British Detective Shows like Midsomer Murders

Looking for some great British detective dramas like Midsomer Murders? While there will only ever be one Midsomer, here are a few cozy, British mystery TV series that I can't turn off!

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Looking for a show like Midsomer Murders?

There's a reason Midsomer Murders is preparing for its 22nd (you read that correctly!) season on the air. Cozy British scenery, dynamic detective duos, and some fairly irreverent, quirky mysteries set in the gorgeous English countryside make the for the perfect, easy-to-watch British detective series.
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Midsomer has survived DCI Barnaby changes, and more than a few detective sergeants (#teamBenJones), without losing its quaint charm. While there's only one Midsomer, here are a few British detective shows like Midsomer Murders that I think you'll enjoy!

If you haven't already, don't forget to start your free trial of Acorn TV and/or Britbox today! And remember the cardinal rule of British murder mysteries...never join the bell ringers.

Shows Like Midsomer Murders: Vera

If you take nothing else from this Midsomer-inspired blog post, *please* check out Vera, a classic, modern British detective series following DCI Vera Stanhope, a whiskey-loving detective who kindly "loves" and "pets" her way into bold accusations and, of course, the climactic confession.

Set in Northumberland, the sweeping, Northern English landscapes are a more bracing, and the plotlines slightly less campy and more solvable, while continuing to be a phenomenal take on the genre. Oh, and stay tuned for the DCI/DS back-and-forth that we all know and love from Midsomer.

Shows Like Midsomer Murders: Shetland

Set in the Shetland Islands (off the Northern coast of Scotland), Shetland's ominous scenery alone is worth a watch. And, of course, it has the intra-department dynamics that make is interesting beyond each individual mystery. Based on the novels of Ann Cleeves, who also wrote the novels on which Vera is based, Shetland is the perfect blend of dark, intriguing, and heartwarming.

Shows Like Midsomer Murders:
​Foyle's War

When I *finally* got Acorn TV, my first binge was Foyle's War , created and written by Midsomer writer Anthony Horowitz (whose novels are also excellent). It's the cozy story of DCSI Christopher Foyle, who endlessly wants to join WWII, but is told to stay home, in Hastings, where he investigates war-related, and run-of-the-mill crimes until he moves onto slightly bigger fish.

​The various priorities of the war pull at the edges of justice, as Foyle tries to navigate national, international, and small town politics, all within perfectly staged historic sets. And, of course, the central narrative is Foyle's relationship with his driver-turned-spunky- sidekick Sam, played masterfully by Honeysuckle Weeks

Shows Like Midsomer Murders:
​Murdoch Mysteries

Murdoch Mysteries is to Canada what Midsomer Murders is to England - a reliable, steady, and long-running, cozy mystery. Murdoch is set in Toronto, following Detective William Murdoch and his coroner, Julia, through their professional and very personal trials and tribulations. Murdoch and Crabtree might be the longest running detective, subordinate duo in recent history. The turn-of-the century costumes (and politics) bring an extra touch of ambiance...and keep an eye out for special cameos, including from the Canadian Prime Minister.

Shows Like Midsomer Murders:
​Father Brown

An often light-hearted, and always charming, murder mystery series, Father Brown tells the story of a country priest as he solves quick mysteries in post-War England, along with his longtime aristocratic sidekick, Lady Montague. You're in for your fair share of fetes, lemonade, and questions over the privacy of the confessional, staring Mark Williams, of Mr. Weasley fame, and Nancy Carroll, who you've probably seen on most of the shows on this list.

Shows Like Midsomer Murders: DCI Banks

DS Annie Cabot (Andrea Lowe) and DI Helen Morton (Caroline Catz) truly make this show worth watching (no slight to Stephen Tompkinson in the titular role).

DCI Banks is available through several streaming services, including Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Shows Like Midsomer Murders:
​Death in Paradise

For a bit of Caribbean flair, check out Death in Paradise, a fairly typical "cozy British mystery" series, set on the other side of the ocean! Now on its third DCI, all have risen to the occasion, though I'll admit that Ben Miller was my favorite.

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