25 Best Detective Series On Amazon Prime Video

The best detective series on Amazon Prime Video showcase the best and most iconic elements of the genre – the tension, the brilliant twists, the charismatic leads, and of course, the final reveal. Mysteries naturally appeal to problem solvers, and people who want to figure out the ‘whodunnit’ before even the lead does – although the best series are those where that ‘aha’ moment comes only moments before the reveal, if at all.

Though the offering of original series on Prime Video isn’t quite as broad as certain other competitors, Amazon Prime Video more than makes up for it with a vast library of TV shows and movies, including mysteries. Since the soaring popularity of the crime drama genre in recent years, Amazon has commissioned an array of nail-biting mysteries from around the world. That catalog crosses over to many subgenres like comedy, sci-fi, and even fantasy. The best detective series on Amazon Prime Video range from some of the most iconic mystery shows in history to some hidden gems worth checking out for fans of the genre.

25 Hannibal (2013-2015)

Hannibal Lecter Catches Killers With The FBI

Hannibal makes for an interesting detective series because it puts one of the most famous pop culture villains in the lead role of the crime show. Mads Mikkelsen takes over the role of Hannibal Lecter in this series, which is set before he was discovered to be a serial killer and instead worked as a psychologist alongside the FBI, catching dangerous criminals. The show delves into gruesome murders while also exploring the fascinating relationship between Hannibal and FBI profiler Will Graham.

Though Anthony Hopkins made the role iconic in the Hannibal movies, Mikkelsen finds his own effective approach to the memorable character. The show is shockingly violent for a network crime show and that allows for Hannibal and Will to explore some truly unsettling crimes as well as criminals that rival Hannibal himself in terms of brutality.

24 Elementary (2012-2019)

Sherlock Holmes Solves Cases In Modern New York City

A modern retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, Elementary is set in New York City and details the adventures of Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) who becomes partner to the consulting detective Sherlock Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller) after first being assigned as his sober companion. Set up a procedural crime drama, the series includes multiple references to the original Holmes stories, often with surprising twists. Aidan Quinn and John Micahel Hill also star as Thomas Gregson and Marcus Bell, with John Noble as a notable guest star. 

Cast

Lucy Liu , Jon Michael Hill , Aidan Quinn , Jonny Lee Miller

Release Date

November 27, 2012

Seasons

7

Bringing in perhaps the most famous detective character of all time immediately makes Elementary one of the stand-out shows in the genre. While Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock series is the more famous and effective approach to bringing Sherlock Holmes into the 21st century, Elementary managed the same idea without feeling unnecessary. The twist on this take is that Sherlock travels to New York City, where he helps out NYPD detective Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) with solving cases.

Johnny Lee Miller takes on the role of Holmes and makes it his own with a mix of brilliance, humor, and obliviousness to social situations. The show follows a fairly typical police procedural format with a new case each week. However, Holmes is such a fun character that it elevates the familiarity of the premise. The show also finds some fun ways to play around with the Sherlock Holmes lore.

23 Moonlighting (1985-1989)

A Rich Model And Immature Private Eye Run A Detective Agency

Moonlighting is a comedy-drama mystery television series created by Glenn Gordon Caron and released on ABC in 1985. Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis star as Maddie Hayes and David Addison, a pair of private detectives who decide to take a chance on their small business after Maddie has all her assets stolen by her former accountant. The series centers on the two and their two employees as they engage in late-night mystery-solving antics.

Release Date

March 3, 1985

Seasons

5

Creator(s)

Glenn Gordon Caron

Before becoming a household name thanks to the success of Die Hard, Bruce Willis delivered perhaps his best performance of all time in the comedy-crime series Moonlighting. Cybil Shepherd also stars in the show as Madolyn “Maddie” Hayes, a former fashion model who finds her fortune gone thanks to shading money managers. With the only investment she has left being a small detective agency run by the fun-loving and immature David Addison (Willis), she decides to run it with him.

The setup for the series does not prepare viewers for how inventive and bold Moonlighting is as a comedy series. The show has clever and interesting cases for Maddie and David to investigate each week while they struggle with their love-hate relationship with each other. However, the show also breaks the fourth wall constantly, makes meta jokes, and even falls into musical numbers on occasion, making for a hilarious, charming, and endlessly entertaining ride.

22 Bosch (2014-2021)

An Old-School Detective Plays By His Own Rules In Los Angeles

Bosch is a crime drama series created by Eric Ellis Overmyer that ran for seven seasons on Prime Video between 2014 and 2021. The series centers on Harry Bosch, an LAPD homicide detective that is juggling the case of a 13-year-old murder victim while standing trial after murdering a serial killer. After season 7 Bosch was followed by Bosch: Legacy in 2022.

Cast

Titus Welliver , Jamie Hector , Amy Aquino , Lance Reddick , Madison Lintz , Troy Evans , DaJuan Johnson , Mimi Rogers

Release Date

February 6, 2014

Seasons

7

Showrunner

Eric Ellis Overmyer

Sometimes a good detective show doesn’t need a ground-breaking premise or an inventive approach to the genre, but rather just a memorable detective character at the center of it all. Such is the case with Bosch, which feels like a throwback detective series, exploring a hard-edged protagonist solving crimes each week. Harry Bosch is a skilled LAPD detective who refuses to evolve with the times as he investigates murders and pushes back against those who try to tell him how to do his job.

The series is not groundbreaking but it is a gripping and intense thriller with some interesting cases with Bosch typically investigating one over-arching crime across an entire season. He is also a character who, despite his many flaws, is fun to spend time with and see how he interacts with the modern world. The series was popular enough to earn a spinoff with Bosch: Legacy also available on Prime Video.

21 Reacher (2022-Present)

A New Adaptation Of The Action Novels

Produced by Amazon Prime Video, Reacher adapts Lee Child’s Jack Reacher book series to live-action. The series follows veteran Military Police Officer Jack Reacher as he unravels a dangerous conspiracy in the fictional town of Margrave, Georgia. Played by the towering Alan Ritchson, the titular hero collaborates with officer Roscoe Conklin (Willa Fitzgerald) and Chief Detective Oscar Finlay (Malcolm Goodwin) to clean his name and save Margrave from crime and corruption.

Cast

Malcolm Goodwin , Maria Sten , Willa Fitzgerald , Bruce McGill , Chris Webster , Alan Ritchson , Anthony Michael Hall , Brian Tee , Johnny Berchtold , Daniel David Stewart

Release Date

February 4, 2022

Seasons

3

Some of the most famous literary detectives, like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, are seen as more intellectual heroes than action heroes. In the case of Jack Reacher, the hero from Lee Child’s best-selling book series, there is a lot of muscle included with the character’s sharp mind. The character was adapted for television with Alan Ritchson playing the large and powerful former member of the military police, who has not given up his penchant for sleuthing as he seems to find himself dragged into one mystery after another.

It is a lot of fun seeing this kind of detective character as Reacher is not afraid to embrace both aspects of his talents. He has a keen eye as an investigator, seeing things that others do not. Of course, he is also not shy about kicking down doors or punching out suspects if he thinks that is the more effective approach. Season 3 of Reacher will bring Ritchson back for more of a mix of brain power and muscle power.

20 House (2004-2012)

A Series Of Medical Mysteries With An Unlikeable Genius Lead

House is a medical mystery drama in which the villain is typically a difficult-to-diagnose medical malady. It follows Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), a world-renowned disabled diagnostician with a notorious substance abuse issue. With his team of world-class doctors, House has built a reputation as one of the most brilliant doctors in the world – an especially impressive feat when taking into account that he rarely actually sees his patients.

Cast

Olivia Wilde , Jesse Spencer , Lisa Edelstein

Release Date

November 16, 2004

Seasons

8

Showrunner

David Shore

Some of the best detective shows on Prime Video find fun ways to blend the genres. House is largely seen as a medical procedural drama, but fans of the series will know that Gregory House is largely influenced by Sherlock Holmes. House is a brilliant doctor who specializes in diagnosing strange ailments that most other doctors would be baffled by. Like Holmes, he also has more than a few social issues which can make him a hard man to get along with.

The series follows the case-of-the-week format with House tackling one unusual patient after another, punctuated by his often hilarious lack of bedside manner. The cases and the way House breaks them down are often fascinating, proving that there are more than just murder mysteries that can work in a detective show. Hugh Laurie makes for an entertaining and complex protagonist in the series.

19 Monsieur Spade (2024)

The Latest Take On The Classic Detective Story

Based on the works of Dashiell Hammet, Monsieur Spade is a mystery crime-drama series created for AMC by Scott Frank and Tom Fontana. The series follows Detective Sam Spade years into retirement, now living in France. His peaceful era is interrupted by a former foe who begins a string of murders, forcing Sam to return and uncover the truth about the town he now inhabits.

Cast

Clive Owen , Cara Bossom , Denis Menochet , Louise Bourgoin , Chiara Mastroianni , Stanley Weber

Release Date

January 14, 2024

Seasons

1

Showrunner

Scott Frank , Tom Fontana

One of the most iconic detectives of the noir genre has his own miniseries on Prime Video. Sam Spade is a character created by acclaimed author Dashiell Hammett and served as the protagonist for the mystery novel The Maltese Falcon. Clive Owen becomes the latest actor to play Spade in Monsieur Spade, a new series that follows the detective into his retirement. Now living a quiet life in France, Spade is dragged into his old world when there is a series of murders that coincide with the emergence of one of Spade’s old adversaries.

The series comes from filmmaker Scott Frank, known for writing some great crime movies, like Out of Sight and The Lookout, as well as creating the miniseries The Queen’s Gambit. His style fits in perfectly with the noir sensibilities of the character of Sam Spade while also taking his own approach to a neo-noir. Owen makes for a compelling lead as a detective in a gripping and complex mystery.

18 Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)

The World’s Greatest Detective… In DC Comics, At Least.

Batman: The Animated Series is an award-winning adaptation of the Batman mythos. Remembered for its groundbreaking art style and orchestrated soundtrack, Batman: The Animated Series features the Caped Crusader and countless characters from his rogues’ gallery. Kevin Conroy lent his now-iconic voice to the Dark Knight, with the show also featuring the voice talents of Mark Hamill (as the Joker) Arleen Sorkin (Harley Quinn), John Glover (the Riddler), Ron Perlman (Clayface), and David Warner (Ra’s al Ghul).

Release Date

September 5, 1992

Seasons

4

One of the most acclaimed superhero series of all time is available on Prime Video and it also happens to be a solid detective show as well. Batman: The Animated Series is a beloved take on the Caped Crusader with Kevin Conroy providing the distinct vocals for the iconic hero. The show is a dark and noir-esque show that follows Batman on his various adventures in Gotham City, taking on some of his most famous villains, such as Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, and The Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill.

Batman is often referred to as the world’s greatest detective in his stories and this show helps to earn him that reputation more so than a lot of the blockbuster movies the character has appeared in. Episodes like “Perchance to Dream” and “Heart of Ice” see the character getting to the bottom of mysteries in some thrilling ways.

17 Batman: Caped Crusader (2024)

A New Noir Take On A Batman Animated Series

Wealthy socialite Bruce Wayne, transformed by tragedy, takes on the mantle of Batman to combat the rampant corruption and crime in Gotham City. His vigilante actions attract both allies within the GCPD and City Hall and deadly adversaries, leading to unforeseen consequences. The series delves into the noir roots of Batman, exploring the psychological depths of Gotham’s inhabitants.

Release Date

August 1, 2024

Seasons

1

While Batman: The Animated Series is often regarded as the best superhero animated series of all time, Batman: Caped Crusader has managed to impress many fans of the original with a new take that is hugely influenced by the 90s cartoon, but it is also its own show. The show presents Gotham as a city straight out of old noir movies with Batman in his early days of crime-fighting, being pursued by the police as a vigilante while taking on the criminal element of the city.

The series is aimed at an older audience than even the surprisingly serious Batman: The Animated Series, so it’s perfect for those who grew up with the original show. There is violence and death in each episode, while Batman is seen as a more complex character, one who seeks to take down criminals but has also lost a part of his humanity in the process.

16 Broadchurch (2013-2017)

A Tense Murder Mystery In A Coastal Town

Created by Chris Chibnall, Broadchurch is set in the fictional Dorset town of the same name and follows Ellie Miller and Alec Hardy, two police detectives who are tasked with solving the death of an 11-year-old boy killed under mysterious circumstances. The first and second seasons of the show focus on the case and its fallout in the community, with the third season focusing on a new case. Olivia Coleman and David Tennant star as Ellie and Alec. 

Release Date

March 4, 2013

Seasons

3

Showrunner

Chris Chibnall

Among the wave of British murder mystery series that came along in the last several years, Broadchurch is one of the most popular and served as an inspiration for many of the ones that followed. Olivia Colman and David Tennant star in the series as two detectives who arrive in a small coastal town to investigate a murder that has rocked the community and torn people apart.

The grim and brooding tone of the story makes for an emotional and impactful story, with a similar feel to HBO’s acclaimed Mare of Easttown. It focuses on the complicated lives of the detectives investigating the crime while also on the community that has been so affected by the shocking murder. Colman and Tennant make for top-notch leads, avoiding the typical stoicism of TV detectives and creating more authentic characters.

15 Midsomer Murders (1997-)

A Classic Murder Mystery Series

Midsomer Murders is a British television series revolving around Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and his successors as they investigate various murder cases in the seemingly idyllic, yet surprisingly villainous county of Midsomer. The show combines elements of traditional whodunnits with dark humor and picturesque English countryside settings, showcasing the underbelly of rural life through complex characters and intricate plots.

Cast

John Nettles , Jane Wymark , Barry Jackson , Neil Dudgeon , Fiona Dolman , Jason Hughes , Laura Howard , Nick Hendrix

Release Date

March 23, 1997

Seasons

23

Creator(s)

Caroline Graham

Midsomer Murders is a nice mix of murder mystery and cozy small-town stories. Taking place in the fictional English region of Midsomer, the show follows detectives who investigate the various murders that crop up in the area, involving the colorful characters who populate these villages. While the cast has changed a couple of times over the show’s nearly three-decade run, the patient and level-headed Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby was the key detective.

The best Midsomer Murders episodes showcase the show’s unique tone. It often features brutal deaths at the beginning of the episode but maintains a cheerfulness and even a dark sense of humor that suits the show well. It feels heavily inspired by the works of Agatha Christie with a similar sharpness and quaintness. With the series beginning in 1997 and still going, there are plenty of episodes to binge.

14 Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)

A Murder Mystery Writer Uses Her Skills To Solve Real Crimes

Murder, She Wrote was a long-running Drama and Crime television series created by Richard Levinson, Peter S. Fischer, and William Link. Starring Angela Lansbury, the series chronicled a mystery writer that become involved in solving many of the murders that sparked in her fictional hometown of Cabot Cove.

Cast

Angela Lansbury

Release Date

January 1, 1984

Seasons

12

One of television’s most charming detectives is available to watch on Prime Video. Murder, She Wrote stars Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer who decides to use her skills for a more active role in murder mysteries as she endeavors to become an amateur sleuth in her small community of Maine.

Jessica is a very charming and kind detective, differing from the kind of hardboiled and brooding heroes that are usually depicted in the genre. It makes for another cozy and oddly comforting mystery show with each episode detailing a new complex case that Jessica approaches like it were a puzzle she was working on during a quiet afternoon at home. The show ran for more than a decade and with over 250 episodes, all of which featured Lansbury as the only principal actor. The show maintains a lasting legacy as a Murder, She Wrote movie is in the works.

13 Columbo (1971-2003)

An LA Police Detective Solves Murders In His Unique Way

Cast

Peter Falk , Mike Lally , John Finnegan , Bruce Kirby , Dianne Travis , Shera Danese , Vito Scotti , Ed McCready

Release Date

September 15, 1971

Seasons

10

Character(s)

Columbo , Bartender , Barney , Sergeant George Kramer , Blonde At Birthday of Mrs Hayward , Cathleen Calvert , Chadwick , Detecitve #2

Creator(s)

Richard Levinson , William Link

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One of the best TV detectives of all time is also one of the most unusual which Prime Video users can confirm for themselves. Columbo is a funny, intelligent, and exciting mystery series that stars Peter Falk as the titular detective, a Los Angeles police detective who investigates various murders in his own unique and highly effective way. Though Columbo comes off as a bit of a scatter-brained and bumbling investigator, only for that personality to gradually reveal that he is playing the suspects.

Unlike a lot of shows in the genre, Columbo never attempts to hide who the killer is from the audience. Each episode begins with the murder and clearly shows who is responsible. The fun of the show is not in finding out the truth but in seeing Columbo pick away and the seemingly foolproof plan these killers have constructed to get away with it.

12 Gracepoint (2014)

The US Remake Of Broadchurch

Detective Emmett Carver and Detective Ellie Miller investigate the mysterious death of a young boy in a small coastal town. As they uncover hidden secrets and tensions within the community, the case challenges their professional partnership and personal lives, leading to shocking revelations and a gripping pursuit of justice.

Cast

David Tennant , Anna Gunn , Michael Pena , Virginia Kull , Nick Nolte , Jacki Weaver , Josh Hamilton , Kevin Rankin , Kevin Zegers , Jessica Lucas , Stephen Louis Grush , Madalyn Horcher , Sarah-Jane Potts

Release Date

October 2, 2014

Seasons

1

Writers

Chris Chibnall

Streaming Service(s)

Amazon Freevee , Crackle , Tubi , The Roku Channel

Directors

James Strong , euros lyn , David Petrarca

Creator(s)

Chris Chibnall

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An American remake of the British crime drama Broadchurch, Gracepoint sees David Tennant reprise his role as Detective Emmett Carver (Alec Hardy in Broadchurch) in the ten-part series. Tennant appears opposite Breaking Bad star Anna Gunn, as the two investigate the death of a local boy after his body is found washed up on a nearby beach. Both exciting and tense, Gracepoint shines a light on trusting the local community, and how one death changes a small town forever.

In Gracepoint, the gripping narrative expertly weaves together the complexities of small-town relationships with the procedural intricacies of crime-solving, offering viewers a deep dive into the emotional turmoil and psychological ramifications of a child’s tragic death. David Tennant’s portrayal of Detective Emmett Carver brings a nuanced depth to the character, balancing his professional acumen with personal challenges. Anna Gunn, as his counterpart, delivers a compelling performance that captures the resilience and determination of a local detective faced with the ultimate test of her career.

11 Harlan Coben’s Shelter (2023)

A Schoolboy Goes In Search Of A Missing Classmate

Harlan Coben’s Shelter is an action drama-thriller based on the book series by Coben and follows a young man named Mickey Bolitar, who is acclimating to a new life in New Jersey after his father passes away. Mickey’s world gets more complicated when a new student suddenly disappears, but with two new friends at his side, they’ll delve deep into a web of lies and conspiracy that goes back decades.

Cast

Jaden Michael , Constance Zimmer , Adrian Greensmith , Sage Linder , Abby Corrigan , Brian Altemus , Lee Aaron Rosen

Release Date

August 18, 2023

Directors

Patricia Cardoso , Edward Ornelas , Christina Choe , Deborah Kampmeier

From author Harlan Coben, Shelter is based on the novel of the same name, and follows the story of Mickey Bolitar (Jaden Michael). Following his father’s death, Mickey moves across the country, and upon joining his new school, immediately gets wrapped up in the mysterious disappearance of his classmate. Harlan Coben’s Shelter masterfully transitions from the written page to the screen, encapsulating the essence of Coben’s gripping storytelling with the addition of a visual depth that enriches the narrative.

Starring Jaden Michael as Mickey Bolitar, the series quickly immerses viewers in a complex web of mystery, teenage angst, and the quest for truth in the aftermath of personal tragedy. As Mickey delves into the disappearance of his classmate, the series adeptly explores themes of loss, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of high school’s tumultuous social hierarchy. The first season ran for eight episodes and concluded in August 2023. Sadly, Harlan Coben’s Shelter season 2 will not be moving forward as the show was canceled.

10 Grimm (2011-2017)

A Detective Battling Supernatural Elements

Detective Nick Burkhardt discovers he’s a Grimm, a guardian tasked with keeping the balance between humanity and mythological creatures. As he navigates his new role, he battles dangerous Wesen while uncovering secrets about his ancestors. With the help of allies, Nick confronts dark forces threatening both worlds.

Cast

David Giuntoli , Russell Hornsby , Silas Weir Mitchell , Sasha Roiz , Reggie Lee , Elizabeth Tulloch , Bree Turner

Release Date

October 28, 2011

Seasons

6

After a homicide detective finds that he’s a descendant of a group of hunters who spent their days chasing down supernatural creatures, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) reluctantly finds himself pulled into this new world. Grimm combines elements of a typical detective drama with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, following Nick as he battles against an array of dangerous, mythical creatures to protect humanity. The show ran for six seasons, from 2011 to 2017, and was praised for its use of humor with a chilling, eerie atmosphere.

Grimm stands out as a genre-blending series that marries the procedural structure of detective dramas with the fantastical elements of supernatural folklore, creating a unique narrative alchemy that captivates the audience’s imagination. David Giuntoli’s portrayal of Nick Burkhardt provides a grounded entry point into this world where fairy tales are not just stories, but warnings. As Nick grapples with his newfound identity and the responsibilities that come with it, Grimm delves into themes of destiny, morality, and the thin line between humanity and the monstrous.

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9 Upload (2020-Present)

In A Virtuality Reality Afterlife, The Dead Seeks To Find His Own Killer

Upload is a sci-fi comedy series from Emmy Award-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation) set in a technologically advanced future where hologram phones, 3D food printers, and automated grocery stores are the norm. Most uniquely, humans can choose to be “uploaded” into a virtual afterlife. When programmer Nathan Brown finds himself inexplicably dead and his consciousness uploaded to the incredibly expensive Lakeview community by his girlfriend, he befriends his customer service rep, Nora, who believes foul play may have been involved.
 

Cast

Robbie Amell , Zainab Johnson , Allegra Edwards , Andy Allo , Kevin Bigley

Release Date

May 1, 2020

Writers

Greg Daniels

In the very near future, Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell) suddenly dies at the age of 27 and finds his consciousness uploaded to a virtual afterlife. Struggling to adjust to his new digital world, Nathan befriends his support agent Nora (Andy Allo), who is still alive. As the two grow closer, Nora begins to suspect Nathan was murdered, leading her down a rabbit hole to find the truth. Upload combines crime drama with science fiction, developing a modern and futuristic terror throughout.

Robbie Amell’s Nathan Brown provides a sympathetic and complex protagonist, whose untimely death and subsequent digital resurrection offer a unique lens through which the series explores themes of existence, love, and the ethical quandaries of technology. Andy Allo’s Nora shines as the living connection to Nathan’s past and present, her determination to uncover the truth about Nathan’s death adding layers of suspense and emotional depth to Upload’s narrative.

8 Carnival Row (2019-2023)

A Victorian Fantasy, Intertwined With Murder Mystery

Carnival Row is a fantasy crime-drama based on the story A killing on Carnival Row by Travis Beacham. A string of murders on Carnival Row — an area of Victorian London where creatures, including faeries, who have fled their homelands after being invaded by humans now live — draw the attention of Detective Rycroft Philostrate. Despite rising tensions between the mythical creatures and humans, Rycroft reunites with Vignette, a faerie refugee with whom he was once involved romantically. Together, they work to solve the mystery of the monster who is killing those throughout Carnival Row before it’s too late. 

Cast

Cara Delevingne , Jamie Harris , David Gyasi , Indira Varma , Andrew Gower , Orlando Bloom , Arty Froushan , Maeve Dermody , Karla Crome , Jared Harris , Waj Ali

Release Date

August 30, 2019

Seasons

2

Network

Amazon Prime Video

Directors

Travis Beacham

Carnival Row follows a group of oppressed mythical beings living alongside humans, with the two species trying to coexist among tension and fear of one another. Hybrid human-fae detective Philo (Orlando Bloom) is left to investigate a string of murders connected to the mythical beings, while trying to avoid revealing his origin to his human counterparts. Carnival Row presents a rich tapestry of fantasy, noir, and socio-political commentary, set against the backdrop of a Victorian-inspired dystopian world where mythical creatures and humans grapple with coexistence amidst prejudice and fear.

Orlando Bloom’s portrayal of Philo, a hybrid human-fae detective, offers a compelling narrative core, as he navigates the complexities of his identity while solving murders that threaten the fragile balance between species. The series excels in its world-building, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged environment where themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for equality are explored with depth and nuance. Carnival Row ran for two seasons and concluded in March 2023, following delays in filming due to the coronavirus pandemic.

7 Absentia (2017-2020)

An Fbi Agent With Amnesia Tries To Figure Out What Happened To Her

FBI agent Emily Byrne is found alive after being presumed dead for six years. As she struggles to regain her life and uncover the truth behind her disappearance, she becomes entangled in a web of conspiracy and danger, forcing her to confront dark secrets and relentless threats.

Cast

Stana Katic , Matthew Le Nevez , Patrick Heusinger , Cara Theobold , Neil Jackson , Angel Bonanni , Bruno Bichir , Paul Freeman , Ralph Ineson , Patrick McAuley , Richard Brake , Donald McNair

Release Date

September 25, 2017

Seasons

3

Writers

Gaia , Violo , Matt Cirulnick

Absentia weaves a gripping tale of mystery, identity, and survival, anchored by Stana Katic’s compelling performance as FBI agent Emily Byrne. Found after disappearing for six years with no memory of her past, Emily’s quest to reclaim her identity and unravel the truth of her abduction is fraught with twists, turns, and deep emotional turmoil. The series skillfully balances the personal struggle of a woman piecing together her shattered life with the high-stakes tension of a crime thriller, as Emily becomes entangled in a murder investigation where she is the prime suspect.

Its exploration of themes such as memory, trust, and redemption is handled with sensitivity and depth, engaging viewers in a complex narrative that questions the very essence of identity and the possibility of starting over. Despite its cancelation after three seasons, Absentia remains a standout series for its intense storytelling, rich character development, and the way it maintains suspense and emotional resonance throughout its run. It has left a lasting impression on audiences, cementing its place as a well-received addition to the pantheon of detective series on Amazon Prime Video.

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6 Unforgotten (2015-Present)

A British Cold Case Drama Series

Detectives Cassie Stuart and Sunny Khan tackle cold cases, uncovering hidden crimes and long-buried secrets. Each season delves into a new investigation, revealing how past events continue to impact present lives. The series masterfully intertwines complex character stories with gripping mysteries, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and justice.

Cast

nicola walker , Sanjeev Bhaskar , Sinéad Keenan , Peter Egan , Lewis Reeves , Pippa Nixon , Carolina Main

Release Date

October 8, 2015

Seasons

5

Directors

Andy Wilson

Unforgotten distinguishes itself within the crowded field of British crime drama through its meticulous attention to detail, deep emotional resonance, and the stellar performances of its cast, particularly Nicola Walker as DCI Cassie Stuart. Each season’s narrative is crafted around a cold case, which not only challenges the detectives’ skills but also delves into the profound impacts of unresolved grief, secrets, and the quest for justice on both the victims’ families and the investigators themselves.

The series is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and the moral dilemmas they face, set against the backdrop of meticulously plotted mysteries. Walker’s departure in the fourth season marks a poignant turn in the series, showcasing the high stakes and personal toll involved in such deeply immersive investigative work. Unforgotten’s ability to blend suspenseful storytelling with a compassionate exploration of human frailty and redemption has secured its status as a beloved and critically acclaimed staple of the genre, leaving a lasting legacy in the landscape of British television.