There’s something about a good mystery that just draws you in, no matter how many times you watch it. Is it the puzzle itself? A troubled detective with a dark past? Secrets slowly revealing themselves? Whatever it is, mystery shows just draw you in. Here are ten of the best mystery and murder mystery detective shows that have drawn audiences in for decades—perfect for binge-watching over and over again.
10. River
A detective drama is not just about solving the crime; it’s about facing your own inner demons. And that’s exactly what River does, with Stellan Skarsgård playing a brilliant but troubled detective in London, haunted by past cases and victims he wasn’t able to save. It’s a thoughtful drama that explores the detective’s mind as much as it does the crime.
9. Castle
Murder mysteries don’t always have to be depressing. Castle introduces a fun twist through a witty crime novelist and a tough NYPD detective. The chemistry between the two characters excels as the show combines fun and clever mystery cases.
8. Medium
Medium adds a ghostly spin to crime-solving. Patricia Arquette, as a psychic who aids cops while caring for her kin, gives a real, human side to a creepy gift. Mixing visions with day-to-day life, it’s a mystery show that is both wild & common.
7. Veronica Mars
Part detective show & part youth drama, Veronica Mars shows a clever teen dealing with crime, bad folks, & loss. Kristen Bell’s role made her a cult star, showing you don’t need a badge—just smart, bold, & a bit of zest.
6. The Last Detective
Top detectives aren‘t all tough. Peter Davison’s Character, a soft but smart cop, solves crimes with care & hard work. With a warm vibe & charm, The Last Detective shows that doing right, though slow, still counts.
5. Luther
Luther is wild with crime, feeling, and top tension. Idris Elba plays a smart cop near the brink. Chasing killers or fighting his dark sides, Luther is deep, rough, & full of hard choices. Dark & wild like its main man.
4. Broadchurch
A sad event in a calm coastal town turns into a deep search. Broadchurch, with Olivia Colman and David Tennant, shows how a crime can tear a place apart. It’s slow, full of feeling, deep folks, & tales that stay with you after it ends.
3. The Killing
Dark, moody, & pulls you in, The Killing isn’t just about finding the bad one—it’s about those it hurts. In a rain-filled Seattle, it tracks two cops through lies, power plays, & hurt. Not showy, but it sticks.
2. True Detective (Season 1)
Not many shows hit as hard as the first run of True Detective. Matthew McConaughey & Woody Harrelson are strong as two cops in the deep dirt of the Louisiana wilds. Slow pace, deep talk, & a hit end. One run made it epic.
1. Sherlock
New, bright, & so smart, Sherlock brings the best-known cop to now. With Benedict Cumberbatch’s quick mind & Martin Freeman’s real Watson, the show mixes high-risk cases with deep drama. It’s cool, sharp, & a mark for detective tales now.