Introduction
From clever whodunits to gripping psychological thrillers, these 15 detective series have captivated audiences worldwide. Whether you love iconic detectives like Sherlock Holmes or modern antiheroes like Dexter, this list highlights the best crime TV shows to binge today. All of these series are available to stream online, making it easy to start your next mystery marathon.
15. Miss Marple
As a huge fan of Agatha Christie’s books, I think this series does a wonderful job adapting her intricate mysteries. While there were some unavoidable changes due to the original actress passing away—which might feel a bit jarring—the acting remains top-notch throughout. Every episode brings back that warm, nostalgic feeling of reading the novels, from the charming English villages to the clever, slow-burn reveals.
Long-time fans know the joy of spotting familiar supporting actors who often pop up in multiple episodes (sometimes even playing different characters). And, of course, there’s that unspoken rule: if Miss Marple is sipping tea and quietly watching everyone, you just know she’s already solved the case. Despite a few small flaws, this is a must-watch for anyone who loves the classic whodunit atmosphere done right.
14. Monk
Monk is one of those rare detective series that perfectly blends mystery with humor. Adrian Monk, a brilliant detective with crippling OCD and phobias, solves cases that leave everyone else scratching their heads. It’s not just about the clever deductions—it’s about watching Monk navigate the world in his own unique way, which is often as entertaining as the mysteries themselves.
Fans love to quote his famous “Here’s what happened…” recaps, and there’s a whole debate among long-time viewers about which assistant was better: Sharona or Natalie. While some seasons lean heavier on the comedy than the mystery (and vice versa), the series never loses its charm. For many fans, Monk isn’t just a detective show—it’s comfort TV that makes you laugh, think, and maybe even straighten that crooked picture frame on the wall.
13. Castle
Castle is one of those shows that’s just plain fun to watch—especially if you’re sharing it with someone, like I did with my father. The heart of the series is the irresistible chemistry between Richard Castle, the charming mystery novelist, and Detective Kate Beckett, the no-nonsense cop who has to put up with his antics. Their banter is sharp, the humor lands perfectly, and even the supporting cast brings a lot of warmth and wit to the table.
The series follows a classic TV crime formula: a self-contained murder mystery in each episode, layered with an ongoing meta story that gets progressively more intriguing. By the time the larger arcs start to unfold—like the truth behind Beckett’s mother’s murder—you’ll find yourself more hooked on the personal stakes than the weekly “whodunit.” For fans of lighthearted crime dramas with just enough emotional depth, Castle is a winner.
12. Lucifer
If Castle is a crime show with charm, Lucifer turns up the heat—literally—by throwing angels, demons, and celestial drama into the mix. The series follows Lucifer Morningstar, the Devil himself, who abandons Hell for Los Angeles and ends up helping the LAPD solve murders. On paper, it sounds wild, but thanks to Tom Ellis’s pitch-perfect performance, it works brilliantly. His charisma, humor, and unexpected vulnerability make him the undeniable star of the show.
While the “case of the week” format will feel familiar to crime drama fans, Lucifer’s meta story kicks in much earlier and pulls you into its bigger arcs—family rivalries among angels, the politics of Heaven and Hell, and the Devil’s own journey of self-discovery. Side characters like Maze, Amenadiel, and even Ella Lopez are fan favorites, each bringing something unique to the mix.
That said, longtime viewers know the production had its bumps—network changes and budget constraints sometimes showed on screen. But even in its rough patches, the series kept its soul (pun intended) and delivered a mix of mystery, supernatural intrigue, and heartfelt moments that made it more than just another crime procedural.
11. Columbo
Few detective series have aged as gracefully—or remained as beloved—as Columbo. First aired in 1968, it flipped the traditional whodunit formula on its head. Instead of hiding the killer until the last act, Columbo shows you exactly who committed the crime in the opening scenes. The real suspense comes from watching Lieutenant Columbo, in his rumpled beige trench coat and armed with nothing but politeness and persistence, slowly corner the culprit.
Peter Falk’s portrayal is iconic: his unassuming demeanor, constant “just one more thing” interruptions, and razor-sharp mind became the show’s trademark. Fans often point out that Columbo’s apparent forgetfulness is his greatest weapon—it lulls criminals into underestimating him right before he delivers the knockout deduction.
Each episode feels like a mini-movie, with big-name guest stars (Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, and Dick Van Dyke, among others) stepping into the role of the week’s overconfident villain. While the pacing may feel slower compared to modern series, its meticulous storytelling and satisfying conclusions keep it timeless.
For mystery lovers, Columbo isn’t just a TV show—it’s a masterclass in detective work, a game of mental chess you can rewatch again and again.
10. Lie to Me
Lie to Me takes the traditional crime-procedural format and adds a fascinating twist—solving crimes by reading the microexpressions and body language of suspects. Inspired by the real-life work of Dr. Paul Ekman, the series follows Dr. Cal Lightman (played brilliantly by Tim Roth), a deception expert who can spot a lie in a fraction of a second.
What makes Lie to Me so engaging is how each case becomes a puzzle of human behavior. Instead of relying on fingerprints or DNA, Lightman’s team digs into the twitch of an eye, a curl of the lip, or a fleeting expression of guilt. It gives every interrogation scene an extra layer of tension—you’re constantly looking for the same tells the characters are.
Fans often rave about Tim Roth’s performance. His mix of charm, sarcasm, and moral ambiguity makes Lightman unpredictable and fun to watch. And while the cases-of-the-week are usually satisfying, there’s also a simmering meta-story about Lightman’s personal life and his complex relationship with his colleagues.
Although the show ended after just three seasons, it built a loyal following, and many viewers still swear it’s one of the most unique crime series ever made. If you love psychology as much as you love mystery, this is a must-watch.
9. The Mentalist
The Mentalist is a textbook example of how a traditional crime TV series can still stand out in a crowded genre—mainly thanks to its charismatic lead, Patrick Jane, played brilliantly by Simon Baker. The premise is simple: Jane is a former fake psychic who now uses his keen observational skills to help the California Bureau of Investigation solve cases. On paper, it’s nothing groundbreaking, but Jane’s charm, wit, and occasional mischievousness elevate every episode.
The series blends the classic episodic “case of the week” format with a longer-running meta storyline, primarily centered around Jane’s obsession with catching the serial killer Red John. While the episodic setup can sometimes weaken the storytelling by resetting the stakes each week, it also makes the show easy to jump into at any point. And when the writers get it right, the cases can be surprisingly clever and memorable.
What keeps fans coming back, though, is the chemistry between the characters and the balance of humor, mystery, and drama. Even in weaker episodes, there’s an undeniable comfort in watching Jane work his magic—whether he’s outsmarting criminals or simply teasing his colleagues. The Mentalist might not reinvent the wheel, but it makes that wheel spin in a way that’s endlessly enjoyable.
8. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is one of those rare shows that blends psychological depth with chilling real-world inspiration. Set in the late 1970s, it follows two FBI agents, Holden Ford and Bill Tench, as they develop criminal profiling techniques by interviewing incarcerated serial killers. The cases are fictionalized, but the killers are based on real people—and the actors portraying them are so disturbingly accurate that it’s hard to look away.
The atmosphere of Mindhunter is slow-burn and methodical, much like the agents’ investigative work. Instead of flashy action scenes, you get tense, cerebral conversations that make your skin crawl. It’s a deep dive into the minds of criminals, and it’s fascinating—and unsettling—to see how much of their work relies on patience and psychological insight.
The show is also a masterclass in period detail. From the cars to the fashion to the office politics, it feels authentically rooted in its time. Fans especially praise the acting, particularly Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany as the leads, and Cameron Britton’s eerie performance as Ed Kemper.
Unfortunately, despite its critical acclaim and cult following, Netflix ended production after only two seasons. This left fans frustrated and disappointed, especially since the second season seemed to set up even bigger storylines. Still, the two seasons we got remain a gold standard for crime drama—intense, intelligent, and unforgettable.
7. Endeavour
Endeavour is as British as a steaming cup of Earl Grey on a rainy afternoon—and that’s exactly what gives it its special charm. Set in the 1960s and serving as a prequel to the long-running Inspector Morse series, it follows the young Detective Constable Endeavour Morse as he cuts his teeth in Oxford’s criminal underworld. The pacing is deliberate, the atmosphere steeped in period detail, and the dialogue sharp in that dry, witty way only British crime dramas seem to master.
The writing here is particularly clever, weaving intricate mysteries that reward attentive viewers. Every case feels like it has layers, with subtle clues and quiet character moments tucked between the interrogations and crime scene visits. The show also embraces the cultural and social nuances of the time, adding a depth and authenticity that makes it feel like more than just another detective series.
It’s not a high-octane, twist-a-minute crime thriller, but that’s part of its magic. Endeavour invites you to slow down, savor the atmosphere, and enjoy watching a brilliant but still-developing detective find his footing. For fans of thoughtful, detail-rich mysteries, it’s one of the best examples of the genre—and a love letter to British detective storytelling.
6. Hannibal
I’m a huge fan of the Hannibal books by Thomas Harris, so this series holds a very special place in my heart. While it’s not a direct adaptation, it works beautifully on its own. The show takes the characters and core concepts from the books but places them in an alternative timeline, creating a fresh universe where familiar personalities are explored in new ways.
The writing is excellent—clever, dark, and psychologically intricate. The characters and their dynamics are phenomenal, from the tense mind games between Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham to the subtle interactions among supporting characters. The actors bring incredible depth to their roles, making every confrontation and conversation gripping.
Even though the series doesn’t reference The Silence of the Lambs (arguably the best book in the series), the characters function perfectly in this new setting. The mysteries are engaging, the cases are smartly crafted, and the show often feels more like a psychological thriller than a traditional detective crime series—but it works brilliantly.
Hannibal Lecter, an iconic character from cinema, is reimagined in this series for a whole new journey, and watching it unfold is an intense, stylish, and unforgettable experience for fans of the books, movies, or anyone who loves meticulously crafted crime storytelling.
5. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is a cult classic that redefined the crime and mystery genre on television. Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, the series blends detective work with surreal, almost dreamlike storytelling. The show begins with the investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer in a small, seemingly idyllic town, but as the series unfolds, you quickly discover that nothing in Twin Peaks is as it seems.
The writing is clever, often mixing dark, gripping crime elements with quirky humor and strange, memorable characters. From the eccentric residents to the enigmatic FBI agent Dale Cooper, the series is full of personalities that stay with you long after watching. The surreal and sometimes unsettling moments give the show a unique tone that separates it from traditional crime series.
Even though it’s a mystery at its core, Twin Peaks goes beyond a typical whodunit. The narrative experiments with dream sequences, hidden clues, and underlying supernatural elements, keeping fans constantly intrigued and theorizing. While some parts of the series can feel slow or confusing, the atmosphere, the character interactions, and the iconic soundtrack make it an unforgettable experience for mystery lovers.
For anyone interested in crime series with a strange, artistic twist, Twin Peaks is essential viewing—a show that challenges the norms of storytelling while delivering a compelling mystery at its heart.
4. True Detective
True Detective is an anthology crime series that has earned a reputation for its dark, gripping storytelling and complex characters. Each season features a completely new cast and storyline, which makes the series feel fresh with every installment—but it also means that the quality can vary significantly between seasons.
The first season, featuring Rust Cohle and Marty Hart, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern television, with tense, philosophical dialogue, intricate plotting, and a haunting atmosphere. Many fans consider it one of the best examples of crime storytelling on TV. Later seasons explore new settings and characters, sometimes receiving mixed reviews, but each season brings its own unique style and perspective to the mystery genre.
What makes True Detective stand out is how it combines classic whodunit elements with deeper explorations of morality, human nature, and the darkness lurking beneath society’s surface. The cinematography, writing, and acting are consistently praised, and certain performances—especially in season one—are iconic.
While the series isn’t always consistent, its ability to reinvent itself and deliver unforgettable mysteries makes it a must-watch for fans of crime and detective stories. It’s a series where every new season is an event, and the discussion around the mysteries and characters is part of the fun.
3. Dexter
Dexter is a crime series that brilliantly mixes suspense, dark humor, and psychological drama. The show follows Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police who leads a secret life as a vigilante serial killer, targeting those who have escaped justice. This duality makes Dexter a complex and fascinating character, and the show does an excellent job exploring the moral ambiguities of his life.
The series is consistently clever in its writing, with tension-filled investigations and unexpected twists that keep you engaged. The supporting characters, from Debra Morgan to Angel Batista, bring depth and charm to the story, and their relationships with Dexter create some of the most compelling dynamics on TV. Fans often appreciate small details, like Dexter’s darkly humorous inner monologue and recurring motifs that make the show feel cohesive across seasons.
That said, the series does have its flaws. The ending, in particular, has caused controversy among fans due to its handling of key characters and storylines. While it may not satisfy everyone, the journey up to that point is packed with memorable moments, shocking revelations, and suspenseful storytelling that make Dexter a must-watch for crime series enthusiasts. Despite the problematic finale, the series remains one of the most engaging and unique entries in the genre.
2. Poirot
Poirot is one of the most faithful adaptations of Agatha Christie’s books, and in my opinion, it’s brilliant from start to finish. The series begins with shorter episodes, which serve as an introduction to Hercule Poirot and his world. Once viewers are familiar with the character, the show dives into full-length adaptations of Christie’s novels, and it’s here that the brilliance really shines.
David Suchet’s performance as Poirot is nothing short of iconic—he truly embodies the meticulous, charming, and sometimes quirky detective. Every gesture, every line, and every expression feels perfectly in character. The supporting cast is excellent as well, creating a world that feels authentically British and wonderfully immersive.
This is the most accurate adaptation of the books that I’ve ever seen, and that’s my main reason for placing it so high on the list. The writing, pacing, and attention to detail make it a joy for both long-time Christie fans and newcomers alike. Whether it’s the intricate mysteries, clever plot twists, or the atmosphere of each episode, Poirot is a masterclass in crime storytelling.
1. Sherlock
In my opinion, Sherlock is the best Sherlock Holmes adaptation ever made. It’s a deeply British series, which adds a unique charm and authenticity, but the modern setting makes the investigations feel fresh and distinct from most other adaptations. The show cleverly portrays the thought processes of a genius, giving viewers insight into Sherlock’s deductive brilliance in a way that feels natural and engaging.
The acting is phenomenal—Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and Martin Freeman as Watson have incredible chemistry, perfectly balancing intellect, humor, and emotion. The writing is sharp, witty, and consistently high quality; this is the only series on the list that I’d consider having literally no bad episodes. Each episode feels meticulously crafted, with attention to both plot and character development.
The modern twist on classic mysteries, combined with brilliant dialogue and cinematic direction, makes this series my favorite when it comes to crime and detective shows. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Sherlock Holmes or new to the character, Sherlock is an absolute must-watch.
Conclusion
Did your favorite detective make the list? Share this article with fellow mystery lovers, and don’t forget to check out these series for your next crime drama binge!