5 Slow-Burn Mystery Series Like True Detective to Stream Right Now

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This HBO series is a hugely popular mystery drama, known for telling a different, self-contained story each season with a new cast of characters. Unlike many fast-paced thrillers, it’s a slow-burning, character-focused mystery that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

If you enjoyed the atmospheric, character-focused mysteries of True Detective, you’ll find plenty of other great shows to watch. Look for crime thrillers that prioritize compelling characters and their stories over fast-paced action and sudden plot twists. These shows offer impactful narratives and create characters you’ll remember long after the credits roll.

Mindhunter Is the Perfect Slow-Burn Psychological Thriller

The show was an immediate hit with audiences around the world. It tells the story of how the FBI started its Behavioral Science Unit, drawing inspiration from the non-fiction book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. This allowed the series to explore what makes serial killers think and act the way they do.

The series Mindhunter follows FBI Special Agents Holden Ford, played by Jonathan Groff, and Bill Tench, played by Holt McCallany, along with psychologist Wendy Carr, played by Anna Torv. Together, they create the Behavioral Science Unit and begin a groundbreaking project: interviewing imprisoned serial killers to understand their motivations.

Inspired by real events, Mindhunter features actors portraying notorious criminals, like Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper and Damon Herriman as Charles Manson. However, unlike True Detective, which presents a new mystery each season, Mindhunter centers on the FBI agents who interview serial killers and how those interviews aid in solving crimes.

This series prioritizes in-depth character studies and explores the minds of serial killers. The interviews are both unsettling and insightful, building suspense throughout. As the story unfolds, seemingly small moments and secondary characters connect to reveal a larger, more complex plot.

Broadchurch Is a Character-Driven British Crime Drama

This series is a deliberately paced mystery set in the fictional town of Broadchurch. The story begins with the tragic murder of 11-year-old Danny, and focuses on how the community grapples with grief and works together to uncover the truth.

Similar to True Detective, Broadchurch features new cases each season. However, it always returns to the central mystery of Danny’s death, focusing on how it continues to affect the town. The show also examines how a small community is impacted by both the crime itself and the intense media coverage that follows.

Broadchurch is a gripping mystery that unfolds gradually, featuring a fantastic ensemble cast. Olivia Colman, known from The Crown, stars as Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller, alongside David Tennant (Doctor Who) as Detective Inspector Alec Hardy. Other familiar faces appearing throughout the series include Jodie Whittaker and Arthur Darvill (both from Doctor Who), Andrew Buchan (Code of Silence), and actors from Bridgerton.

Similar to True Detective, Broadchurch deeply involves viewers in the personal lives of its characters, revealing their backgrounds, what drives them, and how the investigation affects them. The show features beautiful visuals, a well-managed pace, and strong acting, with a focus on developing the characters just as much as solving the crime.

Sharp Objects Is an Eerie Miniseries Set in a Small Rural Town

The show is a captivating crime thriller starring Amy Adams as Camille Preaker, a journalist. She’s living in St. Louis when she’s sent back to her small hometown of Wind Gap to investigate the murders of two teenage girls, a case that deeply affects the close-knit community.

The show unfolds its central mystery over eight episodes, but also hints at secrets from Camille’s earlier life. A key part of the story focuses on Camille’s difficult relationship with her family, particularly her mother, Adora, and she begins to wonder if her mother might be connected to the crimes.

Sharp Objects is a haunting and unforgettable miniseries. While it centers around a murder investigation, the show deeply explores the past and emotional wounds of the main character, Camille, particularly following the death of her sister, Marian. This loss profoundly impacts Camille’s life and her connections with her family.

If you loved the dark and complex mystery of True Detective, you’ll likely enjoy Sharp Objects. It’s a chilling and unsettling series with a haunting atmosphere that stays with you. The story unfolds slowly, allowing you to become invested in the characters, and features a smart plot with a genuinely surprising twist that’s even more impactful on a rewatch.

The Fall Sees a Detective Trying to Outsmart a Dangerous Serial Killer

The Fall is a crime drama centered around Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, played by Gillian Anderson, and serial killer Paul Spector, portrayed by Jamie Dornan. The story begins when Stella arrives in Belfast to examine an ongoing case. She quickly uncovers evidence hinting that a serial killer may be responsible.

When Stella proposes that a serial killer is targeting women in Belfast, her concerns are initially dismissed. However, a new crime proves she was right, and she steps forward to lead the investigation. Meanwhile, the show The Fall also offers viewers a chilling look into the mind of the killer, Paul Spector, as he searches for and stalks his victims.

I’m totally hooked on The Fall! It’s not your typical crime show; it’s a really slow-building mystery that gets under your skin. Instead of focusing on the victims, it’s all about this intense cat-and-mouse game between Stella, the detective, and Paul, the killer. And what’s really creepy is how Paul keeps getting better and better at staying one step ahead. The show also does a great job of diving into the lives of both Stella and Paul – it’s unsettling to see how Paul manages to seem like just a normal family man while being, well, a killer.

Although often unsettling and bleak, The Fall is a truly captivating and unforgettable series. It offers a unique glimpse into the life and thoughts of a serial killer, showing how he attempts to evade capture while continuing his crimes. Even though viewers know the killer’s identity, the show remains consistently engaging.

Bosch Follows a Different Case Every Season

“Bosch” is a standout crime drama from the last ten years, and it’s easy to see why. Based on Michael Connelly’s popular Harry Bosch novels, the show centers around LAPD detective Harry Bosch and his investigations, with each season featuring a new case inspired by multiple books from the series. These cases also build towards a larger, ongoing story.

Bosch is a crime drama that unfolds gradually over ten episodes per season. Each season features a new police investigation, but also delves into the personal lives of the characters. A long-standing, unsolved case becomes particularly important as the series progresses, deeply affecting Harry Bosch.

Bosch centers around Harry Bosch, a determined detective played by Titus Welliver, who often clashes with his superiors and the strict rules of the LAPD. He prefers to work independently, which sometimes causes problems but ultimately leads to success. The show also stars Jamie Hector as Bosch’s partner, J. Edgar, Lance Reddick as a Deputy Chief within the LAPD, and Sarah Clarke as

While not an anthology series, Bosch features a significant new case for Harry Bosch in each season, alongside the ongoing development of the show’s core characters. The series strikes a good balance with its action, but its greatest strength lies in the rich and consistent character arcs that unfold throughout its run.

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2026-01-17 06:08