The Best British TV Crime Dramas of the 2020s (So Far)
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Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Stefanie Hutson
British mystery television in the 2020s has blended creativity with tradition, exploring crime through social issues, personal trauma, and complex moral dilemmas. With settings stretching from Liverpool to remote island communities, the shows below continue to redefine the British crime genre.
1. Happy Valley (Final Season, 2023)
Sally Wainwright's Happy Valley follows Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) as she navigates crime and family struggles in West Yorkshire. Though the groundbreaking police drama began in 2014, the seven year gap between seasons 2 and 3 was enough that it was almost like a fresh reboot. In the final season, Sarah Lancashire delivered an impressive final performance as Sergeant Catherine Cawood, bringing her long-time nemesis relationship with James Norton's Tommy Lee Royce to a dramatic conclusion.
Throughout all three seasons, Happy Valley gives us an unflinching examination of how violence ripples through families and communities while offering moments of unexpected humor and emotion. What distinguished it from other crime dramas was its refusal to sensationalize violence and its deep empathy for its characters, even at their most flawed. The long-awaited finale offered a masterclass in how to conclude a beloved show with integrity, honoring both the characters and the West Yorkshire setting that was so integral to the story.
Where to stream: Streaming Rental
2. Sherwood (2022-present)
Created by James Graham, Sherwood is set in a Nottinghamshire mining community where a shocking murder reveals deep scars left by the 1984-85 miners' strike. David Morrissey leads a strong cast that includes Lesley Manville and Joanne Froggatt.
Blending crime drama with political and social commentary, Sherwood stands out for its authentic portrayal of working-class life and its exploration of how past divisions continue to shape the present.
Where to stream: BritBox
3. The Responder (2022-present)
Martin Freeman gave a career-best performance as Chris Carson, a night shift response officer in Liverpool battling personal demons while navigating a corrupt and bureaucratic police system. Created by ex-police officer Tony Schumacher, the series offered an unusually authentic portrayal of frontline policing, focusing on the psychological toll of dealing with society's most vulnerable and troubled individuals.
The series stands out for its uncompromising realism, complex moral questions, and Freeman's raw, transformative performance. The Liverpool setting, complete with authentic accents and slang, provides a vivid backdrop for a story that looks at class, addiction, and mental health with unusual honesty. The show reinvented the police drama by focusing not on detectives solving major crimes but on the everyday challenges of response officers on increasingly difficult beats.
Where to stream: BritBox
4. Slow Horses (2022-present)
Based on Mick Herron's acclaimed novels, this darkly comic spy drama centers on a department of MI5 rejects led by the repulsive but brilliant Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). While technically a spy series rather than a traditional mystery, its intricate plotting and focus on uncovering the truth behind conspiracies places it firmly in the crime genre tradition.
The series brilliantly balances suspense with acerbic humor, particularly through Oldman's scene-stealing performance as the deliberately and wonderfully disgusting Lamb. What makes the show distinctive is its focus on failure and redemption—each of the “slow horses” has committed some career-ending mistake, yet they consistently prove their value to both the agency and the UK as a whole.
Where to stream: Apple TV+
5. Magpie Murders (2022 to Present)
This ingenious adaptation of Anthony Horowitz's meta-mystery novel alternates between a contemporary investigation and the manuscript of a 1950s-style detective novel. Lesley Manville stars as editor Susan Ryeland, who becomes an amateur sleuth when her bestselling crime author dies in suspicious circumstances, leaving his final novel unfinished.
The series cleverly contrasts the golden age detective fiction traditions with modern crime investigation, offering both nostalgic pleasure and contemporary relevance. The dual-timeline approach is visually distinctive, with the 1950s sequences styled like classic mystery adaptations and the contemporary story presented in a more modern visual language.
Where to stream: Magpie Murders | Moonflower Murders
6. Trigger Point (2022-present)
Vicky McClure stars as Lana Washington, an ex-military bomb disposal expert in London, in this high-tension thriller from the producers of Line of Duty. The series distinguishes itself with its focus on the specialized world of “Expos” (explosive ordnance disposal officers) and its authentic depiction of the meticulous, nerve-shredding work of bomb defusal.
The gritty series examines terrorism, extremism, and the psychological impact of working in constant proximity to death while maintaining a breakneck pace with no room for error. McClure's performance as the competent-but-traumatized Lana gives us a compelling emotional anchor for the technical aspects of the plot.
Where to stream: Peacock, BritBox
7. The Devil's Hour (2022-present)
This supernatural crime drama follows Lucy Chambers (Jessica Raine), a woman who wakes every night at exactly 3:33 AM, the devil's hour, and whose son appears to have no emotions. Peter Capaldi co-stars as a mysterious figure connected to a series of murders.
With its eerie atmosphere and mind-bending narrative, The Devil’s Hour blends crime, horror, and psychological mystery. Its clever storytelling and Capaldi’s haunting performance set it apart from typical detective dramas.
Where to stream: Prime Video
8. Grace (2021-present)
Based on Peter James’ Roy Grace novels, Grace stars John Simm as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, a Brighton detective haunted by his wife’s disappearance. Richie Campbell, Zoë Tapper, and Laura Elphinstone co-star.
The show successfully captures the atmospheric quality of James's novels while allowing Simm space for a complex portrayal of a detective whose professional methodicalness contrasts with his openness to unorthodox, even supernatural, possibilities. It distinguishes itself with its strong sense of place—Brighton and the Sussex coast are vividly portrayed beyond the tourist postcard images—and its careful balance of procedural detail with character development. The feature-length format allows for more complex plotting and the exploration of moral grey areas, while the seaside setting provides a striking backdrop for dark, sometimes vaguely Gothic crime stories.
Where to stream: BritBox
9. Stay Close (2021)
This adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel follows detective Broome (James Nesbitt) as he investigates a disappearance linked to a 17-year-old cold case. Jo Joyner plays Erin, Broome's loyal partner, who helps him uncover long-buried secrets.
Cush Jumbo stars as Megan, a woman hiding from her past, whose life becomes entangled in the mystery. Set in Manchester and Blackpool, the series combines Coben's signature page-turner quality with a distinctly British atmosphere.
Where to stream: Netflix
10. McDonald & Dodds (2020 to 2024)
This light-hearted detective drama pairs the unassuming but brilliant DS Dodds (Jason Watkins) with the ambitious DCI Lauren McDonald (Tala Gouveia) in the historic city of Bath. The series offers a modern take on the mismatched detective duo format, contrasting Dodds's old-school attention to detail with McDonald's metropolitan policing style.
What distinguishes it from other detective shows is its warmth and gentle humor, offering a welcome alternative to the darker crime dramas that dominate contemporary television. The Bath setting is gorgeous, and the feature-length mysteries have plenty of room for clever puzzle plots and solid character development.
Where to stream: BritBox
11. Shetland (2013 to present)
While this acclaimed series began in 2013, we let it squeak its way onto the list because it changed direction with the replacement of its lead detective. Based on Ann Cleeves' novels, the show follows investigations in the remote Shetland Islands, with Douglas Henshall starring as DI Jimmy Perez until 2022, when Ashley Jensen took over as DI Ruth Calder.
Known for its stunning coastal scenery, complex characters, and emotionally charged stories, Shetland balances intimate community drama with gripping mysteries, making it a standout in British crime TV.
Where to stream: BritBox
12. Professor T (2021-present)
Ben Miller stars as Professor Jasper Tempest, a brilliant but socially awkward Cambridge criminology professor with OCD. He assists the police in solving challenging cases while managing his own psychological struggles. Frances de la Tour co-stars as his eccentric mother.
Based on a Belgian series, this British adaptation carves out its own identity through its depiction of Cambridge academic life and the local culture. What distinguishes this one from other quirky-genius detective shows is its compassionate approach to the protagonist's condition, presenting his OCD not simply as a quirk but as a genuine challenge that affects his entire life.
Where to stream: PBS Masterpiece
13. Sister Boniface Mysteries (2022-present)
This Father Brown spin-off follows Sister Boniface (Lorna Watson), a crime-solving nun with a PhD in forensic science. Set in 1960s rural England, she aids the local police with her sharp mind and scientific skills.
The time period allows for exploration of social changes in post-war Britain while the scientific focus reflects the growing importance of forensics in criminal investigation during this period. The series excels in creating a warm, inviting world where the pleasures of puzzle-solving and character interaction take precedence over graphic violence or psychological darkness. Sister Boniface herself represents an interesting subversion of expectations—a brilliant scientist whose religious vocation gives her an unusual perspective on crime and human nature.
Where to stream: BritBox
14. Annika (2021-present)
Nicola Walker stars as DI Annika Strandhed, a detective who heads up a specialized Marine Homicide Unit in Scotland that investigates murders connected to the country's waterways. The series distinguishes itself with its unusual narrative device—Annika frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the viewer directly, sharing literary references, personal thoughts, and wry observations about the case and her colleagues.
The marine focus means the series isn't short on great scenery, and it makes for some distinctive crime scenarios you won't see in more conventional urban crime dramas. Annika's relationship with her teenage daughter Morgan adds emotional depth and an ongoing storyline, exploring the challenges of single parenthood alongside professional responsibilities.
Where to stream: PBS Masterpiece
15. Bloodlands (2021-present)
James Nesbitt stars as DCI Tom Brannick in this Northern Ireland-set thriller created by Chris Brandon and executive produced by Jed Mercurio. The series explores the legacy of The Troubles through a present-day investigation that connects to a cold case with personal significance for Brannick.
Bloodlands distinguishes itself with its complex moral landscape, where the line between victims and perpetrators is frequently blurred by decades of conflict, secrets, and compromise. The stark beauty of the Northern Irish landscape provides a fitting backdrop for a story concerned with what lies beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities, and the show asks difficult questions about justice, reconciliation, and whether uncovering long-buried truths is always the right course of action. Nesbitt's portrayal of Brannick's inner conflict gives us a compelling central character whose motivations become increasingly complex as the series progresses – and that makes it a fun (and tense) watch. Sadly, it was not renewed for a third season.
Where to stream: Acorn TV, AMC+, Sundance Now
16. Ludwig (2024-Present)
The stark beauty of the Northern Irish landscape provides a fitting backdrop for a story concerned with what lies beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities. The series asks difficult questions about justice, reconciliation, and whether uncovering long-buried truths is always the right course of action. Nesbitt's portrayal of Brannick's inner conflict creates a compelling central character whose motivations become increasingly complex as the series progresses.
Where to stream: BritBox
17. Van der Valk (2020-Present)
Marc Warren stars as Piet Van der Valk, a sharp-witted detective navigating crime in modern-day Amsterdam. Leading a team of investigators, Van der Valk tackles complex cases that expose the city's dark underbelly. Each episode blends intricate mysteries with personal drama, featuring a supporting cast that includes Maimie McCoy as Lucienne Hassell and Luke Allen-Gale as Brad de Vries.
With its stylish cinematography, rich cultural backdrop, and engaging plots, Van der Valk gives us a fresh take on the classic series while staying true to its blend of intrigue and character-driven storytelling.
Where to stream: PBS Masterpiece
18. Dalgliesh (2021-Present)
Bertie Carvel stars as Adam Dalgliesh, a reserved yet intuitive detective and poet investigating complex murders in 1970s England. Based on P.D. James’ acclaimed novels, the series follows Dalgliesh as he uncovers dark secrets in settings ranging from rural estates to medical institutions.
Known for its atmospheric tension, thoughtful pacing, and Carvel's understated yet commanding performance, Dalgliesh combines classic detective storytelling with rich character depth and psychological complexity.
Where to stream: Acorn TV
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