We all love mysteries that never fail to lure us in again and again. Simply the competition aspect, the detective being a complex character, or the slow uncovering of the shadowy past, these sorts of shows have a following. I want to exhibit to you ten detective & murder mystery TV series that have been existing for a long time – each one being a timeless classic, of an indestructible nature, & in the mood for re-watching.
10. River
A detective series is not merely about the pursuit of the bad guys—it also involves the characters confronting their own demons. River accomplishes this alongside the smart but troubled detective of London, whom Stellan Skarsgård brings to life, with his typical subtle brilliance. He is a ghost—both in his mind and in his heart—of the victims and of the past. The dark tones and the psychologically deep script of this series make it a show of the mind as well as a mystery.
9. Castle
Murder mysteries don’t need to be all dark. Castle adds some joy with a fun crime writer & a tough NYPD cop. They sparkle together, & the show mixes light chat with smart cases. It’s a mix of fun & smart work.
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.