If you’re a fan of detective series, you’re constantly on the hunt for the next show that will get your brain buzzing and your pulse racing. Luckily, there is a steady stream of great detective series released every year across streaming platforms, so fans have the luxury of a broad selection to choose from. 2025 has been no exception.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy period piece like Mark Gatiss’ Bookish, a masterful Nordic thriller like The Åre Murders, or a gritty American police drama like Ballard, there’s something on this list for every fan of a good investigation.
Dept Q (2025)
Netflix series Dept Q takes the basic outline of a traditional detective series and makes it feel both engaging and new. Based on Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen’s book series of the same name, Dept Q follows Matthew Goode as Carl Morck, a volatile but brilliant English detective. While still dealing with the trauma of a previous case, he’s put in charge of a cold cases department deep in the bowels of an Edinburgh police station.
While Dept Q has some clichéd elements, its balanced blending of multiple investigations and the main characters’ emotional struggles—not to mention the top performances from all the leads—helps breathe new life into the genre and succeeds in keeping viewers sincerely invested in what happens throughout.
Bergerac (2025)
Set among the stunning rocky cliffs of Jersey, Bergerac reboots the beloved detective series of the same name that ran from 1981 to 1991. The new series stars Irish actor Damien Molony as Jim Bergerac, a brilliant DI who is still reeling from the loss of his wife six months earlier. After returning to the force, Bergerac is put in charge of a fresh murder investigation—but can he keep himself together enough to crack the case?
If you’re familiar with the original series, you’ll know that Bergerac always wears a brown leather jacket and tools around the island in a 1947 burgundy Triumph Roadster. Apart from those jaunty callbacks, the new series is darker and more brooding. Still, if you love a detective story that moves at a slower pace, be sure to check out the new Bergerac.
Ballard (2025)
If you loved Amazon Prime’s hit series Bosch, you’ll love the latest spinoff series Ballard. With the same grit as Bosch, and featuring a compelling new protagonist in Detective Renée Ballard (Maggie Q), Ballard follows the character after she is taken off the LAPD’s homicide unit and placed in charge of the cold case department.
While Ballard is interesting enough in her own right, if you’ve been missing Bosch, you’ll be happy to know that he also makes several tasteful appearances throughout the series – though Ballard would have been just as engaging as a separate entity. With plenty of bite, this fast-paced police drama expertly juggles several plotlines without fumbling any, allowing time for its leads to shine and give their characters well-rounded personalities.
Bookish (2025)
If you’re a fan of Sherlock, Agatha Christie's Poirot, or any other Mark Gatiss creation, you’ll want to put his latest project Bookish on your watch list. Set in post-war London, Gatiss stars as the eccentric antiquarian bookshop owner Gabriel Book, whose mysterious service during World War I provided him with a “letter from Churchill” that allows him to consult on any police investigation he fancies.
Much like Sherlock (a series Gatiss also co-wrote and starred in), Bookish features a brainy and sharp-witted protagonist who solves the most confusing of crimes with the help of a crew of friendly misfits. If you’re looking for a cosy new detective series, make sure to check it out.
The Åre Murders (2025)
Set on the frozen tundra of Åre, a ski resort town in northern Sweden, The Åre Murders once again proves the Scandinavians are unparalleled at bringing suspense and an imposing atmosphere to a murder mystery.
The series stars Carla Sehn as Hanna Ahlander, a detective taking a leave of absence from her post in Stockholm while under investigation. She’s lying low in a remote northern town when a local girl goes missing, and Hanna becomes increasingly more involved in the case.
Dark, compelling, and atmospheric, The Åre Murders is the perfect series for anyone who loves a good Nordic noir.
Untamed (2025)
Set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park, Untamed follows the story of a federal agent named Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) who is enlisted alongside rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) to help solve the grisly murder of a young woman in the park. While the investigators and local residents live in awe of the park’s natural beauty, the effect of living in such close proximity to the wild has its dark side.
While Untamed might be on the more predictable side, the plot is certainly compelling enough to maintain interest, and the acting by Bana and Santiago—not to mention the incredible scenery—makes this an altogether worthwhile watch.
The Residence (2025)
If you need a break from relentlessly dramatic detective stories, The Residence provides some comic relief while thoroughly scratching that investigative itch. This fun murder mystery with classic flair stars Uzo Aduba as brilliant consultant detective and avid birder Cordelia Cupp, who is called in to investigate after the Chief Usher is murdered during a state dinner for the Australian premier at the White House.
Intriguing, cosy, and delightfully silly, The Residence is the perfect series for murder mystery fans looking to indulge in a fun eight-hour escape from reality.
Missing You (2025)
Based on author Harlan Coben’s novel of the same name, Missing You is a gripping thriller with a good mix of drama and mystery. The series stars Rosalind Eleazar as Kat Donovan, a DI who has pieced her life back together after the loss of her father and the disappearance of her fiancée 11 years prior. However, her life is plunged back into chaos when she stumbles across her fiancée’s profile on a dating app, leading her to reexamine everything she thought she knew about him and her own family.
While Missing You’s finale might be somewhat underwhelming, the twisted journey to get there makes it absolutely worth watching.
Virdee (2025)
Virdee is one of the more action-packed detective series on this list, and stars Staz Nair as DCI Harry Virdee of the Bradford police force. Someone in Bradford is targeting the Asian community, and Virdee’s investigation takes him deep into the underbelly of the city to find answers.
The series is adapted by Amit Dhand, based on his own novel City of Sinners. Featuring some searing social commentary, great action sequences, and overall excellent storytelling, Virdee is perfect viewing for fans of gritty, fast-paced crime series.
