If you’re a fan of the crime drama genre, then you’ve likely enjoyed Luther and are on the hunt for more gripping TV shows. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 16 shows like Luther that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Each show is packed with suspense, intriguing characters, and complex storylines.
1. Broadchurch
Broadchurch follows the investigation of a young boy’s murder in a small coastal town. Starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, this series delves into the impact of the crime on the community and the detectives involved.
2. The Fall
Starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, The Fall centers on a detective’s pursuit of a serial killer in Belfast. The psychological tension between the hunter and the hunted makes this show a must-watch.
3. Sherlock
Sherlock features Benedict Cumberbatch as the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. This modern-day adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic stories is filled with clever twists and brilliant deductions.
4. True Detective
Each season of True Detective tells a new story with a different cast. The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is particularly acclaimed for its dark, philosophical exploration of crime and human nature.
5. Mindhunter
Mindhunter dives into the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star as agents who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think.
6. Marcella
Marcella stars Anna Friel as a former detective who returns to the force to investigate a series of murders that seem disturbingly familiar. The show blends psychological drama with intense crime-solving.
7. Happy Valley
Happy Valley features Sarah Lancashire as a tough, no-nonsense police sergeant in a small Yorkshire town. The series combines gripping crime stories with deeply personal character arcs.
8. Top of the Lake
Elisabeth Moss stars in Top of the Lake as a detective investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl in New Zealand. The show is known for its haunting atmosphere and complex characters.
9. Bosch
Based on Michael Connelly’s novels, Bosch stars Titus Welliver as LAPD detective Harry Bosch. The series is a gritty, realistic portrayal of police work in Los Angeles.
10. Wallander
Kenneth Branagh stars as the titular Swedish detective in Wallander, a series based on Henning Mankell’s novels. The show is known for its bleak, atmospheric storytelling and complex cases.
11. The Killing
The Killing follows detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) as they investigate the murder of a young girl in Seattle. The series is praised for its moody atmosphere and intricate plotting.
12. Hinterland
Hinterland is a Welsh noir series featuring Richard Harrington as DCI Tom Mathias. Set in the rugged landscapes of Wales, the show combines stunning scenery with dark, complex crime stories.
13. Dexter
Dexter stars Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a Miami-based blood spatter expert who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. The series explores the moral complexities of its protagonist’s actions.
14. Broad City
While not a crime drama, Broad City offers a different kind of thrill with its hilarious, offbeat adventures of two friends navigating life in New York City. Starring Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, this comedy is a refreshing palate cleanser.
15. Bodyguard
Bodyguard stars Richard Madden as a war veteran assigned to protect a controversial politician. The series is filled with high-stakes action and political intrigue, making it a gripping watch.
16. Line of Duty
Line of Duty follows the investigations of AC-12, an anti-corruption unit within the police force. Starring Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar, the series is known for its intense interrogations and shocking twists.
These TV shows will surely satisfy your craving for intense crime dramas with complex characters and thrilling storylines. Happy watching!
