10 Most Brilliant Detective Shows Ever, According to Fans

10. Castle (2009–2016)

Richard Castle is a world-famous detective author who faces a severe creative crisis. Thanks to his connections with the city officials, he becomes a consultant for NYPD’s homicide department to draw inspiration for his new books from real-life cases. This has an unexpected side effect: Castle falls for his new boss, Detective Kate Beckett.

9. True Detective ( 2014–Now)

Unlike other shows on our list, True Detective is an anthology series where each season features a new case and a new team. The show is not afraid to dive into the darkness and test the boundaries of morality as every case is a grim analysis of human nature, relationships, and motivations set in immensely atmospheric settings.

8. Elementary (2021–2019)

The iconic figure of Sherlock Holmes gets another life in this modern adaptation of the classic novels. After a career-ending incident in London, Holmes — a brilliant nepo baby with drug issues — is sent to New York by his father. Striving for new cases, the detective joins forces with Dr. Joan Watson and helps the local police.

7. Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989–2013)

Hercule Poirot is admittedly the second most recognizable fictional detective in history after Holmes. Agatha Christie’s highly successful book series received its best adaptation in this long-running TV series, with each episode following a different case of Poirot’s. Thankfully, the show treats the source material with utmost respect.

6. Psych (2006–2014)

Way too many people still believe in psychics, including criminals. Why not use it to the justice system’s advantage, then? Two best friends opened a private agency where they masquerade as psychics to trick culprits into revealing themselves. Thanks to their unconventional approach, they often work with the local police.

5. The Mentalist (2008–2015)

The perfect mix of personal drama, detective show, and comedy, The Mentalist follows Patrick Jane — a former charlatan psychic recruited by CBI as a consultant. Jane’s sense of humor and unique methods make him highly effective, but he has a secret goal: he uses the CBI to find and kill a maniac who murdered his family.

4. Monk (2002–2009)

Adrian Monk is special both as a private investigator and a person: he has obsessive-compulsive disorder which makes his life difficult but allows him to notice things others don’t. Monk’s life isn’t easy thanks to his condition and many disregard him, but time and time again, he proves that no one is as good at his job as him.

3. Columbo (1971–1978)

Columbo is the golden classic of detective shows that boasts a unique approach: instead of throwing whodunnits at the audience, the series reveals the real culprit at the start of every episode and takes the viewers on a journey with seemingly chaotic but ultimately brilliant Lieutenant Columbo as he works his way to the truth.

2. The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013–2018)

Doctor Lucien Blake returns home to Australia after World War II with not much in mind other than returning to his medical practice. This plan isn’t destined to last as in no time, he finds himself attracted to the charming officer Jean Beazley. And there goes Dr. Blake, following her around as they solve complicated cases together.

1. Sherlock (2010–2017)

Another modern retelling of the classic Sherlock Holmes’s story but perhaps, the most famous. Holmes and Watson have never looked as good as in this iconic BBC show as they navigate the underground of Moriarty’s global criminal syndicate and unveil one mystery after another. Bonus points for their remaining in London, too.

Source: Ranker