Cop exhibits, crime thrillers, detective tales, homicide mysteries — these are among the hottest genres on tv, and most of the greats are British. From gentle and charming investigative tales to darkish and twisted pursuits, these exhibits deliver their very own distinctive spice to the desk, proving that there isn’t a restrict to inventive chance — even in an oversaturated market. If it is well-made and attention-grabbing, there will likely be an viewers. Listed below are the very best detective sequence you possibly can stream on BritBox proper now.
20
Agatha Christie’s Marple
(2004-2013)
Based mostly on a beloved Agatha Christie character, the homicide thriller sequence Miss Marple follows an iconic aged girl who presents as a candy outdated girl however has an uncanny capability to unravel murders. Geraldine McEwan performs the lead function within the first three seasons earlier than it was taken over by actress Julia McKenzie. There have been many tv and movie iterations of the character because the Nineteen Fifties, however this specific model is a fan favourite and is commonly praised for staying true to the supply materials.
19
The Final Detective
(2003-2007)
Peter Davison stars as Detective Constable “Harmful” Davies on The Final Detective. Based mostly on the Leslie Thomas novel sequence of the identical title, the present follows the titular character as an outcast of the police power after he reveals one other officer’s crimes. Nonetheless, he continues to show his investigative abilities by fixing difficult instances whereas additionally attempting to avoid wasting his crumbling marriage, finally incomes the respect of others round him.
18
Ashes to Ashes
(2008-2010)
Ashes to Ashes, a spin-off of the favored sequence Life on Mars, is a fantasy police procedural that performs with the concept of time journey. When London Metropolitan Police Officer Alex Drake (Keeley Hawes) will get shot in 2008 and inexplicably wakes up in 1981. Having researched the same prevalence (the story instructed in Life on Mars), he’s shocked to return into contact with among the similar folks he is examine. Alex should adapt to his atmosphere as he clashes with different officers and tries to unravel the thriller his life has change into.
17
The Fall
(2013-2016)
The Fall stars The X Information alum Gillian Anderson as Stella Gibson, a Detective Superintendent tasked with taking on an investigation right into a serial killer in Northern Eire. The assassin, Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan), continues to focus on skilled girls within the metropolis of Belfast as Stella and her group of locals wrestle to beat obstacles thrown their approach. By figuring out the prison initially of the present, The Fall has a singular tackle a typical narrative because the viewers get an inside have a look at simply who the prison is. Specialists have touted the present’s genuine portrayal of a psychopathic killer, whereas critics reward each the writing and performing.
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16
Rosemary & Thyme
(2003-2007)
Rosemary & Thyme
- Launch Date
-
2003 – 2005
- Community
-
ITV1
-
Annette Bentley
Sally Walsh
-
Antonia Pemberton
Frances Caldecott
-
Belinda Lang
Quinnie Dorell
-
Felicity Kendal
Rosemary Boxer
The comfy thriller Rosemary & Thyme options Pam Ferris and Felicity Kendal because the titular characters — former police officer Laura Thyme and a physician of plant pathology, Rosemary Boxer. The 2 girls are introduced collectively by a loss of life and bond over their love of gardening. They change into detective horticulturists who journey throughout Europe fixing each plant-based mysteries and actual crimes alike as folks proceed to drop useless wherever they’re. Its quirky premise requires a suspension of perception however creates a captivating and lighthearted watch.
15
Dying in Paradise
(2011-Current)
In Dying in Paradise, the lead character, Detective Inspector Richard Poole (Ben Miller), is shipped to the fictional Caribbean island Saint Marie to research a homicide and is unexpectedly pressured to completely take over the sufferer’s job because the island’s major detective. A slipshod Londoner dropped into a very international atmosphere creates a comedic “fish-out-of-water” facet to the present as Richard adjusts to his new life. With a ravishing backdrop that takes middle stage and an episodic format, Dying in Paradise has been accused of being formulaic however nonetheless continues to rank among the many prime three exhibits on British tv, has spawned two spin-offs, and is taken into account a detective sequence that pushed the style ahead.
14
Shakespeare & Hathaway: Non-public Investigators
(2018-Current)
New Methods
- Launch Date
-
2004 – 2015-00-00
- Community
-
BBC One
- Administrators
-
Julian Simpson, Philip John, Brian Grant, Robin Sheppard, Juliet Might, Jamie Payne, Keith Boak, Martyn Good friend, Metin Hüseyin, Paul Seed, Tim Whitby, Dermot Boyd, Kenneth Glenaan, Jon East
-
Alun Armstrong
Brian Lane
-
Amanda Redman
Det. Supt. Sandra Pullman
-
Chloe Howman
Eve Aspinall
-
Claire Bloom
Helen Brownlow
The thriller sequence Shakespeare & Hathaway stars Jo Joyner and Mark Benton because the titular characters Luella Shakespeare and Frank Hathaway. After Luella hires former Detective Inspector Frank to research her fiance and discovers he is a con man, the 2 go into a non-public investigation enterprise collectively. With nice chemistry between the leads and light-weight humor, the present’s charming vibe makes it a simple watch.
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13
New Methods
(2003-2015)
New Methods
- Launch Date
-
2004 – 2015-00-00
- Community
-
BBC One
- Administrators
-
Julian Simpson, Philip John, Brian Grant, Robin Sheppard, Juliet Might, Jamie Payne, Keith Boak, Martyn Good friend, Metin Hüseyin, Paul Seed, Tim Whitby, Dermot Boyd, Kenneth Glenaan, Jon East
-
Alun Armstrong
Brian Lane
-
Amanda Redman
Det. Supt. Sandra Pullman
-
Chloe Howman
Eve Aspinall
-
Claire Bloom
Helen Brownlow
New Methods is a dramedy police procedural with a robust ensemble solid and one of many longest-running British TV sequence. Centering on a fictional unsolved crimes division in London’s Metropolitan Police Service. Retired law enforcement officials make up the group as they re-investigate unsolved instances. Using an episodic format that exhibits off the character’s crime-solving abilities as they overcome challenges introduced by their age whereas additionally leaning on their knowledge and years of expertise.
12
The Responder
(2022-Current)
The Responder
- Launch Date
-
January 24, 2022
-
-
Adelayo Adedayo
Rachel Hargreaves
-
-
Warren Brown
Ramond Mullen
Set in Liverpool and created and written by former Merseyside Police officer Tony Schumacher, The Responder follows a not too long ago demoted inspector with anger points. Chris Carson, portrayed by celebrated British actor Martin Freeman, strikes to an evening shift whereas struggling to cope with his private demons — difficult household relationships and childhood trauma — which can be solely intensified by his job. A darkish drama with a fascinating lead, The Responder has a 100% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, a positive signal of its high quality.
11
Vera
(2011-2025)
Vera
- Launch Date
-
2011 – 2025-00-00
- Administrators
-
Peter Hoar, Paul Whittington
- Writers
-
Ann Cleeves
-
-
Jon Morrison
DC Kenny Lockhart
-
Riley Jones
DC Mark Edwards
-
Kenny Doughty
DS Aiden Healy
Based mostly on the novel sequence by Ann Cleeves, Vera is against the law drama that includes Brenda Blethyn because the titular Vera Stanhope. An obsessive Detective Chief Inspector on the verge of retirement, Vera has a sensitive disposition and an unkempt look however a pointy investigative eye. Vera tracked down Northumberland criminals alongside together with her numerous colleagues for 14 seasons, making the present a must-watch staple in British TV for a few years.
10
Blue Lights
(2023-present)
Blue Lights is a police procedural set in Belfast, Eire, and follows a bunch of rookie cops as they navigate the trials of their jobs whereas being skilled by their extra skilled colleagues. Creators Declan Garden and Adam Patterson, each Belfast natives, are obsessed with portraying an genuine view of their hometown and the very actual tensions between police and residents. Produced on a shoestring finances, Blue Lights is applauded for its clever script, well-rounded characters, and the best way it shines a lightweight on onerous truths.
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9
Luther
(2010-2019)
Fashionable psychological thriller Luther stars Idris Elba as Detective Chief Inspector John Luther. He’s totally devoted to his job, typically letting the darkness of his instances devour him, making his private relationships tougher. All through the sequence, Luther turns into enveloped in a cat-and-mouse sport with assassin Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson), who takes an unlikely curiosity in him. With a superb actor on the helm and a darkish, fascinating story, Luther was an immediate success. Nominated for a plethora of awards, successful a number of, the present stays probably the greatest British exhibits of the 2010s and has expanded into a movie franchise.
8
Ludwig
(2024-present)
Ludwig
3.5
/5
- Launch Date
-
September 25, 2024
Solid
In a singular twist on a typical cop drama, Ludwig options reclusive puzzle maker John Taylor (David Mitchell), who searches for his twin brother, Detective Chief Inspector James Taylor), after James goes lacking. Impersonating his brother in an try to research James’s disappearance, John finds himself pressured to assist clear up instances for the Cambridge police power. Relished for its humor, which is dropped at the forefront by its eclectic lead, Ludwig is extremely rated and has received a number of awards. Plus, it takes its appreciation of cryptic puzzles severely, with an official puzzle advisor on the manufacturing group. As one of many most-watched British exhibits, audiences are eagerly awaiting Ludwig Season 2.
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7
River
(2015)
River
- Launch Date
-
October 13, 2015
- Community
-
BBC One
- Administrators
-
Jessica Hobbs, Richard Laxton
-
Nicola Walker
Jackie ‘Stevie’ Stevenson
-
-
Steve Nicolson
Jimmy Stevenson
-
Georgina Wealthy
Rosa Fallows
The six-part miniseries River follows Detective Inspector John River (Stellan Skarsgård) as he offers with the sudden lack of his accomplice, Detective Jackie “Stevie” Stevenson (Nicola Walker), and the guilt he feels about her loss of life. The late Stevie stays part of the present as John, probably the most haunted TV detectives, sees visions of her and lives together with her voice in his head. Critics reward the present’s capability to inform a deeply private story about grief and psychological well being throughout the context of a police procedural, differentiating it from others within the style.
6
Scott & Bailey
(2011-2016)
Scott & Bailey
- Launch Date
-
2011 – 2015
- Community
-
ITV1, STV
- Administrators
-
Simon Delaney
-
Amelia Bullmore
DCI Gill Murray
-
Lesley Sharp
DC Janet Scott
-
Rupert Graves
Nick Savage
-
Suranne Jones
DC/Sgt. Rachel Bailey
A female-driven police procedural, Scott & Bailey follows companions within the Main Incident Crew of the fictional Manchester Metropolitan Police — Detectives Janet Scott (Lesley Sharp) and Rachel Bailey (Suranne Jones). Among the best female-led British detective exhibits, Scott & Bailey was created, developed, and written by girls and explores the skilled and private lives of the lead roles in the identical approach that older male-driven exhibits like Cagney & Lacey did — however with a grittier vibe. Actual-life detective Diane Taylor lent her experience to the present, permitting for a fair higher degree of authenticity.
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5
Sherlock
(2010-2017)
Sherlock
- Launch Date
-
2010 – 2017-00-00
- Community
-
BBC
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes detective sequence has been reimagined in a large number of various codecs, however the BBC sequence Sherlock has undoubtedly been probably the most profitable. Set within the current day and starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Physician John Watson, the present pulls audiences right into a world of intrigue, journey, and puzzle-solving as the 2 examine difficult mysteries throughout London. With 4 three-part seasons unfold throughout seven years, Sherlock has been extremely praised for its expert-level writing, directing, and performing and really raised the bar for what detective exhibits may pull off. Plus, Cumberbatch hasn’t written off the potential for returning for a Sherlock Season 5.
4
Prime Suspect
(1991-2006)
Iconic actress Helen Mirren stars within the lead function on Prime Suspect as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison. With a tough-as-nails perspective and an bold spirit, she repeatedly proves her capabilities in a male-dominated area, lots of whom need to see her fail. Recurring themes within the sequence embody sexism, racism, work/life stability, and addictions, with every season protecting a single case. Successful three Primetime Emmys, a number of BAFTAs, and a Peabody, Prime Suspect left a legacy and impressed different exhibits — just like the American sequence The Nearer with J.Ok. Simmons and Kyra Sedgewick, which is offered to stream on Peacock.
3
Line of Responsibility
(2012-2021)
Line of Responsibility
- Launch Date
-
2012 – 2020
- Administrators
-
David Caffrey, Douglas Mackinnon, Daniel Nettheim, Michael Keillor, John Strickland, Jed Mercurio, Sue Tully, Gareth Bryn, Jennie Darnell
- Writers
-
Jed Mercurio
A former counter-terrorism officer, Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) is the main target of Line of Responsibility. He’s despatched to work in an Anti-Corruption unit when he refuses to cowl up crimes dedicated by his group. Working alongside one other investigator, Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), he tackles corruption instances throughout the fictional Central Police whereas attempting to unravel an overarching thriller throughout the power. Line of Responsibility grew to become BBC Two’s highest-rated present since 2002 and has garnered each vital acclaim and a cult fan following.
2
Life on Mars
(2006-2007)
A sci-fi police procedural, Life on Mars follows Larger Manchester Police Officer Sam Tyler (John Simm). After an accident, Sam finds himself despatched again in time. In 1973, he nonetheless works for the GMP however in a lower-ranking place. He should show his skills whereas adjusting to the time interval (together with butting heads with corrupt coworkers) and attempting to determine simply what occurred to him. An enormous rankings hit for the BBC, the present received two Worldwide Emmys for Finest Drama Sequence and spawned a number of worldwide spin-offs. A lesser-known American remake of Life on Mars debuted on ABC in 2008 however solely ran for one season.
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1
Killing Eve
(2018-2022)
Sandra Oh, in arguably her greatest efficiency, stars in Killing Eve as British MI6 Officer Eve Polastri alongside Jodie Comer as a fascinatingly advanced murderer dubbed Villanelle. In a supremely well-crafted story about vengeance, want, and morality, Eve and Villanelle are inexplicably drawn to one another in a mutual pursuit — one searching for justice, the opposite for affection. The strains between proper and unsuitable start to blur as the 2 girls’s emotions towards one another change into muddled.
With advanced character dynamics and a distinctly feminine standpoint, this boldly written and visually beautiful sequence created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge is actually considered one of a form on this planet of detective tales. Upon its premiere season, critics put Killing Eve on extra “Better of” and “Prime Ten” lists than some other present, and it was nominated for over 150 awards all through its run, successful 50 and cementing itself within the feminist media zeitgeist.