Detective series with an IMDb rating of over 8.0

21 May 15:44

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1. Sherlock / Sherlock (2010–2017) — IMDb: 9.1/10 2. True Detective / True Detective (2014–) — IMDb: 8.9/10 3. Twin Peaks / Twin Peaks (1990–1991, 2017) — IMDb: 8.8/10 4. Mindhunter / Mindhunter (2017–2019) — IMDb: 8.6/10 5. Poirot / Poirot (1989–2013) — IMDb: 8.6/10 6. Mare of Easttown / Mare of Easttown (2021) — IMDb: 8.5/10 7. Broadchurch / Broadchurch (2013–2017) — IMDb: 8.4/10 8. Bosch / Bosch (2014–2021) — IMDb: 8.5/10 9. Luther / Luther (2010–2019) — IMDb: 8.4/10 10. Happy Valley / Happy Valley (2014–2023) — IMDb: 8.4/10 11. The Bridge / The Bridge (2011–2018) — IMDb: 8.6/10 12. Line of Duty / Line of Duty (2012–2021) — IMDb: 8.7/10 13. Foyle’s War / Foyle’s War (2002–2015) — IMDb: 8.5/10 14. Endeavour / Endeavour (2012–2023) — IMDb: 8.6/10 15. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes / The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1994) — IMDb: 8.7/10 16. Columbo / Columbo (1971–2003) — IMDb: 8.3/10 17. The Mentalist / The Mentalist (2008–2015) — IMDb: 8.1/10 18. The Killing / The Killing (2011–2014) — IMDb: 8.2/10 19. Shetland / Shetland (2013–2023) — IMDb: 8.2/10 20. Murdoch Mysteries / Murdoch Mysteries (2008–) — IMDb: 8.2/10 21. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency / Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017) — IMDb: 8.2/10 22. Dexter / Dexter (2006–2013) — IMDb: 8.6/10 23. Hannibal / Hannibal (2013–2015) — IMDb: 8.5/10 24. How to Get Away with Murder / How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020) — IMDb: 8.1/10 25. White Collar / White Collar (2009–2014) — IMDb: 8.2/10 26. The Shield / The Shield (2002–2008) — IMDb: 8.7/10 27. Line of Duty / Line of Duty (2012–2021) — IMDb: 8.7/10 28. The Fall / The Fall (2013–2016) — IMDb: 8.1/10 29. Trapped / Trapped (Ófærð) (2015–2021) — IMDb: 8.1/10

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Sherlock / Sherlock (2010–2017) — IMDb: 9.1/10
A modern adaptation of the classic stories about Sherlock Holmes with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role.

True Detective / True Detective (2014–) — IMDb: 8.9/10
An anthology where each season tells a separate story with new characters, immersed in the atmosphere of a psychological thriller.

Twin Peaks / Twin Peaks (1990–1991) — IMDb: 8.8/10
David Lynch's cult series about a murder investigation in a small town, combining detective and surrealism.

Mindhunter / Mindhunter (2017–2019) — IMDb: 8.6/10
A series about FBI agents studying the psychology of serial killers to better understand their motives.

Poirot / Poirot (1989–2013) — IMDb: 8.6/10
An adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic detective stories with David Suchet as Hercule Poirot.

Mare of Easttown / Mare of Easttown (2021) — IMDb: 8.5/10
Kate Winslet as Detective Mare Sheehan, who investigates a murder in a small town while trying to keep her personal life from falling apart.

Broadchurch / Broadchurch (2013–2017) — IMDb: 8.4/10
A dramatic detective story about the investigation of a mysterious murder of a boy in a small coastal town.

Bosch / Bosch (2014–2021) — IMDb: 8.5/10
A series about Detective Harry Bosch, who investigates complex cases in Los Angeles.

Luther / Luther (2010–2019) — IMDb: 8.4/10
A British series about Detective John Luther, who investigates complex crimes while battling his own inner demons.

Happy Valley / Happy Valley (2014–2023) — IMDb: 8.4/10
A series about Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood, who investigates crimes in a small town in West Yorkshire while facing personal tragedies.

The Bridge / The Bridge (2011–2018) — IMDb: 8.6/10
A Scandinavian series about the cooperation between Swedish and Danish police in investigating a murder, the victim's body found on a bridge between the two countries.

Line of Duty / Line of Duty (2012–2021) — IMDb: 8.7/10
A series about a British police internal investigations unit that uncovers corruption among colleagues.

Foyle’s War / Foyle’s War (2002–2015) — IMDb: 8.5/10
A historical detective story about a detective investigating crimes during World War II in England.

Endeavour / Endeavour (2012–2023) — IMDb: 8.6/10
A prequel to the series "Inspector Morse," telling about the young years of Detective Morse.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes / The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1994) — IMDb: 8.7/10
A classic adaptation of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett in the lead role.

Columbo / Columbo (1971–2003) — IMDb: 8.3/10
A legendary series about a detective from Los Angeles who solves crimes using unconventional methods.

The Mentalist / The Mentalist (2008–2015) — IMDb: 8.1/10
A former psychic helps the police solve crimes using his observational and analytical skills.

The Killing / The Killing (2011–2014) — IMDb: 8.2/10
An American adaptation of the Danish series, telling about the investigation of the murder of a young girl.

Shetland / Shetland (2013–2023) — IMDb: 8.2/10
A Scottish series about a detective investigating crimes on the remote Shetland Islands.

Murdoch Mysteries / Murdoch Mysteries (2008–) — IMDb: 8.2/10
A Canadian series about a detective who uses the latest scientific methods of the time to solve crimes in Toronto at the end of the 19th century.

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency / Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017) — IMDb: 8.2/10
An eccentric detective investigates unusual cases, guided by the principle of the interconnectedness of everything in the universe.

Dexter / Dexter (2006–2013) — IMDb: 8.6/10
A series about a forensic expert who, in his spare time, tracks and kills criminals who have escaped justice.

Hannibal / Hannibal (2013–2015) — IMDb: 8.5/10
A story about the relationship between cannibal psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter and an FBI agent investigating serial murders.

How to Get Away with Murder / How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020) — IMDb: 8.1/10
A group of law students and their professor get entangled in a complex web of murders and intrigues.

White Collar / White Collar (2009–2014) — IMDb: 8.2/10
A con artist helps the FBI solve crimes related to art and finance, using his skills and connections.

The Shield / The Shield (2002–2008) — IMDb: 8.7/10
A series about a corrupt police unit in Los Angeles that balances between fighting crime and their own crimes.

Line of Duty / Line of Duty (2012–2021) — IMDb: 8.7/10
A tense British series about a unit that exposes corruption among police officers.

The Fall / The Fall (2013–2016) — IMDb: 8.1/10
A police inspector pursues a serial killer who leads a double life as a family man.

Trapped / Trapped (Ófærð) (2015–2021) — IMDb: 8.1/10
An Icelandic thriller about police officers investigating a crime in a snowbound town cut off from the world.

1. Sherlock / Sherlock (2010–2017) — IMDb: 9.1/10

This is a modern adaptation of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, set in the 21st century. The main character, a brilliant detective from London, investigates complex crimes alongside his partner John Watson. The series combines classic plots with modern technologies, a tense storyline, and witty humor. Each episode is a full-length film lasting an hour and a half. The visual style and music create a unique atmosphere.

Cumberbatch and Freeman became global stars thanks to this show.
Many scenes were filmed on Baker Street in London, although the actual house is located on a neighboring street.

2. True Detective / True Detective (2014–) — IMDb: 8.9/10

An anthology where each season features new heroes, crimes, and atmosphere. The first season with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey became iconic due to its philosophical depth and hypnotic atmosphere. The series explores the dark sides of human nature and the complexity of moral choices. The direction and screenplay are noted for their cinematic quality. The soundtracks perfectly emphasize the grim atmosphere.

The entire first season was directed by one director — Cary Fukunaga, which is rare for television.

3. Twin Peaks / Twin Peaks (1990–1991, 2017) — IMDb: 8.8/10

FBI agent Dale Cooper investigates the murder of a schoolgirl in the strange town of Twin Peaks. What begins as a classic detective story quickly transforms into a surreal journey into the subconscious and mysticism. The series shifts genres: detective, thriller, comedy, drama. It laid the foundation for many modern shows. A spectacle full of mysteries, ambiguities, and symbolism.

David Lynch deliberately left many mysteries of the series unresolved so that viewers could create their own theories.

4. Mindhunter / Mindhunter (2017–2019) — IMDb: 8.6/10

The series tells the story of the establishment of criminal psychology in the FBI. The main characters communicate with serial killers to understand their logic and prevent new crimes. Based on real events and the book by FBI agents. David Fincher's direction gives the series a thriller style. It is a slow but captivating immersion into the minds of killers.

Many lines of the serial killers are verbatim quotes from real interviews.

5. Poirot / Poirot (1989–2013) — IMDb: 8.6/10

A series about the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Each episode is a separate case, often with an unpredictable ending. The atmosphere of early 20th century Britain, the sophistication of the dialogues, and David Suchet's performance make the show a classic. Perfect for fans of calm, logical detective stories. The plots are adaptations of Agatha Christie's works.

David Suchet studied the character's habits from the novels, including how Poirot drinks tea and arranges his things.

6. Mare of Easttown / Mare of Easttown (2021) — IMDb: 8.5/10

This miniseries with Kate Winslet in the lead role became a real breakthrough on HBO. The action takes place in the provincial town of Easttown, where female detective Mare Sheehan investigates the brutal murder of a young girl. Against the backdrop of the case are personal tragedies, psychological traumas, and broken family ties. The atmosphere of the series is filled with gloom and realistic mundanity — no gloss. The show stands out for its emotional depth, believable characters, and Winslet's very convincing performance.

The actress insisted on using the real Philadelphia accent, which is considered one of the hardest to imitate.
She also refused "Hollywood" makeup to emphasize the realism of the image.

7. Broadchurch / Broadchurch (2013–2017) — IMDb: 8.4/10

In a small coastal British town, a child's body is found. The investigation is led by experienced detective Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and local officer Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman). The series masterfully shows how tragedy affects a closed community, revealing the secrets of each of its residents. Tension rises with each episode, and viewers constantly suspect new characters. This is a story not only about crime but also about trust, loss, and the search for truth.

The script was kept secret even from the actors — they did not know who the real murderer was until the very end of the first season's filming.

8. Bosch / Bosch (2014–2021) — IMDb: 8.5/10

The series tells the story of Harry Bosch, a detective from the Los Angeles homicide department, who has a strong moral compass and an uncompromising approach to cases. The events revolve around his investigations of complex and often emotionally charged crimes. At the same time, the series shows the hero's personal life, his relationship with his daughter, and career struggles. The series is based on the novels of Michael Connelly, who was closely involved in the production.

Titus Welliver, who plays the lead role, previously mostly played supporting characters, and "Bosch" became a breakthrough in his career.
Many scenes were filmed in real areas of Los Angeles to create maximum authenticity.
The series was so popular with viewers that it received a continuation in the form of a spinoff — Bosch: Legacy.

9. Luther / Luther (2010–2019) — IMDb: 8.4/10

John Luther is a brilliant but unstable detective of the London police, who faces brutal crimes while battling his own psychological issues. His morality is often tested, especially in his relationship with the manipulative killer Alice Morgan. The dark tone and deep psychology of the characters make this series unique among crime dramas.

Idris Elba won a "Golden Globe" for this role and considers Luther one of the most important characters in his career.
The series was created by writer Neil Cross, who noted that the character was inspired by the figure of Columbo, but in a more sinister light.
In 2023, a sequel film "Luther: The Fallen Sun" was released on Netflix.

10. Happy Valley / Happy Valley (2014–2023) — IMDb: 8.4/10

Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood works in a provincial town where she faces tough cases, including those related to drugs, kidnappings, and murders. At the same time, she struggles with her own emotional wounds after her daughter's suicide and takes on the responsibility of raising her grandson. The series stands out for its deep dramaturgy, realism, and strong female image at the center of the story.

Sara Lancashire, who plays the lead role, has received numerous awards for her performance, including a BAFTA.
Although years passed between seasons, each season maintained high quality and popularity.
The title of the series is ironic — in real life, "Happy Valley" is a slang term for an area with a high level of drugs in West Yorkshire.

11. The Bridge / The Bridge (2011–2018) — IMDb: 8.6/10

The series begins with the discovery of a body found on the bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark. The investigation is led by detectives from both countries: Swedish Saga Norén, who has difficulties with social skills, and emotional Dane Martin Rohde. Each season opens a new complex case, as well as develops the personal stories of the heroes.

Saga Norén became a cult character, and her role propelled Sofia Helin to the top of Scandinavian actresses.
The success of the original inspired several adaptations: an American-Mexican (The Bridge), a French-British (The Tunnel), and others.
The series is considered one of the most successful "Nordic noir" dramas.

12. Line of Duty / Line of Duty (2012–2021) — IMDb: 8.7/10

The series focuses on the work of the anti-corruption unit AC-12, which investigates possible crimes among its colleagues in the British police. With each season, the intrigues become deeper, and the connections between characters become more complex. The series is known for its unexpected twists, tense interrogations, and realism.

Writer Jed Mercurio has a medical and military background, which helped him create a very accurate and believable police drama.
The series was the most popular on BBC for several years in a row.
Some interrogation scenes lasted up to 20 minutes — and became the hallmark of the series.

13. Foyle’s War / Foyle’s War (2002–2015) — IMDb: 8.5/10

Detective Christopher Foyle investigates crimes in England during World War II. The series skillfully combines the detective genre with historical accuracy, showing how war affects the lives of ordinary people. The main character is restrained, just, and uncompromising.

Screenwriter Anthony Horowitz (also known for the series Midsomer Murders) created the series as a way to explore the moral dilemmas of wartime.
The historical details of the series are meticulously verified, with a military historian serving as a consultant.
Although the series was initially planned to end after the 6th season, due to high demand, several more episodes were filmed.

14. Endeavour / Endeavour (2012–2023) — IMDb: 8.6/10

This prequel to "Inspector Morse" tells about the early years of young detective Endeavour Morse's service in Oxford in the 1960s. He investigates complex crimes, demonstrating brilliant deductive abilities while battling his idealism, service politics, and personal dramas. The atmosphere of the series is maintained in the aesthetics of British retro drama with excellent attention to detail.

The series was created with the blessing of the authors of the original Inspector Morse, and its plot is carefully linked to the events of the original.
The lead actor Shaun Evans was praised by critics for how he conveyed the character of young Morse, not by copying but by developing the image.
Each episode contains small references to the original series and British culture of the 60s.

15. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes / The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1994) — IMDb: 8.7/10

One of the most faithful adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle's works, in which Jeremy Brett embodies Holmes with exceptional accuracy. The series adheres to the original plots, preserving the atmosphere of Victorian England and attention to detail. It is often considered the benchmark for fans of classic detective stories.

Jeremy Brett took the role so seriously that he personally monitored the accuracy of every movement and dialogue according to the books.
Many locations in the series are real ancient buildings in England.
Due to Brett's health issues, later seasons were released with delays, but his portrayal of Holmes is considered one of the best in television history.

16. Columbo / Columbo (1971–2003) — IMDb: 8.3/10

The unconventional format of the series — the viewer immediately knows who the criminal is, and the main intrigue lies in how detective Columbo will solve the case. He is a modest-looking but incredibly insightful police officer in a worn-out trench coat who always has one more question. The series became iconic thanks to Peter Falk's performance.

Columbo's trench coat was Peter Falk's personal clothing.
Columbo did not carry a weapon, had no partner, but had unmatched intuition.
The series featured stars of the time, including John Cassavetes, Leonard Nimoy, and William Shatner.

17. The Mentalist / The Mentalist (2008–2015) — IMDb: 8.1/10

Patrick Jane is a former medium con artist who, after a personal tragedy, works as a consultant for the police, using his sharp mind, hypnosis, and observational skills. His main goal is to find the serial killer Red John. Despite its light style, the series has dark undertones, especially in the main character's story.

The character of Jane was created as a combination of Sherlock Holmes and a modern magician.
Actor Simon Baker earned over $350,000 per episode in the later seasons.
The true identity of Red John remained a mystery until the 6th season, which kept the tension for years.

18. The Killing / The Killing (2011–2014) — IMDb: 8.2/10

An American adaptation of the Danish series Forbrydelsen, which tells about detectives Linden and Holder investigating the murder of a girl. Each season deeply explores not only the crime itself but also its social, political, and psychological consequences. The series is known for its slow pace, emotional depth, and gloomy atmosphere.

The original series Forbrydelsen was a breakthrough in Scandinavian noir and inspired American producers.
AMC initially canceled the show after the second season, but due to fan support, it was renewed.
The lead actress Mireille Enos was actually pregnant during the filming of the third season, which was not accounted for in the script.

19. Shetland / Shetland (2013–2023) — IMDb: 8.2/10

The action of the series takes place on the remote Shetland Islands, where Inspector Jimmy Perez investigates crimes in an atmosphere of isolation, harsh nature, and silence. The cases often touch on themes of family secrets, historical figures, and intercultural conflicts. In addition to the detective line, the series attracts viewers with deep characters, a calm pace, and picturesque landscapes.

The series is based on the novels of Scottish writer Ann Cleeves, who also created Vera.
Although the action takes place on the Shetland Islands, most scenes were filmed on the mainland — in Glasgow and Argyll.
The main character, Jimmy Perez, was played by Douglas Henshall until 2022; after his departure, the series continued with a new main character.

20. Murdoch Mysteries / Murdoch Mysteries (2008–) — IMDb: 8.2/10

The series tells the story of Detective William Murdoch, who works in Toronto at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. He uses revolutionary methods for that time: fingerprints, forensic photography, blood analysis. Despite the historical setting, the series often showcases precursors to modern technologies and even introduces fictional meetings with historical figures — Nikola Tesla, Conan Doyle, Houdini.

The series is based on a series of books by Canadian writer Maureen Jennings.
It often features celebrities of its time — from William Churchill to Oscar Wilde.
In one episode, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a cameo appearance.
Murdoch Mysteries has gained cult status in Canada and even spawned documentary specials about the science of that period.

21. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency / Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016–2017) — IMDb: 8.2/10

Eccentric detective Dirk Gently believes in the interconnectedness of everything in the universe and investigates crimes guided by intuition and randomness. He is assisted by an ordinary guy, Todd, who does not understand what he has gotten into. The plot is filled with absurdity, parallel worlds, strange characters, and surreal events, but ultimately everything mysteriously comes together.

The series is based on the books by Douglas Adams, the author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Despite its short lifespan (2 seasons), the show gained cult status among fans of science fiction.
Dirk was played by Samuel Barnett, and his partner was played by Elijah Wood.
The style and structure of the series are often compared to the works of David Lynch due to their deliberate chaos and multilayered meanings.

22. Dexter / Dexter (2006–2013) — IMDb: 8.6/10

Miami police forensic expert Dexter Morgan leads a double life: during the day he analyzes blood at crime scenes, and at night he kills criminals who have escaped punishment. His moral code and inner monologue create a complex psychological portrait. The series balances between crime drama and dark humor, making the viewer sympathize with the antihero.

Actor Michael C. Hall starred in the lead role while undergoing cancer treatment — he learned about the illness in 2009.
The final season (2013) received criticism for its ending, but in 2021 a miniseries continuation Dexter: New Blood was released, which partially rehabilitated the series in the eyes of fans.
Many scenes in the series were filmed in California, although the action takes place in Florida.

23. Hannibal / Hannibal (2013–2015) — IMDb: 8.5/10

The series explores the complex relationships between FBI agent Will Graham and charismatic psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter, who is actually a serial killer and cannibal. The style of the show is exquisitely aesthetic, visually refined, with elements of thriller, horror, and psychological drama. Despite its brutality, the show is renowned for the beauty of its production.

The role of Hannibal was played by Mads Mikkelsen, whose interpretation of the character received rave reviews.
The culinary scenes with human meat were consulted by a professional chef.
Writer Bryan Fuller had plans for 7 seasons, but the series was stopped after the third; fans still hope for a continuation.

24. How to Get Away with Murder / How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020) — IMDb: 8.1/10

Viola Davis in the role of charismatic law professor Annalise Keating, who, along with her students, gets caught up in a series of deadly conspiracies. The series combines legal drama with a crime thriller, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and a fragmented way of presenting events.

Viola Davis became the first Black actress to win an Emmy for a leading female role in a drama series.
The producer was Shonda Rhimes, also known for the series Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.
The finale of the show sparked a controversial reaction due to the emotional final twist.

25. White Collar / White Collar (2009–2014) — IMDb: 8.2/10

Gentleman con artist Neal Caffrey makes a deal with the FBI and helps solve crimes in the fields of art, finance, and forgery. His duo with agent Peter Burke creates the perfect balance — charisma, humor, and brilliant logic. The series is easy to watch, with elements of detective, comedy, and drama.

The role of Neal brought popularity to actor Matt Bomer, who later appeared in American Horror Story and Magic Mike.
Many plots of the series are based on real stories of famous con artists.
The series is noted for its stylish visuals and love for classic fashion — the main character's costumes became a style icon.

26. The Shield / The Shield (2002–2008) — IMDb: 8.7/10

A gritty, realistic series about a special police unit in Los Angeles that uses illegal methods to fight crime. The main character is Vic Mackey, a corrupt but effective officer who balances between duty and crime. The series shows a moral gray area where there are no easy solutions.

The lead role was played by Michael Chiklis, who won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for it.
The series was filmed using handheld cameras, which added dynamism and a sense of documentary style.
The Shield became one of the first TV series to portray the police not as heroes but as ambiguous characters, paving the way for shows like Breaking Bad.

27. Line of Duty / Line of Duty (2012–2021) — IMDb: 8.7/10

This is one of the most successful British police series of recent decades. At its center is the AC-12 unit, which investigates corruption among police officers. Each season is a new case, new suspects, tangled intrigues, and unexpected betrayals. The plot often focuses on lengthy interrogations that turn into psychological battles. The series is distinguished by maximum realism and a complex story structure.

All dialogues in the interrogations are based on real protocols.
The author of the series, Jed Mercurio, has a medical education and worked in the police, which adds credibility to the text.

28. The Fall / The Fall (2013–2016) — IMDb: 8.1/10

This psychological thriller with Gillian Anderson as Detective Stella Gibson focuses on the hunt for a serial killer in Belfast. At the same time, the viewer knows from the first episode who the killer is — Peter Paul Spector, played by Jamie Dornan. The entire intrigue lies in the psychological duel between the hunter and the victim, which increasingly becomes mutual. The series is slow, oppressive, but incredibly tense, with a deep dive into the psyche of both main characters.

The series was criticized for its "human" portrayal of the killer, but its creators explained this as a desire to show the complex nature of evil — without simplification.

29. Trapped / Trapped (Ófærð) (2015–2021) — IMDb: 8.1/10

The Icelandic series tells about a small town cut off from the rest of the world due to a snowstorm. A mutilated body is found in the harbor, and the local police chief is forced to investigate the case alone, as help will take a long time to arrive. The atmosphere of the series is icy both literally and psychologically. The slow pace, oppressive anxiety, and gradual revelation of secrets make it a prime example of Scandinavian noir.