10 Detective Shows Better Than Sherlock

by

While the BBC’s Sherlock was once a defining show in the detective genre, many viewers now find other options more compelling. After almost 16 years, the series, based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, primarily appeals to fans seeking a familiar and comforting re-watch rather than a truly engaging experience.

While Sherlock Holmes and John Watson are rightfully celebrated, many other great TV detectives deserve recognition too. From traditional police shows to unique crime series, a lot of investigators bring more emotional depth, complexity, or charisma to their roles than the famously detached and aloof Sherlock.

Bosch (2014-2021)

Stream On Prime Video

Although the original Bosch series concluded in 2021 after seven seasons, the story continued with several spinoffs on Prime Video. This demonstrates how popular and well-made the show was, largely thanks to its compelling main character, Harry Bosch, played by Titus Welliver. Initially, Bosch seems like a typical detective, but he quickly reveals hidden layers and complexity.

The TV show Bosch consistently received outstanding reviews, with seasons 2 through 7 all earning perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes – a rare achievement for a crime drama. Even after the show ended, dedicated fans continue to hope for a return of the iconic Hollywood detective and his strong moral compass.

Poker Face (2023-2025)

Stream on Peacock

Image via Peacock

Created by Rian Johnson, the director of Knives Out, Poker Face puts a fresh spin on the classic detective story. The show stars Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, who isn’t just smart – she can instantly tell when someone is lying. Each episode, Charlie uses this incredible skill to solve murders as she travels across the country.

Now that Peacock has canceled Poker Face after just two seasons, the show’s future is up in the air. However, the 22 episodes that have aired are fantastic – visually striking with vibrant colors and featuring cleverly plotted, engaging mysteries. If the show doesn’t return, Poker Face leaves behind a legacy of being brief but brilliant.

Dexter (2006-2013)

Stream On Paramount+

While the character known as the Bay Harbor Butcher is now mostly remembered for the many Dexter spin-offs, the original show was groundbreaking. In the early 2000s, TV was full of detectives who strictly followed the rules and had strong morals. Dexter (played by Michael C. Hall) stood out by presenting a serial killer who solved crimes, yet still managed to connect with the audience.

Throughout the original Dexter series, Dexter struggled with a strict moral code taught to him by his father, trying to maintain his sense of honor while battling his urge to kill. As more dangerous criminals threatened his life and family, it became harder and harder for him to control himself, especially now that he had people he cared about who could be hurt.

Veronica Mars (2004-2019)

Stream On Netflix & Hulu

Kristen Bell became known for her role as Veronica Mars, which truly stood out on television in the 2000s. The show was a clever blend of weekly mysteries and a larger, season-long story arc, reminiscent of classic detective films. Veronica Mars was also notable for its bold and innovative storytelling, never shying away from challenging themes.

Veronica Mars breathed new life into detective shows, especially by letting younger audiences see themselves represented in the teenage detective at its center. The show’s sunny California backdrop provided a surprising and effective contrast to its often serious and unsettling storylines. Unlike many other shows in the genre, Veronica Mars skillfully balanced lighthearted moments with genuinely impactful and surprising dramatic turns that resonated with viewers.

Luther (2010-2019)

Stream On Hulu

Beyond being a standout role for Idris Elba, the TV show Luther offers a compelling look at the darker side of detective work. The series focuses on DCI John Luther, who isn’t just a skilled investigator – he’s deeply consumed by his cases, often becoming obsessed with solving them.

Luther’s unhealthy obsession with his work is made even more difficult by Alice Morgan, a brilliant and dangerous killer who manipulates him into a twisted game. As Luther’s grip on reality weakens, Alice seems to delight in pushing him towards his darker impulses and exploiting his vulnerabilities.

True Detective (2014-Present)

Stream On HBO Max

When True Detective first aired in 2014, it quickly became clear that HBO had created its best crime drama yet. Though only four seasons have been released so far, both critics and audiences agree: True Detective revitalized the detective genre.

While season 4 of True Detective: Night Country received an impressive 19 Emmy nominations, many still consider the original first season – with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson – to be the best. Season 1 of True Detective was a masterpiece, completely captivating from beginning to end and setting a new, incredibly high standard for crime dramas.

Psych (2006-2014)

Stream On Prime Video

Many detective series take a while to become successful, but Psych was great from the very beginning and consistently improved. Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez) developed an incredible ability to notice details, thanks to growing up with his police officer father. However, when a rude detective arrests him, Shawn has to convince everyone he’s a psychic.

Shawn Spencer, a perceptive consultant, teams up with his practical best friend, Gus (Dulé Hill), to solve complex crimes for the Santa Barbara Police Department with style. Their partnership mirrors the famous Sherlock Holmes and Watson duo, making Psych a fun and engaging take on the classic detective story.

Broadchurch (2013-2017)

Stream On Netflix

Patrick Redmond / © ITV/BBC America / Courtesy: Everett Collection

British detective shows have a unique appeal that even top American crime dramas can’t quite match. While Sherlock was incredibly popular globally, its last season disappointed many viewers and saw ratings drop significantly. In contrast, Broadchurch was equally captivating and consistently drew a growing audience between 2013 and 2017.

Each season of Broadchurch featured a new, compelling mystery, from the tragic death of a young boy to a decades-old unsolved crime. While the plots were straightforward, the show’s subtle approach allowed its talented cast – especially Olivia Colman as Ellie Miller and David Tennant as Alec Hardy – to truly stand out.

Monk (2002-2009)

Stream On Prime Video

Even after almost 24 years, people still talk about Monk as one of the best detective shows ever made. Instead of another tough, world-weary detective, the series featured the uniquely quirky Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub). He was a man dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder, unusual phobias, and the lingering pain of losing his wife.

USA Network found a winning combination with Monk: comforting, familiar stories and a lovable cast. While it’s a classic, the show isn’t simplistic or predictable. Instead, its unique quirks are what make it so appealing, turning it into one of the most comforting and endlessly rewatchable crime shows around.

Elementary

2012-2019

Let me tell you, if you’re craving a new detective series, or even just something to fill the void left by Sherlock, look no further than Elementary. This show isn’t afraid to shake things up. They made some really smart choices updating the classic stories – most notably, they reimagined Watson as the fantastic Lucy Liu, and gave Sherlock, played by Jonny Lee Miller, a compelling personal struggle with sobriety. It really grounds the character and makes the show incredibly engaging.

As a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, I was completely captivated by Elementary. It really reinvented the character and, honestly, I think it holds its own beautifully when you compare it to Sherlock. The show ran for seven seasons and deserved all the praise it got from viewers and critics alike. But let’s be real, the debate over which modern Sherlock series is better – Elementary or Sherlock – is something fans will argue about forever, and I’m totally okay with that!

Read More

2026-02-07 20:07