16 Must-Watch Detective Shows to Stream on PBS

Calling all super sleuths! Unlock the secrets of crime-solving brilliance with the top detective series on PBS. From MASTERPIECE, Walter Presents, and other PBS series, these unique and diverse detectives are bringing their investigative talent on a thrilling journey through intricate plots and unexpected twists. Immerse yourself in the art of investigation and join our exceptional detectives as they solve the most challenging cases in these mystery shows available with PBS Passport!

Discover more on our Mystery and Crime Show collection.

Miss Scarlet

The series Miss Scarlet, formerly Miss Scarlet and The Duke, stars Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders) as headstrong Eliza Scarlet, the first-ever female detective in Victorian London, who won’t let naysayers stop her from keeping her father’s business running in this MASTERPIECE series.

Broadchurch

In the beach town of Broadchurch, in Dorset, England, D.I. Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and D.S. Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) reluctantly team up to investigate the tragic death of an 11-year-old boy. The murder creates a media uproar, soon revealing a web of secrets within the town. As they work together, Alec and Ellie confront their own issues, striving to solve this complicated mystery while navigating the town’s interconnected relationships.

Maigret

There’s a new detective on the streets of Paris! Benjamin Wainwright stars as Jules Maigret in the upcoming contemporary adaptation of Georges Simenon’s beloved novels. Don’t miss Maigret on MASTERPIECE Mystery!

Patience

Patience Evans works in the Criminal Records Office in the city of York. She views the world in a unique way because she has a special gift — she is autistic. DI Bea Metcalf recognizes her talents and takes her under her wing. Patience helps the police tackle a series of challenging cases by bringing her unique insight to crimefighting.

Patience is adapted from the critically acclaimed French television series, Astrid.

Grantchester

There’s no shortage of murder, mystery, and mayhem in the seemingly quiet 1950s Cambridgeshire village of Grantchester — and police detective Geordie Keating (Robson Green) and the resident vicar (played by James Norton and most recently by Rishi Nair) are always on the case. There’s a real warmth to this period crime drama, set in a picturesque location with central characters who’ve formed their own version of a family.

Stream the first 10 seasons of Grantchester on MASTERPIECE with PBS Passport. Season 11, the show’s final season, will air in 2026.

Magpie Murders & Moonflower Murders

Adapted from Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling mystery, Magpie Murders on MASTERPIECE is a beguiling murder mystery with a shocking twist that will astonish viewers. The story revolves around Susan Ryeland, an editor who receives an unfinished manuscript of author Alan Conway’s latest novel, and world-famous detective Atticus Pünd. Deemed a “whodunit inside a whodunit,” the narrative weaves between the present day and the 1950s, as individuals from Conway’s life become the basis of the novel, turning them into suspects for the murder.

In Moonflower Murders, the follow-up series to Magpie Murders, more mystery is thrown into the mix. To solve the disappearance of a hotel owner’s daughter, Cecily Treherne, Susan investigates the truth behind a real-life murder detailed in Alan Conway’s novel, Moonflower Murders. Can Susan uncover the secret hidden in the book and find Cecily before it’s too late?

Astrid

Astrid Nielson is a librarian for the judicial police in Paris, France, who is on the autism spectrum. After reading thousands of case files for many years, her incredible memory and understanding for crime is noticed by the district commander who appoints her to the investigative team. In this French series from Walter Presents, Astrid discovers the mysteries of the most complex unsolved cases with the gift of her mind. 
 

The Marlow Murder Club

Join Judith, Suzie, and Becks in investigating a brutal murder in The Marlow Murder Club on MASTERPIECE. Along with Detective Tanika Malik, they must piece together clues, grill suspects, and face down real danger as they work against the clock to stop a killer in their tracks.

Ridley

When retired detective inspector, D.I. Alex Ridley, is called back to assist his former protege, D.I. Carol Farman, on a complex murder case, he uncovers flaws in the initial investigation that alter its course. As Ridley delves deeper into the secrets surrounding the victim, Gabriela, buried truths continue to change the narrative. Farman seeks Ridley’s unique insight into crime-solving, but the investigation takes an unexpectedly dark turn. Follow this compelling duo in Ridley, as they navigate through twists and turns to unravel the truth behind the haunting murder.

Agatha Christie’s Poirot

David Suchet stars as Agatha Christie’s beloved detective Hercule Poirot, who pits his wits against crime and injustice in this collection of murder mysteries.

D.I. Ray

British Asian police woman, D.I. Rachita Ray, faces a challenging case when a young Muslim man is murdered in a suspected honor killing. Despite doubts about her promotion to the homicide unit as a token hire, Rachita navigates cultural complexities and gender barriers. The investigation takes its toll, and this gripping four-part series follows D.I. Ray’s relentless pursuit of justice amidst personal and professional obstacles.

Annika

D.I. Annika Strandhed (Nicola Walker from Unforgotten) is the speedboat-driving head of Glasgow’s newly-formed Marine Homicide Unit, who juggles baffling cases and a rebellious teenage daughter. Annika is joined by D.S. Michael McAndrews (Jamie Sives), Annika’s old colleague; D.C. Blair Ferguson (Katie Leung), the forensic brains behind the unit; and D.S. Tyrone Clarke (Ukweli Roach from Grantchester), the new cop at the station. Enjoy the unique personalities and character growth of the detective unit, and Annika’s witty and relatable personality, on this MASTERPIECE mystery series.
 

Luna & Sophie

The strong-willed and naive Luna Kunath, and the mature and harmonious Sophie Pohlmann, are polar opposite best friends. Luna & Sophie work with their holistic team of officers, a medical examiner, and a forensics expert to solve the clues in Berlin’s picturesque sister city, Potsdam. Their opposing personalities are an investigative duo like no other in this German series from Walter Presents.

Before We Die

Detective Hannah Laing seeks to solve her lover’s murder and enlists the help of a confidential contact. However, discovering the informant’s identity reveals higher stakes than she anticipated. Before We Die is adapted from the hit Swedish series of the same name, also streaming on PBS.

Van der Valk

Amsterdam — city of bikes, boats, and bodies. Marc Warren stars as steely-eyed cop Piet van der Valk in Van der Valk, an all-new series based on Nicolas Freeling’s legendary crime thrillers. Co-starring Maimie McCoy as Van der Valk’s right-hand woman, Lucienne Hassell; Luke Allen-Gale as the scruffy sergeant, Brad de Vries; and more in this MASTERPIECE mystery.
 

The Paris Murders

Intuitive police profiler, Chloe Saint-Laurent, and tough-minded cop, Detective Rocher, work in the homicide division to solve Paris’ most puzzling crimes. Based on true criminal cases, Chloe’s unique ability to read the mind of killers and victims and her exceptional sensitivity sets her ahead. The Paris Murders is a suspenseful and fast-paced French series from Walter Presents that will keep you at the edge of your seat. 

Can’t get enough of these detectives? Explore more PBS Dramas to discover your next favorite series.

Editor's note: This article was was written by Chelsea Bandi and published August 29, 2023. New show listings were added and the article was updated December 22, 2025, by Audrey Porter.