Unlocking TV Series Every Crime Fiction Lover Must Investigate
As someone who loves mystery and thrillers, be it in the form of books, TV series, or movies, I am always on the lookout for more. Sometimes, it’s challenging to find the perfect series that aligns with my preferences.
In this curated list of 20 TV series, I’ve not only considered ratings but also those with certain quirks that resonate with my picky viewing habits. From amateur sleuths to ‘fake’ sleuths, from detectives to retired detectives, from small towns to big cities, this list covers them all.
Join me on this journey as I share some of the best TV series I’ve watched over the past couple of years — ones that I find myself revisiting time and time again.
1. Monk
Monk follows Adrian Monk, a brilliant but eccentric former detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder and multiple phobias. After the unsolved murder of his wife, Monk becomes a consultant for the San Francisco Police Department. Despite his quirks, Monk’s sharp observational skills and attention to detail make him an exceptional detective.
2. Hunter
Hunter is a classic police procedural and crime drama series that follows Sergeant Rick Hunter, a tough and determined detective in the Los Angeles Police Department. Hunter, often partnered with Detective Dee Dee McCall, navigates the complexities of urban crime, pursuing justice in a gritty and action-packed setting. The show explores Hunter’s dedication to his job and the challenges he faces in the line of duty.
3. Psych
Psych centers around Shawn Spencer, a young man with keen observational skills developed by his police officer father. Although Shawn pretends to be a psychic, he is not. Alongside his best friend Gus, Shawn opens a psychic detective agency and helps the Santa Barbara Police Department solve crimes. The series is known for its humor, pop culture references, and the dynamic between Shawn and Gus.
4. The Mentalist
The Mentalist follows Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation. Endowed with keen observational skills, Jane assists in solving crimes while navigating the haunting memory of his family’s murder by the notorious Red John. The show blends procedural crime-solving with Jane’s personal quest for justice, offering a mix of mystery, drama, and character depth.
Watch The Mentalist on Prime Video.
5. Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds takes audiences on a riveting journey into the minds of criminals as the BAU, a team of elite profilers, unravels the darkest corners of human psychology. With a combination of empathy and analytical brilliance, they strive to understand the why behind the crimes, revealing the chilling intricacies of the criminal mind.
Watch Criminal Minds on Prime Video.
6. Columbo
Enter the world of Lieutenant Columbo, the disheveled yet brilliant detective who approaches crime scenes with an unassuming demeanor and a mind sharper than any polished detective’s suit. With a relentless pursuit of truth and a knack for catching criminals off guard, Columbo’s iconic trench coat is a symbol of crime-solving brilliance.
7. Broadchurch
In the hauntingly beautiful town of Broadchurch, Detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller navigate the intricate web of secrets and lies woven into the community’s fabric. The series unfolds as a gripping psychological drama, revealing not just the perpetrators but the profound impact of crime on the lives of those touched by darkness.
Watch Broadchurch on Prime Video.
8. Poirot
Enter the world of Hercule Poirot, impeccably portrayed by David Suchet, where every detail matters, and every case is a puzzle waiting to be solved. With a penchant for order and an affinity for the finer things, Poirot’s investigative brilliance makes him a timeless icon of classic detective dramas.
9. Miss Marple
Miss Marple, the astute and seemingly harmless spinster, unravels the mysteries of St. Mary Mead with a keen understanding of human nature. In this charming village setting, Miss Marple’s intuitive insights and unassuming demeanor make her a delightful and unexpected detective.
Watch Miss Marple on Prime Video.
10. Death In Paradise
Detective Inspector Richard Poole and his successors bring a tropical twist to crime-solving in Death in Paradise. Against the backdrop of sun-soaked beaches, the series combines clever mysteries with the humorous clash of island life and British policing, creating a delightful and engaging watch.
Watch Death in Paradise on Prime Video.
11. Murder, She Wrote
Jessica Fletcher, the quintessential amateur sleuth and mystery writer, brings her sharp mind and literary prowess to real-life crime scenes. With a twinkle in her eye and a knack for being in the wrong place at the right time, Jessica turns ordinary moments into extraordinary mysteries.
Watch Murder, She Wrote on Prime Video.
12. Elementary
Elementary breathes new life into the legendary Sherlock Holmes, brilliantly portrayed by Jonny Lee Miller, whose partnership with Joan Watson, a former surgeon turned sober companion, turns the classic detective duo into a modern-day dynamic force. With intellect, wit, and a touch of eccentricity, they tackle crime in the city that never sleeps.
Watch Elementary on Prime Video.
13. True Detective
True Detective stands as a testament to the art of crime storytelling, offering intense and atmospheric narratives with each season presenting a new cast and a dark tale. The series explores not just the crimes themselves but the intricacies of the characters’ lives, creating a captivating blend of mystery, drama, and noir.
Watch True Detective on Prime Video.
14. The X-Files
The X-Files explores the unexplained and the supernatural through the investigative lens of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. As they navigate a complex web of government conspiracies, extraterrestrial encounters, and paranormal phenomena, the series weaves an intricate tapestry of mystery and intrigue, capturing the imaginations of audiences worldwide.
Watch The X-Files on Prime Video.
15. Dexter
Dexter introduces audiences to Dexter Morgan, a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department with a dark secret. By day, he’s a seemingly ordinary forensic expert, but by night, he moonlights as a vigilante serial killer, targeting criminals who have escaped the traditional justice system. The series navigates the complexities of morality, justice, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
16. Sherlock
Sherlock breathes new life into Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s timeless detective tales. Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes, paired with Martin Freeman’s Dr. John Watson, creates a modern-day duo that tackles crimes with unparalleled wit and intelligence. The series’ dynamic storytelling, intricate mysteries, and memorable characters have elevated it to iconic status in the realm of crime dramas.
Watch Sherlock on Prime Video.
17: Mindhunter
Mindhunter takes viewers into the ground breaking world of criminal profiling and behavioral science. Set in the late 1970s, FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench, alongside psychologist Wendy Carr, delve into the minds of serial killers, crafting a gripping narrative that explores the evolving understanding of criminal psychology.
18. Mare of Easttown
Mare of Easttown immerses viewers in the tight-knit community of Easttown, Pennsylvania, as Detective Mare Sheehan, played by Kate Winslet, tackles a complex murder investigation. The series intricately weaves together family dynamics, community secrets, and the toll of past traumas, delivering a gripping and emotionally charged narrative that explores the dark underbelly of a seemingly ordinary town.
Watch Mare of Easttown on Prime Video.
19. The Killing
The Killing follows detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they investigate high-stakes murder cases in Seattle. With each season focusing on a single case, the series delves into the psychological toll of crime-solving, political intrigue, and the impact of each investigation on the lives of those involved. A noir-inspired atmosphere and intricate storytelling make The Killing a compelling addition to the crime genre.
Watch The Killing on Prime Video.
20. True Crime
True Crime offers a riveting exploration of real-life criminal cases through the lens of documentary storytelling. Each episode delves into the details of notorious crimes, investigations, and legal proceedings, providing an unfiltered and often chilling look into the complexities of the criminal justice system. With a focus on factual storytelling, True Crime brings the intensity of true stories to the screen, captivating audiences with the harsh realities of the criminal world.
This brings us to the end of the list. I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you’ve seen any of these series, share your favorites or ones that didn’t quite hit the mark. If you’re new to some of them, let me know which ones caught your eye. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
The Book Decoder 
👍👍
Will catch up with these.
Inspector Morse and/or Lewis. The subtle clues challenge the viewer and the world draws you in.
I have read a couple of Inspector Morse books. It’s not as good as the series.