Top of the Lake is a critically acclaimed crime drama series that has captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and complex characters. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’re in luck! Here’s a list of 19 TV shows that offer similar thrills and engrossing narratives.
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 deeply into the lives of the town’s residents as secrets are unveiled.
2. The Killing
The Killing is a gritty crime drama that revolves around the murder of a teenage girl and the subsequent police investigation. Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman lead the cast in this dark, atmospheric series.
3. True Detective
True Detective is an anthology crime drama series with each season featuring a new cast and storyline. The first season stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, offering a compelling and eerie narrative.
4. Happy Valley
Happy Valley centers on a strong-willed police sergeant in a small town as she grapples with personal and professional challenges. Sarah Lancashire delivers a powerful performance in the lead role.
5. The Fall
The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as a detective hunting a serial killer in Belfast. Jamie Dornan co-stars as the chilling antagonist in this psychological thriller.
6. Marcella
Marcella follows a former detective who is drawn back into the force to investigate a series of murders. Anna Friel stars as the troubled detective dealing with personal demons.
7. Mindhunter
Mindhunter explores the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star as agents interviewing serial killers to understand their motives.
8. River
River features Stellan Skarsgård as a detective haunted by visions of his deceased colleague. This psychological crime drama delves into themes of grief and mental health.
9. The Bridge
The Bridge is a Scandinavian noir series that starts with a body found on the border between Denmark and Sweden. Sofia Helin and Kim Bodnia star as detectives from each country who must work together.
10. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is a cult classic that blends crime drama with supernatural elements. Created by David Lynch, it follows the investigation into the murder of a high school girl in a small town.
11. Sharp Objects
Sharp Objects stars Amy Adams as a journalist returning to her hometown to cover a series of brutal murders. The series explores dark family secrets and psychological trauma.
12. The Sinner
The Sinner is an anthology series where each season follows a new crime and its investigation. Jessica Biel stars in the first season, which unravels the mystery behind an unprovoked murder.
13. True Blood
True Blood combines crime drama with supernatural elements, set in a world where vampires live openly among humans. Anna Paquin stars as a telepathic waitress caught up in a series of mysterious events.
14. Fortitude
Fortitude is set in a small Arctic town where a gruesome murder shocks the community. Richard Dormer and Stanley Tucci lead the cast in this chilling thriller.
15. Rectify
Rectify follows a man released from death row after new evidence emerges. Aden Young stars as he adjusts to life outside prison while dealing with the fallout of his past.
16. Ozark
Ozark stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney as a couple who relocate their family to the Ozarks to launder money for a drug cartel. The series is a tense, gripping crime drama with high stakes.
17. The Outsider
The Outsider is based on Stephen King’s novel, following the investigation of a young boy’s murder. Ben Mendelsohn and Cynthia Erivo star in this eerie, supernatural crime series.
18. Seven Seconds
Seven Seconds deals with the aftermath of a hit-and-run involving a white police officer and a black teenager. Regina King stars in this powerful drama that tackles themes of race and justice.
19. Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies centers on a group of women in Monterey, California, whose lives unravel following a murder. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley lead the star-studded cast.
