Love involved whodunits, tense police procedurals or comic constables? TV's best crime dramas deliver some of the most addictive TV around – often filmed in spectacular UK locations.
From all-time favourites to brand-new series, here’s a guide to the must-watch shows that will keep you guessing – and glued to the screen.
Best crime drama TV shows to stream and watch right now
Annika
The first of many gripping crime dramas set in Scotland on our list, Annika is a maritime detective drama featuring spellbinding scenery. Sharp, witty, enigmatic, DI Strandhed is ready to take on unfathomable murders washed up in Scotland’s waterways. Nicola Walker stars.
Bergerac
The beloved crime drama Bergerac aired from 1981 to 1991, centering on the cunning detective tackling cases across Jersey. In a contemporary reimagining of the classic series, Damien Molony takes on the role of the troubled investigator Jim Bergerac.
Beyond Paradise
Featuring elaborate plots, entertaining characters and spectacular settings, there are three series of the BBC One detective series Beyond Paradise to catch up on. Set in the picturesque Devon town of Shipton Abbott, the show follows DI Humphrey Goodman as he tackles quirky local cases with charm and humour.
Stream Beyond Paradise on BBC iPlayer
Blue Lights
The third series of the BBC's Blue Lights was released in autumn 2025 and continues to follow three police recruits in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as they navigate criminal gangs and divided communities, never knowing who to trust. It has earned critical acclaim, including a BAFTA.
Death Valley
If you enjoy a dose of fun with your crime dramas, you might like the BBC’s comedic murder mystery Death Valley. The series stars Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth as an unconventional pair navigating a world of crime and chaos. It's filmed in South Wales.
Stream Death Valley on iPlayer
Down Cemetery Road
Like Slow Horses? You’ll love Dead Cemetery Road, a gripping drama from the same producers. Based in Oxford, it follows a tangled web of crime and secrets to keep viewers guessing as investigators dig deeper. Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson star.
Stream Down Cemetery Road on Apple TV
Frauds
Suranne Jones and Jodie Whittaker star in this heist drama about fierce friendship and criminality, set against the Spanish hills. This first series with six parts sees the duo try to pull off one last art robbery and has received rave reviews in the press.
Grantchester
James Norton and later Tom Brittney star alongside Robson Green in this drama filled with murder, mystery and ministry. The show, based on James Runcie’s Grantchester Mysteries novels and set in the actual village of Grantchester, made its debut on TV in 2014.
We named Grantchester one of the best period dramas to stream right now
Happy Valley
Happy Valley is much loved for its masterful writing by Sally Wainwright and phenomenal performance by Sarah Lancashire as Sergeant Cawood. As well as having gripping storylines, the show tackles complex human relationships, social issues and the harsh realities of rural Yorkshire.
Stream Happy Valley on BBC iPlayer
Karen Pirie
Scottish detective drama Karen Pirie returned to our screens in July 2025 for a second series, with the female DCI having a new cold case to solve. The ITV series is based on author Val McDermid's crime novels, which are considered part of the 'tartan noir' subgenre. It is set around Fife.
Murder Before Evensong
Reverend Richard Coles’ murder mystery book series has been adapted for TV. Murder Before Evensong stars Harry Potter's Matthew Rhys and follows the charming vicar-turned-detective as he unravels crimes in quaint English settings.
Stream Murder Before Evensong on Channel 5
Out There
The gritty drama Out There depicts the invasion of the Welsh land farmer Nathan cherishes by criminals. His livelihood, homestead and family life are threatened by local county lines drug dealers.
It's shot with a stunning Welsh backdrop, with scenes filmed in the Black Mountains, Cambrian Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Rebus
Set in Edinburgh’s murky underworld, Rebus is based on Rankin’s bestselling novels and follows the iconic detective who is divorced, alcoholic, yet irresistibly sharp. The BBC has confirmed a new series will air in 2026.
Ridley
The popular ITV crime drama Ridley returned to our screens for series two in August 2025 with Adrian Dunbar reprising his role as consultant detective Alex Ridley. He and his former protégée attempt to crack another slew of brutal murder cases in northern England.
Shetland
The popular BBC crime drama, Shetland, has returned for a 10th series, bringing the spectacular Scottish scenery and filming locations back to our screens.
Adapted from Ann Cleeves' book series, the same author behind Vera, Shetland follows the island police team as they investigate dark crimes against the stunning backdrop of the Shetland Isles. Ashley Jensen stars as DI Ruth Calder, alongside Alison O'Donnell as DI Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh.
Vera
The acclaimed series Vera showcases the breathtaking scenery of North East England where DCI Vera Stanhope is an obsessive crime cracker. The 14 series weave together mystery and suspense with charming coastal villages, historic towns and striking natural landscapes.
- Where is Vera filmed? A guide to the beloved UK drama series
- 'I don’t know what’s planned for Vera!' Author Ann Cleeves on the TV detective's future after final series airs
Top image: Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder and Alison O'Donnell as DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh. Credit: BBC/Silverprint Films/Jamie Simpson
