Detective stories havelong been a staple of the entertainment industry. From thecozy novels of Agatha Christieto recent police procedurals demonstrating the latest in cutting-edge technology, there’s something immensely rewarding about witnessing the pieces of a complex puzzle intricately fitting together to uncover “whodunit.” 2024 has been a particularly exciting year for the genre, especially in television.
From returning favorites likeOnly Murders in The BuildingandTrue Detectiveto brand new mysteries to solve in the likes ofLudwigandDeath and Other Details, detective shows have been the go-to choice for millions of viewers across the globe.
As the year draws to a close, we take a look back at the most addictive detective shows 2024 has had to offer.
12‘Monsieur Spade’
Monsieur Spade
Set in the 1960s, 20 years after the events of the iconic novelThe Maltese Falcon, the legendary Detective Sam Spade is now enjoying his retirement in the South of France. Unfortunately for Spade, the tranquility of retirement is short-lived as he finds himself sucked into what could be the biggest case of his life after 6 nuns are found murdered at a local convent.
Spade Meets Old Adversaries Under New Circumstances
Premiering in January this year on AMC and AMC+, fans of the original story and newcomers alike have been rivetedby Clive Owens’ mesmerizing portrayal of an aging craggy Sam Spade. The luscious French countryside makes for the perfect backdrop to an intriguing mystery that successfully blends nostalgia with something novel and new.
15 Best British Detective Series to Stream on Prime
These series will surely foster a deeper appreciation for the British mystery canon.
11‘High Country’
This absorbing crime thriller sees Sergeant Andie Whitford being transferred to the remote town of Breckenridge in the Australian Victorian High Country. It soon becomes apparent to Whitford that a number of missing persons cases in the area are linked. As she investigates further, a complex web of deceit, lies, and murder begins to become unraveled.
The Australian Alps Makes for A Visually Stunning Setting
The show’s stunning landscapes which include huge forests, rolling hills, and snowcapped hills, are just as much a part of the story as the whole whodunit element. The dramatic, harsh environment amplifies the tension, isolation, and challenges of the characters. Following its premiere on the Foxtel-on-demand service, the show was met with high praise from critics and is now available to binge on Three Now and BBC iPlayer.
10‘McDonald and Dodds’
Now on its 4th season,McDonald and Doddsfirst aired in the UK in 2020. It brings together DCI Lauren McDonald, a streetwise former London-based police officer, and DS Dodds, a timid and reserved pencil pusher. The pair are assigned to solve a series of murders in the picturesque town of Bath, with every episode featuring a different investigation.
‘McDonald’s & Dodds’s’ Onscreen Chemistry Is a Joy to Witness
The onscreen chemistry between McDonald and Dodds played by Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins, respectively, is the undeniable highlight. The odd couple and their opposing personalities bring an, almost,buddy-cop-type humorto an otherwise serious police procedural detective show. Elsewhere, the show benefits from a plethora of guest appearances from some of the UK’s finest talent, including Robert Lindsay, Patsy Kensit, Rob Brydon, Alan Davies, Pixie Lott, and Bill Bailey.
9‘Lady in the Lake’ (2024)
Lady in the Lake
Set in 1960s Baltimore, this 7-episode miniseries revolves around an investigative journalist who becomes obsessed with the murder of a young black woman which she believes is connected to a separate murder. As she digs deeper, she encounters resistance as her investigation threatens to expose systemic racism and sexism of the highest order.
‘Lady in the Lake’ Explores the Dark Realities Around Racism, Sexism and Class Divides During ‘60s USA
Through clever storytelling methods which include having parts told from the point of view of the murder victim through ghostly narrations from the afterlife,Lady in the Lakenot only engages viewers in a twisty murder mystery, it also sheds light on a number of important issues that were prevalent in the era. By exposing these real-world issues prevalent in the era,Lady in the Lakeoffers important lessons from past mistakes.
8‘Chief Detective 1958’
Chief Detective 1958
Over to South Korea now for one of its most exciting television experiences since 2021’s smash hitSquid Game.Chief Detective 1958offers a retro detective show, set in the late ‘50s, in which Park Young Han, a detective with a flawless history of catching petty criminals, teams up with a group of colleagues to tackle something far bigger – widespread systemic corruption.
‘Chief Detective 1958’ is a Prequel to a ‘70s and ‘80s South Korean Hit Series
Chief Inspectorwas a detective show that aired in South Korea during the ‘70s and ‘80s and followed the investigations of Park Young Han. WhileChief Detective 1958premiered earlier this year, it actually serves as a prequel toChief Inspectorand is set 20-odd years earlier. Full of unique and compelling characters, it combines a twisty narrative with plenty of light-hearted moments to make for a thoroughly enjoyable period drama that will keep viewers glued to their seats throughout the entire series.
Dead Boy Detectives
Dead Boy Detectivestakes your typical detective formula and gives it a supernatural twist. Based on DC Comics characters of the same name, it follows a team of detectives stuck between life and the afterlife who have chosen to stay on Earth to investigate crimes that involve the paranormal.
The series scored a highly impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 92% and was praised for its writing, directing, and tone, as well as the performances of the cast and visuals. Despite solid viewership and spending 3 weeks on the Netflix charts, it wasn’t enough to save the series. Expectations were sky-high and unfortunately not met, but the series is still available for those looking for a detective series with a twist.
This British mystery dramedy stars comedian David Mitchell as a socially awkward, reclusive puzzle maker who takes on his identical twin brother’s identity after he goes missing. Now working as his brother in his job as a Detective Chief Inspector, he discovers he has a natural talent for solving murder cases, whilst still trying to solve the case of his own missing brother.
A Unique Premise and a Strong Performance from Mitchell Make for Top Entertainment
Each episode sees Ludwig working on a separate case, with the larger overarching mystery continuing throughout the series and ending on a cliffhanger. Fear ot, though, as the story promises to be continued as news of the show’s renewal for a second season recently broke. The cozy, comedy crime series impressed critics and audiences alike and currently sits at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
10 Definitive Detective Shows of the 1990s
These definitive detective TV shows from the 1990s not only mastered the art and set the bar high, but also continue to entertain today.
5‘Death and Other Details’
Death and Other Details
Death and Other Detailsis a Hulu original series that introduced audiences to theformer “world’s greatest detective"Rufus Cotesworth. Aboard a luxury cruise ship, he finds himself having to investigate a locked room murder.
‘Death and Other Details’ Draws Inspiration from the Great Agatha Christie
One would be forgiven for thinking Rufus Cotesworth had been plucked straight from the pages of an Agatha Christie novel, with the detective bearing more than a few similarities to Hercules Poirot. The plot of the story has also clearly been influenced by the likesof Murder on the Orient ExpressandDeath on The Nile. Not that this is a bad thing, by any means. The show expertly captures the essence of great murder mysteries of the past and brings them to the present day.
4‘True Detective: Night Country’
True Detective
The 4th season ofTrue Detectivepremiered in January this year to the delight of millions across the globe. Since its inception, viewers have been addicted to the gritty detective mysteries and strong performances from some of the industry’s finest talent.Night Countryis set in an isolated Alaskan town where Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro (played by Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, respectively) are investigating the disappearance of eight men from a research station.
‘Night Country’ Has Proven to Be the Show’s Most Successful Season
The anthology structure of the show means that each season serves as a standalone story, meaning that, despite being 4 seasons deep, its popularity is at an all-time high.Night Countrybroke all of the show’s previous viewing records and received widespread acclaim from critics, garnering a staggering 19 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, becoming the most nominated season in the series.
3’Reacher'
Based on the uber-popularJack Reacherbook series from Lee Child,Reacheris the 2nd adaptation following the 2012 Tom Cruise movie,Jack Reacher.Reacherfollows the eponymous Jack Reacher, a former U.S. Army military police major with extensive investigative and combat experience, who went on to live as a traveling nomad, using his skills to protect serve and protect his country – on his own terms
‘Reacher’ Is an Action Packed Thrill Ride
The second season ofReacherpremiered at the end of last year and aired into 2024, keeping viewers hooked as Reacher is forced to reunite with some old faces as he discovers members of his former army unit are being systematically murdered. Not your typical detective series, Reacher is able to work on his own terms as he puts his investigative skills to use unraveling complex and nefarious plots. The show combines intense action sequences with intense crime thrills to create one of the most popular and engaging shows in recent memory.
