Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.cbr.com
There’s nothing quite like watching a seemingly unsolvable case unfold one clue at a time, and Netflix is home to some of the most riveting thriller series available on streaming. One subgenre the platform has particularly succeeded in is crime, with several of its procedurals and miniseries earning their place among the greatest detective shows of the last two decades.
Throwing viewers into the heart of harrowing investigations, character dramas, and behind-the-scenes processes, the streamer offers an abundance of mysteries and suspense to satisfy every fan’s appetite. Serving up everything from twisty whodunits and devious murder plots to gripping retellings of true events, these are the best detective shows available on Netflix.
Collateral Is a Gripping Weekend Binge
An overlooked hidden gem on Netflix, Collateral first aired on the BBC in the UK before the streamer released it internationally a month later. Told across four episodes, the British drama follows Kip Glaspie (Carey Mulligan), a detective investigating the shooting of a pizza delivery worker, Abdullah Asif (Sam Otto).
Revealing the killer early on, the series spends much of its runtime on Glaspie and DS Nathan Bilk’s (Nathaniel Martello-White) attempts to uncover the circumstances behind the murder. Exploring topical issues such as racism and immigration, Collateral is the perfect 4-part weekend binge for any fan of crime procedurals, a gripping and tight miniseries that will challenge viewers’ interpretation of innocence and culpability.
Dept. Q Brings a Gripping Crime Novel Series to Life
Set to return for a second season, Dept. Q is a British crime thriller based on the Jussi Adler-Olsen book series of the same name. The series follows Carl Morck (Matthew Goode), a detective who returns to work following an incident that left him injured, his colleague paralyzed, and an officer dead. Adapting the first novel of Adler-Olsen’s series, the first season centers on the investigation into the disappearance of Crown Office solicitor Merritt Lingard (Chloe Pirrie).
Dept. Q is a gripping addition to the genre, not only for the twisty investigation at its center, but also for its attention to character. The series is just as much about Morck’s trauma and past as it is about solving the case, spending much of its runtime on the sarcastic and arrogant detectives’ attempts to rebuild his life. There’s also plenty of potential for where the story could go in Season 2, which is set to be released sometime late 2026 or early 2027, making it the perfect time for fans to check out this thrilling and underrated detective series.
Murderville Is a Comical Take on Crime Procedurals
For those looking for something a little more comedic and lighthearted, Netflix’s Murderville is the perfect option. The 2022 miniseries follows Terry Seattle (Will Arnett), a senior detective who is paired with a different rookie each episode: a guest celebrity. However, there is a catch: neither Arnett nor the guest of the week is given a script, improvising their way through the latest story with hilarious results.
Celebrity guests include Conan O’Brien, Kumail Nanjiani, Ken Jeong, Jason Bateman, and Maya Rudolph, each adding a comedic flair to the improvised 7-parter. A unique addition to the world of crime procedurals, Murderville is a wonderfully silly murder mystery that is sure to make any viewer laugh from beginning to end.
Unbelievable Is a Harrowing True-Crime Thriller
Based on an incredible but harrowing true story, Unbelievable follows Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a young woman who reports a home invasion and sexual assault. But when detectives deem her story inconsistent, she finds herself accused of filing a false police report and effectively shunned from society. That’s until similar attacks begin happening across the country, leading two detectives, Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), to combine forces and dig deeper into her case.
The premise of this miniseries is heartbreaking, landing a powerful message about victim-blaming and the disbelief faced by those who come forward with such experiences. However, series creator Susannah Grant handles the true story and topic with such care that it deserves recognition for being one of the most thought-provoking and exceptional entries on Netflix. Winning a Peabody Award for entertainment, Unbelievable is a must-watch for any fan of gripping, albeit sobering, true-crime thrillers.
Criminal: UK Explores the Behind-the-Scenes Processes of Investigative Work
Criminal: UK is different from many others in the genre, largely because it offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes processes of investigative work. The two-season anthology follows a group of detectives, including Natalie Hobbs (Katherine Kelly) and Tony Myerscough (Lee Ingleby), interviewing suspects accused of serious crimes.
Taking place solely in an interrogation room, each episode centers on a new suspect, with much of the runtime following the detectives’ attempts to crack their latest case. Opening with an exceptional performance from David Tennant as a doctor suspected of murdering his stepdaughter, Criminal: UK is nothing less than grueling to watch, a thought-provoking exploration of justice and legality.
His & Hers Is One of Netflix’s Twistiest Whodunits
One of the most twist-filled detective shows on Netflix, His & Hers will leave viewers guessing until the very last moment. The mystery thriller follows Jack Harper (Jon Bernthal), a small-town detective investigating the murder of a local woman. Things take a turn when his estranged wife, Anna (Tessa Thompson), a news reporter, returns to cover the case, revealing a connection to the victim that hints at deep-running secrets and betrayals.
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His & Hers is a tight and gripping story told across six episodes, and one that will make viewers second-guess every revelation. One of the few that leaves very few clues throughout its build-up, the Netflix series is an effective, thrilling, and unpredictable addition that leaves a lasting impression with its unexpected twist.
