Top British Crime Dramas on Hulu That Will Keep You Hooked

Set in the West Yorkshire Pennines, this series follows Detective Sergeant Catherine Cawood as she battles drug dealers and family secrets. Sarah Lancashire delivers a powerhouse performance in this grounded, emotionally resonant drama known for its sharp dialogue and realistic portrayal of policing.

This high-stakes procedural focuses on AC-12, an anti-corruption police unit, investigating serious offenses within the force itself. Known for its intense interrogation scenes and complex conspiracy plots, it became a cultural phenomenon in the UK for its relentless pacing and moral ambiguity.

Each season of this series tackles a new cold case involving unidentified human remains discovered in London. The show excels in its methodical investigative approach and deep emotional exploration of how past sins continue to haunt the present lives of both victims' families and perpetrators.

The tragic murder of a young boy in a small coastal town sets the stage for this gripping investigation starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman. Renowned for its atmospheric coastal setting and the deep community trauma it explores, it redefined the modern British crime thriller genre.

A tense thriller centering on a war veteran assigned to protect a controversial politician with views that threaten national security. The series is noted for its cinematic opening sequence, political intrigue, and the intense psychological pressure placed on the protagonist as he navigates multiple threats.

Starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dorman, this series offers a chilling cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer. It is praised for its nuanced portrayal of the killer's psyche and the detective's obsession, creating a dark, atmospheric, and psychologically complex narrative.

Idris Elba stars as a brilliant but troubled detective inspector who hunts down complex criminals while battling his own inner demons. The series is known for its stylish cinematography, witty banter, and the intense, often toxic, professional relationship between Luther and his superiors.

A psychological thriller exploring the impact of modern surveillance technology on truth and justice through a disputed miscarriage of justice. The show utilizes found-footage elements and breaking the fourth wall to create a sense of paranoia and unreliability regarding what the audience sees.

A former police officer returns to work to solve a series of brutal murders that mirror cases from her past. The non-linear narrative jumps between different timelines, adding layers of mystery as the protagonist struggles with her mental health while pursuing a cunning criminal.

Following the murder of a powerful crime lord, a power vacuum erupts, leading to a war between various criminal factions. This series is notable for its hyper-stylized violence, action sequences, and complex web of international gangsters battling for control in modern-day London.

Set in Northumberland, this series follows Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope as she solves crimes in the rugged countryside. Based on Ann Cleeves' novels, it is praised for its strong lead character, scenic landscapes, and traditional whodunit structure with modern sensibilities.

Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez investigates murders in the remote and beautiful Shetland Islands. The series combines a gentle, episodic crime-solving format with the isolation and close-knit community dynamics of the islands, creating a unique and moody atmosphere distinct from urban procedurals.

Adapted from John le Carré's novel, this miniseries follows an ex-soldier infiltrating the inner circle of an arms dealer. It features high production values, a star-studded cast, and a tense narrative that explores the moral complexities of espionage and international arms trafficking.

This series provides a fresh perspective by focusing on two female detectives working in the Major Incident Team in Manchester. It offers a realistic look at the work-life balance of female officers while delivering compelling crime narratives rooted in the social fabric of the city.

A prequel to the classic Inspector Morse series, this show follows a young Endeavour Morse in the 1960s. It captures the academic and atmospheric vibe of Oxford while delivering clever puzzles and establishing the roots of Morse's brilliant but isolated investigative style.

The first season introduces the format of the series, where Detective Sunny Khan and DCI Cassie Stuart investigate cold cases. It sets the tone for the franchise by focusing on the lingering pain of the past and the meticulous police work required to bring long-buried secrets to light.

The inaugural season introduces Catherine Cawood as she deals with a kidnapped girl and a dangerous family involved in local crime. It establishes the series' reputation for complex character development and its unflinching look at rural life intertwined with criminal enterprise.

The first season of this hit drama follows the investigation into the death of Danny Latimer, a young schoolboy. It is widely credited with revitalizing the British detective drama genre, thanks to its emotional depth and the captivating dynamic between the two lead detectives.

The pilot episode establishes the high-octane tone and political stakes of the series, introducing David Budd's perspective. It is essential viewing for understanding the complex setup of the conspiracy that unfolds over the subsequent six episodes of this gripping thriller.

The first season delves deep into the psychological warfare between Stella Gibson and Paul Spector. It sets the stage for the series' unique dual-perspective narrative, allowing viewers to understand the mind of the killer while following the detective's professional challenges.