If The Residence pulled you in with its elegant setting, sharp humor, and layered mystery, you’re probably craving more shows that balance intrigue with personality and charm. Cozy mysteries do exactly that, offering clever puzzles, memorable characters, and just enough tension to keep things interesting without overwhelming the comfort factor. From glamorous whodunits to quirky ensemble mysteries, here are 15 cozy (or cozy-adjacent) mystery TV shows perfect for fans of The Residence.
15. The Afterparty
The Afterparty takes the traditional murder mystery and gleefully turns it upside down. Set during a high school reunion that ends in murder, the show retells the same night over and over each time through a different character’s lens and genre style, from rom-com to action thriller.
This playful structure keeps the mystery fresh and unpredictable, with every suspect shaping the story to suit their personality. Tiffany Haddish anchors the chaos as a sharp, no-nonsense detective, while the ensemble cast adds layers of humor and misdirection. If you enjoyed The Residence for its multiple viewpoints and witty tone, this one’s a perfect fit.
14. Bodkin
Set in a rain-soaked Irish town full of half-buried secrets, Bodkin follows three podcasters investigating a decades-old disappearance. What starts as a true-crime curiosity quickly spirals into something darker as the locals grow uneasy and the truth becomes harder to untangle.
The show blends mystery with dark humor and sharp commentary on media obsession, all while building a strong sense of place. Its messy characters and slow-burn revelations will appeal to fans of The Residence who enjoy ensemble dynamics and stories where everyone seems to be hiding something.
13. Queens of Mystery
Queens of Mystery is a cozy crime with a storybook twist. When Detective Sergeant Mattie Stone returns to her hometown, she finds herself solving murders alongside her three eccentric aunts, all of whom happen to be successful mystery novelists.
The result is a charming, female-driven series full of witty banter, clever clues, and small-town secrets. Beneath the whimsy lies an ongoing emotional mystery involving Mattie’s past, giving the show heart along with its humor.
12. Ludwig
Ludwig centers on John Taylor, a socially awkward puzzle designer who impersonates his missing twin brother, a police detective, to find out what happened to him. Each case unfolds like a brain teaser, rewarding logic, patience, and observation.
Dry humor, gentle emotional beats, and a warm supporting cast keep the show grounded. For viewers who liked The Residence for its intellectual puzzles and character-driven storytelling, Ludwig is a low-stakes but deeply satisfying watch.
11. A Murder at the End of the World
This sleek, modern mystery drops viewers into an isolated luxury retreat where a group of powerful guests becomes suspects after a murder. At the center is Darby Hart, a sharp, tech-savvy amateur sleuth who refuses to be sidelined.
The closed-circle setting heightens tension, while the show’s emotional depth and social commentary give it weight. Fans of The Residence will appreciate the mix of privilege, secrecy, and stylish suspense.
10. Poker Face
Created by Rian Johnson, Poker Face stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie, a woman who can instantly tell when someone is lying. Each episode introduces a new setting, new suspects, and a murder she can’t walk away from.
The series leans into character over brutality, using humor and empathy to drive the mystery forward. Its episodic format and eccentric lead make it an easy, comforting binge with plenty of clever twists.
9. Death in Paradise
Bright sunshine, turquoise waters, and baffling murders. Death in Paradise pairs postcard-perfect scenery with classic whodunit structure. Each episode traps suspects in a tight circle before delivering a satisfying reveal.
The rotating lead detectives and vibrant ensemble keep things fresh, while the tone stays light and accessible. Like The Residence, it thrives on setting, personality, and sharp deduction.
8. How to Get Away with Murder
While darker than traditional cozy fare, How to Get Away with Murder earns its place thanks to its intricate plotting and powerhouse ensemble. Viola Davis’s Annalise Keating commands every scene as a brilliant, morally complex law professor.
The show’s use of timelines, secrets, and shocking reveals will appeal to fans of The Residence who enjoy high-stakes drama and layered storytelling, just with a much sharper edge.
7. Monk
Monk follows Adrian Monk, a former detective whose OCD and anxiety sharpen his already remarkable powers of observation. Each episode combines humor, emotional honesty, and a neatly wrapped mystery.
The acting by Tony Shalhoub is so good that it makes Monk a very sympathetic character, and the soft tone of the show makes it a comfortable watch even when it is handling murder. It is the best form of comfort television.
6. Good Ship Murder
Set aboard a luxurious cruise liner, Good Ship Murder pairs a former detective-turned-cabaret singer with a sharp first officer to solve crimes at sea. Each episode brings new suspects, glamorous locations, and classic mystery beats.
The enclosed setting, colorful guest characters, and light tone make it perfect for viewers who enjoy stylish, escapist mysteries with a strong sense of fun.
5. NCIS
A longtime staple of crime television, NCIS blends procedural storytelling with strong emotional bonds between its characters. The ensemble dynamic built on loyalty, trust, and humor is a major part of its appeal.
While less whimsical than The Residence, its focus on teamwork, moral stakes, and long-running character arcs makes it deeply engaging and comforting for mystery fans.
4. Elementary
Elementary reimagines Sherlock Holmes in modern New York, pairing him with a thoughtful, grounded Joan Watson. The cases are smart and intricate, but the real heart of the show lies in the evolving partnership between its leads.
Elegant mysteries, emotional growth, and an insider look at elite worlds with hidden rot make it a great match for fans of refined, character-driven crime stories.
3. Only Murders in the Building
Set in a lavish Manhattan apartment building, Only Murders in the Building follows three neighbors who turn amateur sleuths after a death occurs close to home. Comedy, mystery, and heartfelt character work blend seamlessly.
Its playful tone, layered clues, and satirical edge make it one of the most satisfying modern cozy mysteries, especially for fans of The Residence’s mix of luxury and scandal.
2. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries
Phryne Fisher is stylish, fearless, and unapologetically independent. Set in 1920s Melbourne, the series combines glamorous fashion, clever mysteries, and progressive themes with genuine warmth.
The supporting cast adds heart and humor, while each case delivers intrigue without losing its sense of fun. It’s cozy mystery comfort with a bold, feminist flair.
1. Murder, She Wrote
No cozy mystery list is complete without Murder, She Wrote. Angela Lansbury’s Jessica Fletcher is the gold standard: warm, observant, and quietly brilliant.
Set largely in the quaint town of Cabot Cove, the show delivers gentle suspense, classic storytelling, and timeless charm. Decades later, it remains the ultimate comfort watch for mystery lovers.
Whether you’re drawn to elegant settings, clever ensembles, or mysteries that invite you to play detective, these shows capture the same cozy intrigue that makes The Residence so addictive. They prove that murder mysteries don’t need relentless darkness to be compelling; sometimes all you need is a great cast, a sharp mind, and a beautifully hidden secret.