From 'True Detective: Night Country' to 'Veronica Mars', here are 5 best detective series to binge-watch

Detective dramas remain a dominant genre in the entertainment landscape
PUBLISHED APR 17, 2024
'Veronica Mars' and 'True Detective: Night Country' feature in our list of detective series one should binge-watch (@hulu, @max, @bbc)
'Veronica Mars' and 'True Detective: Night Country' feature in our list of detective series one should binge-watch (@hulu, @max, @bbc)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Detective dramas continue to maintain their popularity and influence in the entertainment world, captivating viewers with their gripping narratives, complex characters, and ability to delve into the depths of the human psyche.

Whether you're a seasoned detective drama enthusiast or new to the genre, there's a variety of shows and movies ready to stream.

This article delves into the captivating world of detective dramas, highlighting five must-watch shows that have left audiences spellbound.

True Detective: Night Country (2024)

A still from 'True Detective:  Night Country'
A still from 'True Detective: Night Country' (@max)

'True Detective: Night Country' is the fourth season of 'True Detective', an American anthology crime drama television series.

Created by Nic Pizzolatto, 'True Detective: Night Country' revolves around the eerie disappearance of a group of researchers. Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) are two detectives who form an unlikely partnership to solve this mystery.

As the detectives race against time to solve the mystery, they must confront their own demons and navigate a web of lies and deception that threatens to consume them.

'True Detective: Night Country' is available to stream on HBO Max.

Sherlock (2010-2017)

A still from 'Sherlock' (@BBCOne)
A still from 'Sherlock' (@BBCOne)

'Sherlock' is a mystery crime drama television series based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes detective stories.

The series portrays Sherlock Holmes, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, as a 'consulting detective' solving mysteries in London.

He is supported by his flatmate and close companion, Dr John Watson, played by Martin Freeman, who has just come back from serving in Afghanistan with the Royal Army Medical Corps.

'Sherlock' is available to stream on Prime Video and Hulu.

'The Wire' (2002–2008)

A still from 'The Wire' (@max)
A still from 'The Wire' (@max)

'The Wire' stands out as one of the most critically acclaimed detective dramas, renowned for its complex storytelling and profound exploration of social issues.

Created by American author and former police reporter David Simon, the series revolves around the interconnected lives of various groups and individuals in Baltimore, Maryland.

In the series, the detectives work to solve cases and bridge the gap between the drug kingpins and law enforcement agencies.

The official synopsis of the series reads, "In the city of Baltimore, Detective James McNulty and his team investigate crimes and try their best to solve the bridge that exists between the drug kingpins and law enforcement agencies."

'The Wire' is available to stream on Hulu, Prime Video, Max and Apple TV+.

'Veronica Mars' (2004-2019)

A still from 'Veronica Mars' (@hulu)
A still from 'Veronica Mars' (@hulu)

'Veronica Mars', created by Rob Thomas, is a compelling American drama series that stands out as a must-watch in the detective drama genre.

The series follows the story of Veronica, a well-liked high school student whose life is profoundly changed by the murder of her closest friends. She begins working as a private investigator alongside her detective father. 

While each episode features Veronica solving a standalone case, she also unravels a more intricate and overarching mystery.

'Veronica Mars' is available to stream on Apple TV+, Hulu and Prime Video.

'The Fall' (2013-2016)

A still from 'The Fall'
A still from 'The Fall' (@BBCTwo)

'The Fall,' starring Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson and Jamie Dornan as serial killer Paul Spector, is created and written by Allan Cubitt.

Stella, a senior police officer, is assigned to review a murder case in Northern Ireland. She discovers a serial killer, Paul, who is targeting young professional women in Belfast. Local detectives team up with Stella to capture him.

'The Fall' is available to stream on Prime Video.

Whether you're a fan of classic whodunits or modern psychological thrillers, these shows are sure to captivate you.

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