The Top 15 British Detective Series, Ranked

Whether in film or television, the detective genre counts on a huge fanbase thanks to its gripping whodunnits and deep character studies that have captivated worldwide audiences. Considering that a great deal of British literature has influenced the genre, it is not surprising that plenty of British detective series rank among some of the best.

In television, detective shows have become a staple of the crime drama genre, entertaining audiences with their unpredictable twists, layered characters, and sharp wit. As such, it is not hard to grasp why so many people feel drawn to it. From Shetland to Sherlock, we look back at some of the best British detective shows of all time.

15

‘Shetland’ (2013–)

Created by Ann Cleeves

Starring Alison O’Donnell, Steven Robertson, and Lewis Howden among other talented stars, Ann Cleeves‘ police procedural highlights regional storytelling. Its quiet but engaging narrative focuses on a local police team investigating crimes within the close-knit island community of Shetland.

For fans of Scotland’s beautiful landscapes, Shetland may be worth a watch. Not only is it a visually immersive series that features both intriguing character-driven stories and gritty crime drama, but it also features great performances, with Douglas Hensahll‘s, for one, being widely praised. Part of the series’ charm also has to do with how local it feels—it often blends local folklore with modern issues with great results: a strong mix of British drama and Nordic noir that will appeal to fans of both genres.

14

‘Happy Valley’ (2014–2023)

Created by Sally Wainwright

While Happy Valley might sound like a quaint pastoral drama, it is easily one of the grittiest and most emotionally investing shows that Britain has produced in years. Set in West Yorkshire, the series follows Sarah Lancashire’s Sergeant Catherine Cawood, a police officer haunted by her daughter’s passing and now raising her grandson, while confronting the mean she believes is responsible for her family’s downfall.

Happy Valley stands out from the bunch not merely for its tight narrative but for its emotional core, with a protagonist that rises beyond your typical TV cop. Catherine is compassionate and exhausted, navigating both crime and devastating violence. By blending procedural elements with family drama, Happy Valley paints a bleak but realistic portrait of working-class life in Northern England that keeps audiences invested.

13

‘Midsomer Murders’ (1997–)

Created by Anthony Horowitz

For those intrigued by rural murder series, Anthony Horowitz’s iconic Midsomer Murders is a solid pick. Set in the fictional English idyllic country of Midsomer, the story follows DCI Tom Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and his cousin as they navigate the stream of suspicious deaths among locals.

By wrapping crime in picturesque settings and crafting absurd but elaborate mysteries, Midsomer Murders delivers a contrasting but undeniably entertaining narrative that fully immerses audiences in its garden parties and cricket greens. With an appeal that spans generations and a blend of old-school sleuthing with countryside murder mysteries, the long-running Midsomer Murders may be worth checking out for those who appreciate lighter tones, without sacrificing the smartly constructed stories of British detective dramas.

12

‘Agatha Christie’s Marple’ (2004–2013)

Created by Edmund Swettenham

Based on the novels by Agatha Christie, this adaptation brings Christie’s spinster sleuth to life in a series of staged mysteries set in quaint English villages. Over the course of the show, Miss Marple was portrayed by Geraldine McEwan, and later Julia McKenzie, both leading with charm.

Whether it is for its brilliant protagonist and her ability to observe the world through the fascinating lens of human nature, or the classic whodunit format delivered with elegance and even a bit of period flair, Agatha Christie’s Marple is a cozy and entertaining is a must-watch for fans who love their mysteries with a side of tea and vintage hats.

11

‘The Fall’ (2013–2016)

Created by Allan Cubitt

Starring Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson in the lead roles, Allan Cubitt‘s intriguing cat and mouse game The Fall is a psychological thriller TV series centering around two polar opposite characters: one a serial killer who leads a double-life in Belfast, the other a strong-willed female detective drafted from the London Metropolitan Police to catch him.

The Fall draws away from traditional detective series and does not shy away from revealing the antagonist’s identity from the get-go. Despite what some may think, it is still a suspenseful and intense show, keeping viewers hooked on its engaging narrative and amazing performances (Anderson is particularly good in this). It is a dark and absorbing show that delves into its characters’ psyche, featuring thought-provoking themes at its center.

10

‘Prime Suspect’ (1991)

Created by Lynda La Plante

After a comrade suffers a near-fatal heart attack, Dame Helen Mirren‘s character, Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, takes over the investigation into the murder of a young sex worker named Delia Mornay. In the meantime, Jane is left to deal with the sexist hostility from her male colleagues.

Prime Suspect is a cornerstone of the crime drama genre, particularly when it comes to British television, and it’s not difficult to see why. Whether we’re talking about Mirren’s strong portrayal of this multidimensional character—and how it has defied the traditional stereotype of the “male hero” in detective media—or its gritty and realistic narrative with deep and complex cases, Lynda La Plante’s series is undoubtedly worth checking.

9

‘Vera’ (2011–2025)

Created by Ann Cleeves

In a genre full of brooding geniuses and tortured characters, Vera stands out by doing something refreshing while keeping things grounded. Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, the show stars Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope, a scruffy, sharp-eyed detective with a no-nonsense attitude and a heart that beats for justice.

Vera is almost equal amounts about the mood of the landscape as it is about the crimes, with each episode unfolding like a self-contained novel. What makes the must-see British detective show brilliant is its steady consistency, the character-driven storytelling, and the detective work. In its own unique way, Vera reminds us that slow-burning intelligence, empathy, and good instincts are enough to make a comforting series for crime drama fans.

8

‘Endeavour’ (2012–2023)

Created by Russell Lewis

This prequel to the long-running Inspector Morse series follows the early career of the brilliant but emotionally reserved Endeavour Morse, played by Shaun Evans. Set against the backdrop of Oxford during the 1960s and 1970s, the series slowly reveals the scars that shape Morse into the iconic detective he’s destined to become.

For those intrigued by shows that offer enough different storylines to keep their attention, Endeavour may be the right pick. Each episode presents a standalone case, often intricately plotted and rich with literary, political, or historical undercurrents. However, at its heart lies character development, delivering a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and melancholic.

7

‘Unforgotten’ (2015–)

Created by Chris Lang

In Chris Lang‘s character-driven cop drama Unforgotten, London detectives (Sanjeev Bhaskar and Nicola Walker) investigate crimes from the past, which in turn unravel secrets left buried for years. Although the 2015 series does feature the procedural aspects of crime-solving narratives, it greatly focuses on the impact that such devastating events have on those involved.

Like many British detective series, Lang’s show features great writing and well-developed characters, with its intensity building along the way and having audiences on the edge of their seats. The great performances also help elevate the show to higher levels. However, its touching premise—which often handles sensitive topics, depicting the emotional weight of the cases—is arguably the strongest aspect.

6

‘Luther’ (2010–2019)

Created by Neil Cross

Idris Elba showcases his talents as a brilliant homicide detective with a knack for getting inside the lives of those he hunts. However, his unconventional methods, tough personality, and own demons put him at odds with his superiors, which causes some to perceive him as the problem rather than the solution.

Those who enjoy complex characters in television will probably find Luther appealing, as Elba’s on-screen counterpart is a flawed and captivating character that easily ranks among the most memorable of recent crime TV. Marked by its dark and neo-noir-like atmosphere featuring rain-soaked London streets and shadowy alleys, the psychological Neil Cross show presents a new case in each episode, offering audiences a sneak peek inside the minds of both the detective and the criminals. Like Unforgotten, it also delves into the impact crime has on communities.

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