Captivating Mystery Shows That Kept Audiences Hooked

There’s truly nothing better than kicking back and watching a good mystery show that masterfully creates a web of murder, deceit, and extortion. It usually begins with a crime or murder that becomes a twisted puzzle. That’s when the flawed detective, widowed mystery writer, or three podcasters swoop in to solve the crime. Picking the best mystery show is almost an impossible task.

There are so many great ones to watch with fascinating lead characters. The UK is renowned for producing brilliant, mind-bending, gut-wrenching mystery shows based on original and existing fictional detectives. Not to be outdone, the United States created groundbreaking mystery shows that cross various genres, including, comedy, supernatural, true-crime, and horror. Of course, the rest of the world also offers fun and perplexing mysteries that have viewers suspicious of every character. There’s a thrilling mystery show for everyone, as you will discover below.

1. Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes is possibly the greatest detective in fiction. There isn’t a person that doesn’t know that brilliant sleuth and his good friend Dr. Watson. Set in the present day, the BBC’s Sherlock Holmes starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman brings the iconic characters into a modern setting.

Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, the critically acclaimed series adapts the classic and gripping Holmes mysteries for a contemporary audience. The series aired from 2010 to 2017 to widespread praise. The beloved series aired a New Year’s Day special set in the classic Victorian Period of the original novels. Other popular TV series featuring the character include the 1984 series Sherlock Holmes and the 2012 version, Elementary.  

2. Only Murders in the Building

The critically and commercially acclaimed mystery comedy Only Murders in the Building stars Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short. The series follows three unlikely friends who start a true crime podcast investigating a murder in their building.

Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, the series hit the airwaves in 2021 to rave reviews. Critics praised the mix of comedy with detective fiction. In addition to numerous awards nominations, critics praised the undeniable chemistry between the three stars as they became entangled in a captivating murder mystery. 

3. Twin Peaks

The cult classic Twin Peaks is a groundbreaking series that changed the television landscape. Debuting in 1990, Twin Peaks revolved around the bizarre death of Laura Palmer in the small town of Twin Peaks, Washington. That’s when eccentric FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper arrives in town to piece together the puzzling mystery.

After the series’ cancellation in 1991, it gained a massive cult following, resulting in the 1992 movie Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and the beloved 2017 revival. The surreal show blended detective fiction, supernatural horror, and dark comedy. 

4. Big Little Lies

The Emmy-Award-winning series Big Little Lies slowly draws viewers into a mysterious murder investigation that becomes more complex as more clues are revealed. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman, a perplexing murder sets the stage for a thrilling mystery focusing on five families.

Based on the 2014 novel, Big Little Lies was a massive success, resulting in a second season introducing Meryl Streep. The critically acclaimed series aired from 2017 to 2019, becoming one of the most popular mystery shows in recent memory. 

5. Broadchurch

The heart-wrenching Broadchurch elevated the genre of mystery shows to a new level. Starring David Tennant as Detective Alec Hardy and Olivia Coleman as Detective Ellie Miller, the series takes place in the small town of Broadchurch off the coast of Dorset.

The first season revolved around the puzzling murder of an 11-year-old boy, the media frenzy, painful grief, and the impact on the small town. The critically acclaimed series told compelling mysteries while focusing on the pain and suffering the families go through. The series aired from 2013 to 2017, receiving rave reviews from critics. An American remake, Gracepoint, aired for one season in 2014.

6. Mindhunter

Mindhunter tells the true story of the beginning of criminal profiling and the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit in the late 70s and early 80s. Based on the true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit, the series follows agents as they interview various serial killers to understand their minds and use that knowledge to stop other killers.

The series featured real-life serial killers, including Edmund Kemper, David Berkowitz, and Charles Manson. The critically acclaimed series aired from 2017 to 2018, with director David Fincher acting as showrunner.

7. Veronica Mars

The critically acclaimed Veronica Mars premiered in 2004 and became an instant hit with critics. Due to low ratings, the network canceled the series in 2006 but it returned for a fourth season in 2019.

In the unassuming town of Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is the best private investigator in the entire city. The series starts with Veronica as a high school student learning to be a private investigator from her father. By the final season, they’re working alongside each other solving crimes. The franchise includes the 2014 film, Veronica Mars. 

8. Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Iconic director Alfred Hitchcock was a master at mystery, suspense, and horror. Therefore, combining all the genres into one mysterious and horrifying series made perfect sense. The influential anthology series Alfred Hitchcock Presents aired on ABC and NBC from 1955 to 1965 for the original run.

Hitchcock hosted each episode, featuring a thrilling mystery or mind-bending horror tale. Notable episodes include “Man from the South,” “Unlocked Window,” and “The Strange Case of Mr. Pelham.” 

9. Murder, She Wrote

Starring Angela Lansbury, Murder, She Wrote set the standard for mystery shows. The series aired from 1984 to 1996 to universal praise, setting rating records. Mystery writer Jessica Fletcher often found herself solving puzzling murders and crimes in Cabot Cove, Maine. Eventually, Fletcher took her skills across America and the world as she would crack impossible mysteries. 

10. Prime Suspect 

From 1991 to 2006, Helen Mirren starred as Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison in the groundbreaking series Prime Suspect. Detective Tennison must solve complex and brutal mysteries while overcoming sexism and resentment from her male co-workers.

The critically acclaimed series took a new approach to the classic mystery show by dealing with real issues in the workplace. Critics praised Mirren for her incredible portrayal of Jane Tennison. A prequel series, Prime Suspect 1973, covered Tennison’s early career in the police force. 

11. The Midnight Club

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Critics raved about the latest scary mystery to drop on Netflix. The 2022 mystery-horror series The Midnight Club centered around a group of terminally ill kids at the Brightcliffe Home. The kids form a club that meets at midnight to tell creepy, horrifying, and mysterious stories. They soon discover that nothing is more mysterious than Brightcliffe itself.

Created by Leah Fong and Mike Flanagan, the terrifying mystery series is part of the Flanaverse, which includes The Haunting of Hill House, Doctor Sleep, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and the upcoming series The Fall of the House of Usher. 

12. Home Before Dark 

A curious young girl from New York City, Hilde Lisko, moves to a small town and finds herself going down a rabbit hole to uncover the truth about a cold case. Based on the life of 15-year-old journalist Hilde Lysiak, the gripping series is quickly becoming one of Apple TV’s best shows.

The series debuted in 2020 to rave reviews from critics praising the series’ intriguing mystery. It’s easily one of the best new mystery shows of the last five years. 

13. Miss Marple

Miss Marple is an iconic detective of literature that appears in several beloved series. Criminals often make the mistake of underestimating consulting detective Miss Marple because of her old age. However, the elderly sleuth is wise and logical. With her deductive reasoning, there isn’t a case Jane Marple can’t crack.

Based on the Agatha Christie character, the ITV series Agatha Christie’s Marple aired from 2004 to 2013. The series adapted many Miss Marple mysteries but added storylines and changed characters. Previously, the critically acclaimed Miss Marple aired on BBC from 1984 to 1992. 

14. True Detective 

With a different nail-biting mystery each season, HBO’s True Detective was a gripping anthology series that kept fans wanting more. The first and third seasons received universal praise, while the second mainly got mixed reviews.

The series masterfully unraveled each mystery with engaging characters and intricate plots. For the most part, the series took place over multiple timelines, using flashbacks and narration to unravel the compelling mystery. A fourth season, True Detective: Night Country, is due out soon.

15. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries 

Based on Kerry Greenwood’s novels, the historical series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries followed the wealthy aristocrat and world-famous detective Phryne Fisher in the 1920s as she dived deep into cases of murder and betrayal. Don’t let Phryne Fisher’s rich and famous lifestyle fool you though; as she’s a brilliant detective that can fly a plane and fight off the bad guys.

The massively popular Australian series hit the airwaves in 2012. The popular franchise also included the movie Miss Fisher and The Crypt of Tears. In 2019, the spinoff series Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries debuted to rave reviews. Set in the 1960s, the series followed Phryn’s niece Peregrine Fisher who inherits Phryn’s fortune and searches for her missing aunt. 

16. Happy Valley

The gut-wrenching mystery crime series Happy Valley premiered in 2014 to widespread praise. After her daughter commits suicide, West Yorkshire police Sergeant Catherine Cawood searches for a missing girl while hunting down her grandson’s father in two griping tales colliding in an epic finale.

During season 2, Sergent Cawood finds herself the prime suspect in a series of murders. Despite criticism of its violent content, Happy Valley is one of Britain’s best new mystery shows. 

17. Criminal Minds

The popular CBS mystery series Criminal Minds took viewers on a journey into the twisted world of serial killers and murders. With an ensemble cast, the series aired from 2005 to 2020 to universal praise. The exhilarating series revolved around criminal profilers with the FBI as they try to understand the motives and minds of serial killers.

As a significant rating success for CBS, the series was one of the most-watched shows during its run. The franchise included two canceled spinoff series and the upcoming revival Criminal Minds: Evolution. 

18. Poirot

Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is one of Agatha Christie’s greatest creations. First appearing in 1920, the brilliant detective has starred in numerous movies and TV shows solving fascinating crimes.

In 2018, John Malkovich starred as Hercule Poirot in the BBC show The ABC Murders. The series revolved around a murderer drawing Poirot into a perplexing mystery with a series of letters. In addition to the BBC series, Agatha Christie’s Poirot aired on ITV from 1989 to 2013 to universal praise. 

19. Killing Eve

Few series keep audiences on the edge of their seats like the intense thriller Killing Eve. MI6 agent Eve Polastri joins an investigation to capture deadly assassin Villanelle. However, Eve and Villanelle develop an obsession with each other that leads to dire consequences.

The heart-pounding series dives deep into a mysterious group known as The Twelve while allowing viewers to glimpse the relationship between Eve and Villanelle. 

20. Inspector Morse

Inspector Morse is one of the UK’s most famous detectives. The top-rated mystery series Inspector Morse aired from 1987 to 2000 to universal praise. Based on the Colin Dexter novels, the series followed the inquisitive Inspector Endeavour Morse as he unraveled mind-twisting mysteries.

In 2012, a prequel series revolving around a young Morse in the 60s and 70s hit the airwaves, with the upcoming final season due out soon.

21. Bosch

Harry Bosch is an intelligent, sharp, and tough detective who follows the rules but breaks them when needed. Starring Titus Welliver as the titular character, Amazon Prime’s Bosch aired for seven seasons to critical acclaim.

Based on the Michael Connelly character, the series takes inspiration from several Connelly novels featuring Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch. The series was an unconventional mystery show that dealt with various compelling mysteries throughout each season. Amazon followed with the spinoff series Bosch: Legacy revolving around a retired Harry as he becomes a private investigator. 

22. Pretty Little Liars

One year after their friend Alison goes missing, four friends reunite when they start receiving threatening letters from a mysterious figure. The intriguing mystery is full of twists and turns on the hit series Pretty Little Liars.

The show aired from 2010 to 2017 and gained a loyal following. Soon, the series turned into a significant franchise, including the spinoffs Ravenswood, Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, and the HBO Max series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. 

23. Midsomer Murders

The county of Midsomer appears to be a delightful little part of England. However, within the villages are deadly mysteries that are impossible to solve.

Based on the novel series Chief Inspector Barnaby, Midsomer Murders follows DCI Tom Barnaby and later his cousin, John Barnaby. Along with their teams, DCI Barnaby peels back the layers of each crime to solve the case. Since debuting in 1997, the series continues to produce perplexing mysteries. 

24. Father Brown

The British mystery series Father Brown combines classic detective fiction with faith in a series about puzzling crimes and forgiveness. Inspired by G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown, the series revolved around Roman Catholic priest Father Brown who also solved crimes involving members of his church.

With the series set in the 1950s, Father Brown was a logical sleuth who often hears the criminal’s confession without judgment. He urges them to admit their guilt, but he won’t tell anyone their secret if they choose to run. The gripping series has been one of Britain’s most popular since debuting in 2013.

25. Enola Holmes

Sherlock Holmes isn’t the only brilliant sleuth in his family. In fact, his younger teenage sister, Enola Holmes (portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown), proves to be just as intelligent and flawed as her famous big brother Sherlock.

Based on the young adult novels, the 2020 Netflix movie Enola Holmes followed the adventures of Enola as she attempted to solve a mysterious crime threatening her entire village. A sequel, Enola Holmes 2, is due out soon, with Henry Cavill reprising his role as Sherlock Holmes. 

26. Whitstable Pearl 

The thrilling 2021 series, Whistable Pearl, takes inspiration from the Julie Wassmer novel series. Private detective and single mom Pearl Nolan spends her day running Whitstable Pearl restaurant with her mother in the small town of Whitstable. However, her life is turned upside down when her friend dies under mysterious circumstances.

Airing on Acorn TV, the series continues the UK’s tradition of compelling mysteries that keep viewers at the edge of their seats. 

27. Agatha Raisin

The best detectives aren’t necessarily police officers or private investigators that are deeply flawed. Indeed, the best crime solvers are the most unexpecting ones.

For instance, the popular series Agatha Raisin features former PR agent Agatha as she solves crimes in the small village of Cotswolds. Despite getting mixed reviews, the popular series is gaining quite the following as viewers are obsessed with the exhilarating series.