Top Detective Shows on PBS

Miss Scarlet & The Duke

After the passing of her father, Eliza Scarlet defies societal expectations and becomes the first-ever female detective in Victorian London. Alongside her childhood friend, professional colleague, and potential love interest Detective Inspector William Wellington, a.k.a. “The Duke,” they run her father's detective agency. Miss Scarlet and The Duke solve the mystery of her father’s passing while juggling their relationship in this MASTERPIECE series.

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.

Inspector Lewis

Kevin Whately stars as Inspector Lewis, the former working-class foil to the erudite Detective Inspector Morse, in this captivating show on MASTERPIECE. Together with his cool, cerebral partner Detective Sergeant Hathaway, Lewis tackles murder and mayhem in the seemingly-perfect academic haven of Oxford. In a partnership forged through loyalty and mutual – though often grudging – respect, Robbie Lewis untangles lies and murky motives with his combination of instinct and experience while James Hathaway, with his wit as sharp as his reason, handles suspects and classical allusions with the same deft intellect. Together, they struggle with procedural dilemmas and existential questions about their futures – on the force and in their personal lives.

Broadchurch

In the beach town of Broadchurch, in Dorset, England, D.I. Alec Hardy and D.S. Ellie Miller 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.

Endeavor

Shaun Evans charms audiences with his portrayal of the cerebral and solitary Detective Constable Morse in Endeavour from MASTERPIECE, written by Inspector Lewis creator and “Inspector Morse” writer Russell Lewis.

Astrid

Astrid Nielson is a librarian for the judicial police in Paris, France, who has Asperger’s syndrome. 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.

Magpie 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 1950’s, as individuals from Conway's life become the basis of the novel, turning them into suspects for the murder.

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.

Thou Shalt Not Kill

Valeria Ferro is a determined yet stubborn detective from Turin, Italy solving puzzling crimes motivated by jealousy, vendettas, and anger. After 17 years, her mother is released from jail after serving a prison sentence for murder. Valeria seeks truth and justice while struggling with demons from her past and cases in the present. Thou Shalt Not Kill is from Walter Presents, streaming in Italian with English subtitles.

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. Hannah finds herself entangled with Dubravka Mimica, a crime matriarch. Both mothers have lost their sons in season one; Hannah's son fell in love with Bianca Mimica and fled overseas, while Dubravka's son is missing and presumed dead. As Dubravka seeks revenge, Hannah is determined to expose the formidable Mimica gang, leading to a high-stakes investigation. Before We Die is adapted from the hit Swedish series of the same name, also streaming on PBS.

Crimes of Passion

Based on Swedish writer Maria Lang’s crime novels, grad student Puck Ekstedt, Professor Einar Bure, and police superintendent Chirster Wijk endeavor to catch a killer. As the trio unravels these “Crimes of Passion,” they realize the murderer is always “one of us” and closer than they appear. Experience the chilling mystery and the beauty of Berglagen, Sweden, in this Swedish series from Walter Presents.

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 are 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

Grantchester

Tom Brittney stars as Will Davenport, with Robson Green as his law-enforcement ally, Inspector Geordie Keating, in Grantchester on MASTERPIECE. Although Will lives the life of a clergyman, sometimes he can’t help but fall into more worldly habits as he solves murders in the bucolic village of Grantchester.

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 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.

The Hunter

During the early 1990s, Italy and the mafia were at war for control of Sicilian streets. Prosecutor Saverio Barone joins the fight for the innocent victims affected by the mafia, using his killer instinct to find the top Mafiosi. Inspired by the true story of anti-mafia magistrate Alfonso Sabella, Saverio is “The Hunter” in this Italian series from Walter Presents.

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