
There really is nothing quite like a good whodunit. The thrill of solving the crime along with the inevitably socially inept detective is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Thankfully, television offers up plenty of truly engrossing mystery shows just waiting for armchair detectives to discover. I’ve compiled a list of 12 mystery shows that fans of the genre shouldn’t miss — they also happen to be binge-able, which is always a bonus.
Pour yourself a cup of tea and prepare to fall in love with one of these meticulously crafted detective stories.
1. Sherlock
There really is no over-hyping Benedict Cumberbatch’s take on Sherlock. While some of the episodes are better than others, the performances remain stellar throughout, and on occasion, the cases are almost impossible to untangle.
2. Vera
DCI Vera Stanhope is a no-nonsense woman who takes her job of solving crimes seriously. Her hard-nosed approach to solving murders will keep you hooked through all eight seasons.
3. Top of the Lake
Jane Campion’s series is stunningly produced and absolutely wrenching to watch at times, but the payoff is well worth every excruciating moment.
4. Broadchurch
Broadchurch stumbles a bit in its second season, but the first and final installments are near-perfect small town mysteries.
5. Psych
There’s no reason for all mystery series to be quite so serious. If you want to watch people solve crimes and laugh at the same time, Psych should be your go-to show.
6. Luther
It’s practically impossible to look away from Idris Elba when he’s onscreen. As Luther, he’s a brooding mess of a man whose ability to uncover the truth is unparalleled.
7. Fortitude
Moody and at times downright bizarre, Fortitude is a small town tale of murder and secrets set at what feels like the edge of the world.
8. And Then There Were None
And Then There Were None is a suspenseful, well-acted miniseries adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel. The sheer amount of grit packed into this update will surprise you.
9. The Night Of
There are so many layers to The Night Of you’ll be completely lost in the story after just one episode.
10. Hannibal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDWMgOwIW48
If you have the stomach for it, Hannibal is a stunning psychological thriller that you won’t be able to believe aired on American network television.
11. Grantchester
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3tzFp5CeAU
Cozy mystery lovers will fall hard for this series about a vicar who moonlights as a detective.
12. Happy Valley
All bow before Sarah Lancashire. Whether she’s solving crimes or sorting out her family, this is one officer whose mettle is never questioned.
Whether you like your mysteries pitch black or frothy, there’s a show for everyone on this list.
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