Detective Shows Line of Duty

Caribbean Flair: Death in Paradise

Best British Detective Series - Death in Paradise
Though it may not sound like, it if you love Midsomer Murders, I really would recommend Death in Paradise. Death in Paradise is the brain child of one of David's Mitchell's college friends, Robert Thorogood.

Death in Paradise is quirky and fun, showcasing the Caribbean island of Saint Marie, with an enjoyable mix of supporting characters. Interesting, the show has weathered the departure of not one, but two, leading D.I.s, in addition to most of the supporting cast, over the years, and lived to tell the tale. It's actually a joint U.K. and French production, leading to a lot of interplay between the two cultures. An Australian spin-off series to Death in Paradise has just been announced.

Books into T.V.: C.B. Strike

Best British Detective Series CB Strike
​​The television adaptation of J.K. Rowling's series staring Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott as an enchanting will-they-won't-they private investigator duo, C.B. Strike is a quick watch - multi-part interpretations of the books. The story of a wounded veteran's attempt to set-up a detective agency in London, with the help of a surprisingly adept temp-turned-(maybe more!?), and solving phenomenal mysteries along the way, it has much of the charm of the Harry Potter series, without perhaps the literal magic.

If you know you love C.B. Strike, check out my compilation of Shows like C.B. Strike and Books like Cormoran Strike. The most recent book in the series, The Running Grave was published in September 2023.
Best British detective shows and how to stream them

Best female detective: Vera

Best British Detective Series - Vera
I burned through all existing seasons of the surprisingly charming Vera about as quickly as humanly possible. Fresh off of its twelfth season, Brenda Blethyn (who you may recognize as Mrs. Bennett from the 2005 Pride & Prejudice) stars as the enchantingly grouchy Vera, a quirky, stubborn, yet endearing, female detective of a certain age, trundling around Northern England in her crumbling Land Rover. If you love your British mysteries with a side of female detectives, check out Binge-Worthy British Detective Series with Strong Female Leads.
Best British Detective Series - Vera

Comedic Relief: Shakespeare & Hathaway and Father Brown

Best British Detective Series: Shakespeare and Hathaway
If you want all of the mystery, without the dark plot lines, you'll probably enjoy Shakespeare & Hathaway, which follows the eponymous private detective duo as they investigate light, quirky situations. The mysteries are relatively simple and not-too-depressing, and the Stratford-upon-Avon scenery is to-die-for. Similarly, Father Brown, set in the 1950's, stars the lovable Mark Williams (of Mr. Weasley fame), solving similar, quaint mysteries without too much gore or creepiness. The charming sidekicks make Father Brown one of the coziest of cozy small town mysteries out there

The coziest: Miss Marple

Miss Marple. Best British Detective Series and How to Stream Them
There's no bigger name in British detective novel fiction than the queen, Agatha Christie, and of course, her Miss Marple collection has been turned into classic TV as well. The most recent, Marple, is available on BritBox. Expect cameos from all of your favorites British mystery character actors, before they were famous.

The Poet Detective: Dalgliesh

Best British Detective Series. AcornTV Dalgliesh
An Acorn original, Dalgleish is based on the book series by P.D. James. Adam Dalgleish is a grieving detective by day, poet by night, who solves mysteries throughout 1970's England, with a mix of a stern demeanor and a compassionate understanding of the human condition. Expect cameos from all of the usual cozy murder mystery suspects, including Stephen Dillane and Amanda Root. The second season was just as good as the first.

Posh London: The Chelsea Detective

Dedicated Midsomer Murders fans will recognize Adrian Scarborough as a three-time Midsomer resident. Now he takes the reins as DI Max Arnold in The Chelsea Detective, solving high-end crimes in the wealthiest part of London, while navigating his and his DS's issues in their private lives. The second season just premiered (spoiler alert: I loved it).


Best British Detective Shows The Chelsea Detective

Thanks for stopping by!

Best British Detective Series to Stream Now
I hope you'll enjoy these shows as much as I did! Feel free to drop your "favourite" British tv series in the comments!

You may also like...

  • Classic mystery novels about England, available as audiobooks
  • 20+ of the Best Books about England
  • TV Shows and Movies about the British Royal Family
  • Contemporary Cozy British Mystery Novels​

Love it? Pin it!

Best British detective shows and how to stream them
Best British detective shows and how to stream them
26 Comments
Karen link
1/18/2019 02:52:25 pm

Great post Julianne! In Canada we can get quite a few of these. So far I've loved Broadchurs, The Fall & Happy Valley (which isn't so happy). Right now I'm enjoying Vera.

Reply
pints, pounds, and pate link
1/28/2019 08:28:55 am

Vera is definitely on my list - I'll need to check it out!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Reply
Fizz link
2/27/2020 08:12:58 am

Love this post! Such a great mix of gritty, dark shows and slightly more lighthearted ones. I also love Line of Duty, Unforgotten and Luther!

Reply
Julianne | Pints, Pounds, & Pate link
2/27/2020 08:21:18 am

Thank you so much!! I've actually not seen any of those three - I'll definitely check them out! xx

Reply
Janet Giroux
8/12/2021 04:21:47 pm

So many missing from your list. Line of Duty is the very best! Scott and Bailey, Dr. Foster, and Endeavour to name a few.

Jamie Herron
9/17/2020 03:16:56 pm

A recent favorite of mine is: Bailey & Scott. Otherwise, All the ones you spoke of are true favorites of mine, except for C.B. Strike. I've not seen it, and don't p-l-a-n on subscribing to Cinemax, but perhaps one rainy, foggy, or snowy day... who knows?

Reply
Jamie Herron
9/17/2020 03:18:06 pm

Doh! The show is Scott & Bailey !

Reply
Diane Davis
9/19/2020 11:49:59 am

Loved Happy Valley and Broadchurch! We didn’t care for Wallander.
I’d highly recommend No Offence. Dark, funny, perfect!

Reply
Meredith
1/17/2021 01:55:49 am

I totally agree with you. I loved the Wallander books, but the TV series failed to capture Wallander as a character.

I also loved No Offence! Great female leading characters and interesting plots!

Reply
Claire Dobie
5/30/2021 08:57:31 pm

Line of Duty and No Offence kept us glued for the longest. But tell me: how did MI5 NOT make the list! I so miss Adam (Rupert) and his gorgeous wife and Harry and Ros, ah the whole darned cast!

Reply
Trish Allen
9/23/2021 09:48:00 pm

I prefer the Swedish Wallender. The British one is too slow for me. When they come your way I suggest you watch Annika and Vigil - currently airing in the UK at the moment.

Reply
Meredith Duhamel
10/21/2020 12:06:04 am

I loved one called Loch Ness, shot obviously in Scotland. I also loved Unforgiven. The Fall with Gillian Anderson was fairly good but now as great as most of the British detective series. Vera is a great series, as is Scott & Bailey. I agree that No Offense is fabulous with all strong female leads.

Reply
Johan Nieuwmeijer
1/10/2021 08:31:34 am

Agree they are all good shows but I would have added Foyle's War, Aunty Agatha's Hercule Poirot, Rosemary and Thyme and Shakespeare and Hathaway.

Reply
Ann
3/24/2021 05:38:43 pm

Two more favorites of ours:
Foyle’s War and George Gently

Reply
Eri
10/11/2021 12:29:40 am

Inspector Morse is the gold standard. Many good shows listed here.

Reply
Rebecca
4/2/2022 08:43:36 pm

I would love to have a tee shirt with the Welcome to Midsummer on it. Is it possible?

Reply
Dh randall link
4/8/2022 08:24:56 pm

The strongest female detective show that you left out was my favourite prime suspect with Helen Mirren

Reply
Cheryl link
5/11/2022 07:14:37 pm

Loved Rosemary & Thyme mysteries are great!

Reply
Madeline
8/13/2022 06:34:14 pm

You missed one of my favourites - Hinterland - which is set in Wales and was recorded in English and Welsh.

Reply
Andrea Requena
10/4/2022 11:53:51 pm

I love, love love Midsomer Murders and Death in Paradise! I enjoyed reading your recommendations. I will surely check out some of the other titles.

Reply
Rhonda
7/8/2023 09:20:53 am

In no particular order: Vera, Broardchurch, Hinterland, Luther, Happy Valley, C.B. Strike, Line of Duty, Miss Marple…

Reply
Susan
8/14/2024 03:24:56 am

Rhonda,
Our favorites match title by title! Loved them all!

Reply
Beth
8/27/2023 01:55:47 pm

I love your selections but would suggest the Miss Marple with Joan Hickson and the Poirot with David Suchet. Much closer to the books. Someone mentioned Inspector Morse; classic British detective series. Dalziel and Pascoe is good too, and someone else mentioned Scott and Bailey, which is excellent.

Reply
C
10/12/2023 03:57:24 pm

As a UK resident reading this - really interesting with some great suggestions. However would also recommend a few others if you can get them. Scott and Bailey (which others have mentioned) is amazing. Also surprised you haven't come across Silent Witness, which has been running for over 20 years (based on a lab/group of pathologists and forensic scientists), and New Tricks - this finished a few years ago, but was brilliant and very popular, based on a group of retired detectives hired to solve cold cases. More recent (again, if available) is Annika, which is quirky but brilliant. Happy hunting!

Reply
Chloe Erkenbrecher
6/28/2024 05:56:20 pm

I was fascinated with Martin Klunes in Manhunt on Acorn. One of the best shows I have ever seen.

Reply
Chrisrtiana Groenewoud
1/28/2025 08:13:29 am

So, I an mad about British detective series. BUT, for my sins I am in sunny South Africa. Where and how do I access the programs? Which channels?

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Anglophile Products
    British Book Recommendations
    British Movies
    British TV Shows
    Cormoran Strike
    Edinburgh
    England
    Harry Potter
    London
    Midsomer Murders
    Packing Tips
    Scotland

    Archives

    June 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    July 2023
    September 2022
    July 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    August 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019

    RSS Feed

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies
©2025 Pints, Pounds, & Pate, LLC. All rights reserved.
This website provides my reflections on travel. Always independently verify information to accommodate your individual trip and to ensure accuracy. Pints, Pounds, & Pate, LLC is not liable for errors or for your experience. Any information regarding our business strategies/ successes and/or travel experiences does not guarantee your similar successes. paid Stock photos used throughout and no claim is made that they are my own work. This website is not legal advice.
  • Welcome & About
  • Lifestyle
  • U.S. & Canada
  • England & Scotland
  • Continental Europe
  • Travel Tips
  • Europe Travel Essentials
  • Shop with Julianne
  • Privacy Policy & Contact
  • Web Stories