If there’s any show that keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you wonder what will happen next, it’s got to be a detective show.
Thrilling and fast-paced, detective dramas are perfect for binge-watching as there’s nothing more satisfying than watching a mystery get solved. Here are our recommendations for the best detective and crime dramas to stream right now.
What it’s about: A cop marries a man who took on a false identity after he is on the wanted list for murder.
Why you should watch it: If you watched Korean drama Criminal Minds, you’d definitely be excited for this, as it sees Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won teaming up once again. However, in this show, they act as husband and wife who are on opposite sides of the law. While Chae Won acts as a cop in this drama, Joon Gi impresses with this acting as a character with antisocial personality disorder. Just when you thought you have the show figured out, it surprises with another twist in each episode.
The drama is currently streaming on Viu.
What it’s about: Ever wondered if an alternate universe exists? In this K-drama, it does and one detective finds himself entangled in a series of murder cases that cross the two universes.
Why you should watch it: The drama can get a bit confusing as it transitions from one universe to another, but that’s also what makes this so addictive to watch. The plot twists start right from episode 1, so you know you’re in for a ride with this one.
The drama is currently streaming on Viu.
What it’s about: A former police detective leads a team of private insurance investigators to reveal the truth about insurance fraud cases.
Why you should watch it: Can’t get enough of Woo Do Hwan after his stellar performance in The King: Eternal Monarch? Put his 2017 drama Mad Dog on your watch-list next. Not only did he win the Best New Actor award for his role as a genius con artist, Mad Dog also stars the hunky Yoo Ji Tae who is determined to pursue the truth and correct injustices. Insurance fraud may not sound too exciting, but this is a genuinely engaging and thrilling story about the extent people will go to commit fraud in South Korea.
The full episodes of Mad Dog are available for free on Viu.
What it’s about: A loner detective is determined to catch an infamous serial killer who murdered her good friend 19 years ago.
Why you should watch it: The enigmatic Kim Seo Hyung of Sky Castle fame plays a capable and stoic detective who is still haunted by her good friend’s brutal murder. She has made it her life’s pursuit to arrest the killer after receiving a taunting phone call from him shortly after her death. Shot beautifully, the show has a cinematic quality to it and is perfect for fans of atmospheric crime dramas who enjoy slow-burn thrillers.
The full episodes of Nobody Knows are available for free on Viu.
What it’s about: A young boy’s murder rocks the English seaside town of Broadchurch and its tight-knit community. Two police detectives are tasked to investigate the murder and wind up unveiling the secrets of the townsfolk in the process.
Why you should watch it: The stunning coastal scenery, compelling characters, and plot full of twists and turns will keep you glued to the screen. If you can’t get enough, seasons two and three contain more of this charming town and its inhabitants.
Broadchurch Seasons 1, 2, and 3 are streaming on Netflix now.
What it’s about: A mysterious walkie talkie connects the past and the present, as two detectives and a police profiler work together through time and space to solve cold cases albeit with consequences.
Why you should watch it: A time-travelling walkie talkie might sound out of place in a hard-hitting crime drama, but we assure you that there is a reason why it was one of the top K-dramas in 2016 and even beat Descendants of the Sun to win the Best Drama award at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards. Inspired by real-life cold cases in South Korea, this drama will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Signal is streaming on Netflix now.
What it’s about: Two police detectives investigate a series of brutal murders in Iceland, and soon discover that the seemingly unconnected victims are linked to a sinister incident from the past.
Why you should watch it: Not only is this a thrilling crime drama that will hook you in from the start, it is also worth watching for the gorgeous scenery of Iceland. Expect beautiful shots of wintry landscapes and sprawling mountains that serve as the perfect backdrop to this dark and brooding mystery.
The Valhalla Murders is streaming on Netflix now.
What it’s about: An eccentric female police consultant pairs up with her surgeon flatmate to solve a series of bizarre crimes using the power of deduction.
Why you should watch it: If you love watching adaptions of Sherlock Holmes such as Elementary and Sherlock, you will definitely enjoy watching this female-led reboot set in modern-day Tokyo. While the cases are fresh and modern takes on the classic mysteries, the developing friendship between the two leads is the true highlight of this intriguing detective drama.
Miss Sherlock is streaming on HBO Go now.
What it’s about: Two police detectives are tasked to investigate the gruesome murder of a sex worker. Seventeen years later, they are made to revisit the crime when they are interviewed by the investigators of a new murder due to the striking similarities between the two cases.
Why you should watch it: This dark and intense drama is not an easy watch. The story jumps between timelines, incorporates occult and Southern gothic themes, and explores how the detectives struggle with their inner demons. However, the solid acting by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, riveting plot and gorgeous cinematic experience makes the drama a must-watch for all detective drama fans. True Detective is an anthology so seasons 2 and 3 have their own self-contained stories and completely new characters, but they are still worth a watch.
True Detective Seasons 1, 2 and 3 are streaming on HBO Go now.
What it’s about: A warm-hearted rookie prosecutor and cold and detached medical examiner work together to solve crimes.
Why you should watch it: This drama will make you laugh and cry. You will get attached to the lovable cast of characters and get engrossed in the cases which reflect underlying social issues in South Korea. While season 1 focuses on the role of forensics in solving crimes, season 2 sheds light on corruption and power abuse within the prosecution system.
The full episodes of Partners of Justice are available for free on Viu.
What it’s about: A young woman is accused by the police of lying about having been raped and is forced to recant her story. Three years later, two female detectives help to uncover the truth about her attack when more cases surface.
Why you should watch it: This emotional drama is a somber reminder of how victims of sexual assault can find it difficult to get help or even be believed by the authorities. But perhaps what’s more harrowing is the fact that this drama is based on a true story which happened in 2008, a mere 12 years ago.
Unbelievable is streaming on Netflix now.
What it’s about: A stoic prosecutor joins forces with a passionate police lieutenant to uncover the true identity of a serial killer.
Why you should watch it: One of the highest rated dramas in South Korea’s cable television history, the sharp writing, excellent cast, and high production value put this drama on par with highly acclaimed international crime dramas.
Stranger / Forest Of Secrets is streaming on Netflix and Viu now.
What it’s about: Modern-day Sherlock Holmes (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. Watsons (played by Martin Freeman) go about solving mysteries in London.
Why you should watch it: If you haven’t started on this highly raved crime drama, now is the perfect opportunity to do so. This brilliant series has won itself countless fans with its witty writing and flawless acting by the charming leads.
Sherlock Seasons 1-4 are streaming on Netflix now.
What it’s about: A Detective Sergeant takes on a murder case that seemed simple at the start, but is actually connected to a series of murders.
Why you should watch it: Every episode will make you grip the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who the killer is, and when you have, whether he’ll ever be caught.
The Fall Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix.
This article was first published in Cleo.