Moody London night scene with detective and Big Ben
★ The Definitive Guide — Updated

The Best British Mystery & Drama Shows to Watch Right Now

From Oxford detectives to Yorkshire crime scenes — your definitive guide to the finest British television, where to stream every show, and what to watch next.

Curated by British TV fans  ·  Updated weekly  ·  Trusted by 4,000+ enthusiasts

The 6 Best British Mystery Shows Streaming Now

These are the shows that define the genre — intelligent, atmospheric, and endlessly rewatchable. Whether you're new to British television or a longtime devotee, every one of these belongs on your list.

No. 01
01
All-Time Classic

Inspector Morse

The gold standard of British detective drama. John Thaw's Morse remains unmatched in literary intelligence and melancholic depth. Start here if you haven't already — then follow with Endeavour and Lewis.

OxfordDetectiveBritBox
No. 02
02
Modern Classic

Vera

Brenda Blethyn's Vera Stanhope is one of television's great detectives — unconventional, brilliant, and deeply human. Set against the wild Northumberland coast. Thirteen series and still essential.

NorthumberlandCrimeBritBox
No. 03
03
Essential Viewing

Broadchurch

The defining British crime drama of the 2010s. A small coastal town, a devastating crime, and a community torn apart. Olivia Colman and David Tennant at their absolute best.

CoastalThrillerNetflix
No. 04
04
Hidden Gem

Hinterland

Shot simultaneously in Welsh and English, this brooding detective series set in rural Wales is criminally underrated. Dark, atmospheric, and unlike anything else in the genre.

WalesAtmosphericAcorn TV
No. 05
05
Agatha Christie Fans

Miss Marple (1984)

Joan Hickson's definitive portrayal of Miss Marple remains the benchmark. Quietly devastating, impeccably cast, and deeply satisfying to watch over and over again.

Cosy MysteryClassicBritBox
No. 06
06
Modern Essential

Happy Valley

Sarah Lancashire is extraordinary as a Yorkshire police sergeant. Dark, powerful and one of the best shows ever made. Three series, each better than the last.

YorkshireCrime DramaBritBox

Underrated British Shows You Haven't Seen Yet

Beyond the household names lies some of the finest television ever made. These shows deserve far bigger audiences than they have.

Hidden Gem

The Detectorists

Mackenzie Crook's gentle comedy-drama about metal detectorists in rural Essex is perhaps the most quietly beautiful British show ever made. Two series of pure television treasure.

Comedy DramaAcorn TV
Hidden Gem

Hope Street

A London detective relocated to a quirky Northern Irish coastal town. Fresh, funny, and full of charm — everything you want from a feel-good crime series.

Northern IrelandAcorn TV
Hidden Gem

The Bletchley Circle

Former WWII codebreakers use their unique skills to solve post-war murders. A brilliant, underappreciated gem that deserves far more recognition than it receives.

PeriodMysteryBritBox
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