The 20 Best British Detective Series to Watch Right Now

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!

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?

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.*

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

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!

Period Classics:
​Foyle's War & 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.

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.

The Revamp: Sherlock

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

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.

A More Modern Take: 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

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!

Power Detective: The Fall

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

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

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.

Caribbean Flair: 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

​​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 female detective: 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.

Comedic Relief: Shakespeare & Hathaway and Father Brown

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

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

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).

Thanks for stopping by!

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!