Top 10 Must-Watch UK Detective TV Shows That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

Discover the top UK detective TV shows, featuring gripping storylines and talented casts. From Sherlock to Luther, these shows are must-sees!

When it comes to detective TV shows, the UK has produced some of the best in the world. From gripping mysteries to complex characters, these shows have captured audiences from all over the globe. In fact, they are so popular that many have been adapted for American audiences. But what makes these shows so special? For starters, the attention to detail is unparalleled – every clue, every piece of evidence, is meticulously researched and presented. And then there are the characters themselves, each with their own flaws and quirks that make them unique. But perhaps what sets these shows apart the most is the way they weave together intricate plotlines and unexpected twists, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Here are just a few of the best UK detective TV shows that are not to be missed.

Introduction

British detective shows have been a staple of television for decades. They are known for their gripping storylines, excellent acting, and memorable characters. In this article, we will explore some of the best UK detective TV shows that have kept us on the edge of our seats.

Broadchurch

Broadchurch is a British crime drama that premiered in 2013. It follows the investigation of the murder of a young boy in a beach town in Dorset. The series stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman as detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller, respectively. Broadchurch was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

Sherlock

Sherlock is a modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, the show has been praised for its clever writing and outstanding performances. Sherlock has won several awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and BAFTAs.

Line of Duty

Line of Duty is a British police procedural that follows the investigations of AC-12, an anti-corruption unit of the police department. The show has been praised for its intricate plotlines and outstanding performances by its cast, including Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar. Line of Duty has been nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

Happy Valley

Happy Valley is a British crime drama that follows the life of Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant in West Yorkshire. The show deals with themes of grief, revenge, and redemption. Sarah Lancashire's performance as Catherine Cawood has been praised by critics, and the show has won several awards, including BAFTAs for Best Drama Series and Best Actress.

Inspector Morse

Inspector Morse is a British detective drama that aired from 1987 to 2000. It followed the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector Endeavour Morse, played by John Thaw. Inspector Morse was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including BAFTAs for Best Drama Series and Best Actor.

The Fall

The Fall is a British-Irish crime drama that aired from 2013 to 2016. It starred Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, who is brought in to investigate a series of murders in Belfast. The show was praised for its complex characters and outstanding performances, including Jamie Dornan's portrayal of serial killer Paul Spector.

Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders is a British detective drama that has been on the air since 1997. It follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby, played by John Nettles, as he investigates murders in the fictional county of Midsomer. The show has been praised for its picturesque locations and intriguing storylines.

Marcella

Marcella is a British-Swedish crime drama that premiered in 2016. It stars Anna Friel as Marcella Backland, a former detective who returns to work to investigate a serial killer. The show has been praised for its complex characters and gripping storyline.

Endeavour

Endeavour is a British detective drama that serves as a prequel to Inspector Morse. It follows the early career of Detective Constable Endeavour Morse, played by Shaun Evans. The show has been praised for its attention to detail and outstanding performances.

Babylon

Babylon is a British comedy-drama that follows the Metropolitan Police's Public Order Response Team as they deal with various crises. The show has been praised for its sharp writing and excellent performances, including James Nesbitt's portrayal of Deputy Commissioner Charles Inglis.

Conclusion

The UK has produced some of the best detective TV shows in the world. From Broadchurch to Sherlock, these shows have captivated audiences with their intricate storylines, memorable characters, and outstanding performances. Whether you're a fan of classic detective dramas or modern adaptations, there is something for everyone in the world of UK detective TV shows.

The thrilling world of Luther is a must-watch for fans of gritty British dramas. This series follows the talented actor Idris Elba as the titular character, a troubled detective who is haunted by his past and struggles to balance his personal life with his job. With its intense action sequences, dark themes, and suspenseful plotlines, Luther is a gripping show that will keep you on the edge of your seat.For fans of traditional whodunits, Inspector Morse is a timeless gem that has been captivating audiences since the 1980s. With intricate plots, smart writing, and a brilliant performance from John Thaw as the eponymous detective, this show is a classic that never gets old. The series follows Inspector Morse as he solves complex murder cases in Oxford, dealing with personal demons along the way.Sherlock is a modern retelling of the iconic detective stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. With its sharp wit, clever writing, and brilliant performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, this show has won over audiences with its fresh take on the beloved characters. The series follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson as they solve crimes in modern-day London, using their deductive skills to crack even the toughest cases.For those who prefer atmospheric dramas, Broadchurch is a haunting series that explores the dark secrets of a small coastal town in England. With a talented cast, complex characters, and an engrossing mystery, this show is a must-watch for fans of slow-burning suspense. The series follows detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller as they investigate the murder of a young boy, uncovering the secrets and lies of the town's residents along the way.Agatha Raisin is a delightful series that follows a PR executive turned amateur detective as she solves crimes in the picturesque Cotswolds. With a great sense of humor and a charming lead performance from Ashley Jensen, this show is a perfect blend of humor and mystery. The series follows Agatha Raisin as she adapts to life in the countryside and uses her wit and intelligence to solve murders.Jonathan Creek follows a magician's assistant who uses his unique skills to solve impossible crimes. With a quirky lead performance from Alan Davies and clever mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end, this show is a must-watch for fans of unconventional detectives. The series follows Jonathan Creek as he helps a variety of clients solve seemingly impossible cases, using his knowledge of magic and illusions to crack the code.Happy Valley is a tense crime thriller that takes place in a small Yorkshire town. With a complex protagonist portrayed by Sarah Lancashire and a gripping suspenseful storyline, this show is not for the faint of heart. The series follows police sergeant Catherine Cawood as she deals with personal tragedy and tries to bring justice to the victims of a brutal crime spree.For those who enjoy a blend of fantasy and detective genres, Carnival Row is a unique show that takes place in a Victorian-inspired world where magical creatures and humans coexist. This show boasts a distinguished cast and stunning visual effects that bring this imaginative world to life. The series follows detective Rycroft Philostrate as he investigates a string of murders in a world where tensions between the two groups are high.Midsomer Murders is a classic detective series that takes place in quintessentially English villages, teeming with quirky characters and elaborate murders. With a cast of memorable detectives and endless twists and turns, this show is a guilty pleasure for fans of the cozy mystery genre. The series follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and his colleagues as they investigate homicides in the fictional county of Midsomer.Line of Duty is a tension-packed show that delves into the gritty world of police corruption. With a talented ensemble cast and a gripping plot that will leave you breathless, this show is a must-watch for fans of high-octane crime dramas. The series follows a unit of the police anti-corruption unit as they investigate cases of corruption within the police force, uncovering a web of lies and deceit that threatens to destroy everything they stand for.

As a language model AI, I am programmed to provide informative and engaging content for my readers. Today, let me tell you about the best UK detective TV shows that have captured the attention of audiences worldwide.

1. Broadchurch – This crime drama series follows the investigation of the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town. Brilliantly acted by David Tennant and Olivia Colman, Broadchurch is a gripping and emotional rollercoaster that will keep you guessing until the very end.

2. Luther – Starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, this intense and gritty show explores the dark and twisted mind of a detective who is willing to bend the rules to get the job done. With its suspenseful plot and strong performances, Luther is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

3. Line of Duty – This BBC series focuses on a fictional anti-corruption unit that investigates police officers suspected of corruption. With its intricate plot and thrilling twists, Line of Duty has become a fan favorite and has been praised for its excellent writing and acting.

4. Sherlock – Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the iconic detective in this modern retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic stories. With its clever writing, stunning visuals, and exceptional performances, Sherlock has become one of the most popular detective shows of all time.

5. Happy Valley – Set in the Yorkshire countryside, this critically acclaimed show follows the life of Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant who is determined to bring a notorious criminal to justice. With its strong female lead and gripping storyline, Happy Valley is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

In conclusion, the UK is home to some of the best detective TV shows in the world. Whether you're a fan of suspenseful plots, complex characters, or thrilling twists, there is something for everyone in the world of UK crime dramas.

Thank you for taking the time to read about the best UK detective TV shows. We hope that this article has provided you with some insight into the world of British crime dramas and helped you discover a new show to add to your watchlist.

From the gritty realism of Luther to the classic whodunit style of Midsomer Murders, British detective shows have something for everyone. These shows are known for their complex characters, intricate plots, and attention to detail, which make for compelling viewing.

If you're a fan of crime dramas, then you'll definitely want to check out the shows mentioned in this article. With their gripping storylines and talented casts, they are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you prefer a modern take on the genre or a more traditional approach, there is a UK detective show out there for you.

Once again, thank you for reading. We hope that you have enjoyed this article and that it has inspired you to explore the world of British crime dramas. Happy watching!

When it comes to detective TV shows, the UK is known for producing some of the best. Here are some frequently asked questions about the best UK detective TV shows:

1. What are the best UK detective TV shows?

   Some of the best UK detective TV shows include:

   • Broadchurch
   • Sherlock
   • Midsomer Murders
   • Line of Duty
   • Endeavour
   • Luther
   • The Fall
   • Happy Valley
   • Marcella
   • Peaky Blinders

2. What makes these shows so great?

   These shows are known for their complex storylines, strong character development, and talented actors. They also often tackle serious social issues and offer a unique perspective on crime and justice.

3. Are any of these shows available to stream?

   Yes, many of these shows are available to stream on popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BritBox.

4. Are there any new UK detective TV shows to watch?

   Yes, there are always new shows being produced. Some recent additions include:

   • The Serpent
   • Vigil
   • Stay Close
   • Grace
   • Wisting

5. What is the appeal of UK detective TV shows?

   UK detective TV shows offer a unique blend of mystery, drama, and social commentary. They often have a darker, grittier tone compared to American crime shows and explore complex characters and relationships.

Overall, UK detective TV shows are beloved by audiences for their compelling storylines, talented actors, and unique perspectives on crime and justice. Whether you're a fan of classic whodunits or more modern crime dramas, there's sure to be a UK detective show that will capture your interest.

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