A curated selection of high-quality British mystery and crime dramas currently available or historically significant on BBC iPlayer. This list highlights the best in detective work, suspense, and storytelling from the UK's national broadcaster.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
Set against the rugged backdrop of the Shetland Islands, this slow-burning crime drama follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez as he unravels complex murders. The series is renowned for its atmospheric visuals, realistic character development, and compelling pacing.
A gripping three-season series centered on the investigation of a young boy's murder in a small coastal town. Starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, it redefined the modern British crime drama with its emotional depth and meticulous storytelling.
This series focuses on cold cases, where DCI Cassie Stuart and DS Sunny Khan revisit past crimes when new evidence emerges. The show is praised for its respectful handling of trauma, intricate plotting, and the strong chemistry between its leads.
A unique mystery series where three retired men from the 1970s reunite to solve crimes that occurred when they were teenagers. The show cleverly interweaves past and present timelines, offering a nostalgic yet sharp procedural experience.
Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland returns to work after a decade away, but her life becomes entangled with a series of bizarre murders. The series combines supernatural elements with gritty police procedural tropes in a thrilling Nordic-noir inspired format.
A prequel to the classic Inspector Morse series, this show follows a young Endeavour Morse in 1960s Oxford. It is celebrated for its period accuracy, intellectual puzzle-box plots, and the charming dynamic between Morse and his mentor, Detective Superintendent Strange.
While primarily a drama, this beloved series frequently incorporates mystery and medical anomalies within its historical setting. Set in London's East End during the 1950s and 60s, it blends human interest stories with intriguing investigative elements.
A tense naval thriller where a nuclear submarine is struck by a mysterious force while conducting a secret mission. The series combines military protocol with supernatural horror elements, creating a claustrophobic and suspenseful viewing experience.
This psychological thriller follows a father obsessed with finding his son, who disappeared years earlier and suddenly reappears. The series delves into themes of memory, trauma, and the unreliability of perception, offering a dark and complex narrative.
A lighthearted yet clever detective series set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. Each episode features a self-contained murder mystery that allows viewers to engage in the puzzle-solving process alongside the eccentric detectives.
Set in the 1950s and beyond, this series follows a vicar and his police colleague as they solve crimes in and around Cambridge. The show combines whodunit elements with historical context and the moral dilemmas faced by its clergy protagonist.
A gritty crime drama set in West Yorkshire, featuring sergeant Catherine Cawood as she hunts down the man who killed her daughter. The series is acclaimed for its realistic dialogue, strong female lead, and tense, grounded storytelling.
A powerful dramatisation of the investigation into the Harold Shipman murders, exploring the systemic failures that allowed him to continue. The series offers a chilling look at institutional corruption and the relentless pursuit of justice.
A modern thriller exploring the impact of surveillance technology on justice, as a soldier claims he was framed for murder. The series questions the reliability of digital evidence and the ethics of state surveillance in a dystopian Britain.
One of the longest-running forensic dramas, this series follows a team of pathologists as they solve complex criminal cases. The show is known for its scientific accuracy, detailed forensic procedures, and ability to tackle sensitive social issues.
Based on the stories by G.K. Chesterton, this series features a witty Catholic priest who solves crimes in a 1950s English village. It offers a wholesome, puzzle-oriented mystery experience with a touch of humor and charm.
An intense anti-corruption drama following DCI Steve McClaren and his team as they investigate police misconduct. The series is famous for its tense interrogation scenes, complex plot twists, and exploration of moral ambiguity within law enforcement.
A psychological cat-and-mouse game between Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson and a serial killer in Belfast. The series is notable for its unflinching portrayal of violence and its unique dual perspective, showing both the hunter and the hunted.
A political thriller starring Richard Madden as a war veteran assigned to protect a controversial politician. While more of a thriller than a traditional mystery, it involves unraveling a complex conspiracy with high-stakes suspense and action.
A classic sci-fi mystery based on John Wyndham's novel, where most of humanity is blinded by mysterious meteors. The series combines survival horror with mystery as survivors try to understand the origins and motives of the dangerous plants.