If you’ve already watched all the classic detective dramas like Shetland, Sherlock and Endeavour and need some fresh inspiration, then you’ve found yourself in the right place. We’ve been doing some serious sleuthing work of our own to bring you the 7 outstanding detective dramas to watch now that may well have passed you by.
From Shetland’s new rival to one of the best page-to-screen adaptations we’ve seen in a while and a superb Nicola Walker drama, we’ve got your next binge-watch sorted. So, remotes at the ready for our pick of the best detective dramas to watch now on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more.
The Dark
![all images and content within strictly embargoed until tuesday 21 july, 2026.from poison pen studiosthe dark sr1, ep6, on itv1 and itvx.pictured: helen baxendale as bethany morgan.this photograph is (c) itv studios and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture publicity. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms picture publicity manager:liberty.warner@itv.com](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/68339821-f7ca-4c97-a010-bfa3e3558bd4.jpg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.332xw,0&resize=980:* "all images and content within strictly embargoed until tuesday 21 july, 2026.from poison pen studiosthe dark sr1, ep6, on itv1 and itvx.pictured: helen baxendale as bethany morgan.this photograph is (c) itv studios and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or itv plc. this photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by itv plc picture publicity. this photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of itv picture publicity. full terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms picture publicity manager:liberty.warner@itv.com")
Shetland’s new rival has arrived earlier this year in the form of ITV’s The Dark, in which we follow detective Monica Kennedy (The Nevers’ Laura Donnelly) as she’s called upon to investigate a grisly murder in the Scottish Highlands. It soon becomes apparent that this isn't a one-off - and that a whole string of murders has been carried out by a deeply disturbed killer. The question is, can she catch them before it’s too late? Deliciously dark and brilliantly addictive. Available to watch now on ITVX.
The Chelsea Detective
One that has a cosier edge, The Chelsea Detective has already spawned four series and there’s no better time to catch up on all the action. The series introduces us to a dynamic duo in the form of Detective Inspector Max Arnold (Adrian Scarborough) and Detective Sergeant Layla Walsh (Vanessa Emme) and the former’s living situation is, well, a little unusual. After a marital breakdown, he now resides on a tattered Thames houseboat but, fortunately, his unconventional living situation doesn’t deter him from cracking a slew of mystifying murder cases. Available to watch now on U.
The Long Call
The rugged Devon coastline is the breathtaking backdrop to The Long Call, which ties together a fascinating social backdrop, family estrangement and riveting whodunnit. Adapted from Ann Cleeves’ much-loved novel of the same name, two deaths summon Detective Inspector Matthew Venn (Ben Aldridge) back to the oppressive evangelical community he ran away from 20 years prior. First, the death of his estranged father and second, an unidentified corpse washed ashore a beach - and it's the start of a deeply compelling story. Available to watch now on ITVX.
Scrublands
The mysteries in Scrublands are plucked straight from Chris Hammer’s award-winning novels – and the result is extremely absorbing TV. Investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold) finds himself in the drought-stricken Australian town of Riversend where a seemingly ordinary young priest has killed five parishioners totally out of the blue. A year on from the event, Martin is there to write a story about it, but he soon starts unravelling the mystery behind it. Available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Collision
Long before Douglas Henshall stepped into the shoes of Shetland’s DI Jimmy Perez, he played a detective of a different kind in Collision – and, in our humble opinion, it’s even better. The five-part series takes us to the scene of a tragic road accident and DI John Tolin (played by Douglas) is given the job of investigating. While DI Tolin has only just returned to work following a tragedy of his own, the lives of the many people involved provide more of a distraction than even he could have imagined. Available to watch now on ITVX.
Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole
Adapted from Norwegian author Jo Nesbø’s bestselling Harry Hole book series, this fantastic nine-parter follows talented but troubled homicide detective Harry Hole (Tobias Santelmann), who's on the hunt for a serial killer. On top of that, he's also casually attempting to put a stop to the antics of his corrupt colleague, detective Tom Waaler (Joel Kinnaman), which is no small feat. A worthy adaptation that might even beat the books. Available to watch now on Netflix.
River
River doubles up as both a detective drama and a ghost story and the result is truly brilliant. DI John River (Stellan Skarsgård) is an inspector with a secret - he’s being haunted by the ghosts of the victims whose murders he’s investigating. Among these apparitions is his recently-murdered partner and friend DS Jackie “Stevie” Stevenson (Nicola). As DI River’s investigation progresses, he digs up secrets about his late friend - and things quickly begin to unravel. Available to watch now on ITVX.