Top British Crime Dramas Streaming in the US

A gripping police procedural focusing on AC-12, a dedicated branch investigating corrupt officers. Known for its intense interrogation scenes and complex plotting, this series remains a benchmark for high-stakes British television drama.

Set in a picturesque seaside town, this series follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy. Featuring outstanding performances by David Tennant and Olivia Colman, it masterfully blends emotional depth with forensic detail.

A gritty police drama set in the West Yorkshire Pennines, starring Sarah Lancashire as Sergeant Catherine Cawood. The show combines dark humor, complex family dynamics, and intense crime-solving in a raw, authentic setting.

Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, this series follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez solving crimes in the remote Scottish islands. The stunning scenery and atmospheric storytelling create a unique backdrop for intricate murder mysteries.

Created by Simon Stephen, this miniseries spans twelve years as a father searches for his missing son in a French village. It features a non-linear narrative and intense performances by Alexander Skarsgård and James Nesbitt.

Starring Brenda Blethyn as the sharp-witted Detective Sergeant Vera Stanhope, this long-running series is set in Northumberland. It combines traditional whodunit elements with strong character development and scenic coastal locations.

Note: While often confused, ensure you are watching the correct distinct title from other entries. This specific entry refers to the intense police procedural elements, though generally recommended under the main title above. For distinct variety, consider 'Unforgotten'.

This series focuses on cold cases, where DI Sunil Kapoor and DCI Cassie Stuart investigate newly discovered remains. Each case is self-contained, allowing for deep dives into historical crimes and their lingering impact on communities.

A prequel to Inspector Morse, this series follows a young Endeavour Morse in Oxford during the 1960s and 70s. It captures the period atmosphere while delivering clever, intellectual murder mysteries characteristic of the franchise.

Created by Jed Mercurio, this thriller follows a war veteran assigned to protect a controversial politician. The series features tense political intrigue, realistic action sequences, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers on edge.

Starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dorman, this series offers a cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer. It provides a chilling psychological portrait of both the hunter and the hunted, set in Belfast.

This series follows two female detectives working in the Manchester Met's Serious Crime Division. It offers a fresh perspective on police work, balancing procedural elements with the personal challenges faced by its protagonists.

Created by Hans Rosenfeldt, this show follows Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland, who begins having blackouts while investigating her husband's disappearance. It blends Scandinavian noir influences with British police procedural structures.

Starring Idris Elba as the brilliant but troubled Detective Inspector John Luther, this series explores dark crimes and complex morality. It is known for its visceral intensity, psychological depth, and Elba's iconic performance.

While partly historical, this series features significant criminal elements as it follows the Shelby crime family in post-WWI Birmingham. It combines stylistic direction with intense gangster drama, making it a staple of modern British TV.

This modern adaptation places Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in contemporary London. It reimagines classic mysteries with high-tech elements, clever writing, and exceptional chemistry between Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, this light-hearted mystery follows detectives solving murders. It offers a relaxed pace and charming setting, contrasting sharply with the grittier British noir entries.

Based on James Runcie's novels, this series follows a detective and a vicar solving crimes in 1950s and 60s Cambridge. It blends gentle period drama with engaging mystery elements, offering a more subdued British crime experience.