Crime dramas always make for captivating viewing, and there’s something particularly intriguing about a British take on the genre. These shows are perfect for binge watching, since British series typically have shorter seasons than their American counterparts, and they’re all filled with evocative cinematography, powerhouse performances and fascinating stories that will keep you guessing.
Whether you’re looking for a classy period mystery or a taut modern-day thriller, you’re sure to find a show worth watching on our ranked list of the best British crime dramas.
11. Endeavour (2012 — 2023)
A prequel to the long-running series Inspector Morse, Endeavour takes place in the mid ’60s and early ’70s. The show follows a young Endeavour Morse (played by Shaun Evans — and yes, Endeavour is the character’s actual first name! ), who has left Oxford University to become a detective constable.
Working alongside his senior partner, detective Fred Thursday (Roger Allam), Morse takes on a number of captivating investigations around Oxford. Each episode of the mystery series runs 90 minutes, meaning you can really lose yourself in its twisty period plots.
Watch Endeavour on Amazon Prime now.
10. Father Brown (2013 — present)
This British crime series is based on the Vera Stanhope novels by Ann Cleeves and stars veteran actress Brenda Blethyn as Vera, a nearly-retired detective chief inspector.
Blethyn is a treat to watch as the scruffy inspector who obsesses over solving each murder, picking up small clues her team might have missed along the way. The settings throughout North East England are beautiful, and you can almost feel the bitter cold when the wind whistles by Vera’s well-worn raincoat (or as the Brits would say, her mac!) and hat.
Watch Vera on Amazon Prime now.
8. The Missing (2014 — 2016)
Longing for a vacation but can’t get away? Then settle in for a few episodes of Death in Paradise. The series follows a London Metro Police officer who is transferred to a Caribbean island to investigate and solve complex murders.
Different officers rotate in over the course of 12 seasons, which helps keep things interesting, and the show gives an intriguing look at the dark side of island life, with a winning mix of drama and humor.
Watch Death in Paradise on Amazon Prime now.
3. Annika (2021 — present)
Peaky Blinders takes place in the aftermath of World War I. Inspired by true events, it follows the exploits of the Peaky Blinders gang, and reveals the dramatic story of the ambitious, shrewd crime boss Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy, now best-known as the star of Oppenheimer), a war veteran using his influence in the organized crime world to carve out a better life for his family.
Watch Peaky Blinders on Netflix now.
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This story was originally published December 31, 2023, 7:47 AM.
source: star-telegram
