10 Overlooked Mini-Series Every Crime Drama Lover Should Watch
These mini-series are as thrilling as they are underappreciated.
1. "Unbelievable" (2019)
"Unbelievable" is a gripping eight-part mini-series based on a series of real events that occurred between 2008 and 2011. It follows the harrowing tale of a teenager who reports and eventually recants her reported rape, while two female detectives, states apart, investigate evidence that could reveal the truth.
As the story unfolds, the series tackles issues of trauma, systemic disbelief of rape victims, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Despite its heavy subject matter, "Unbelievable" boasts an unbelievable 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, and rightly so.
Toni Collette, who plays one of the detectives, earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.
2. "Southcliffe" (2013)
"Southcliffe" is a somber exploration of a fictional English town's psyche in the aftermath of a shooting spree. It's a deep dive into grief, loss, and the media's role in amplifying tragedy.
The series is dark and can be emotionally draining, but the performances and storytelling make it an exceptional piece of crime drama. The four-part series holds a respectful 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, yet it is rarely mentioned in casual conversations about crime dramas.
Here's a trivia tidbit: the mini-series was written by Tony Grisoni, known for his work on the acclaimed film "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
3. "Happy Valley" (2014 – 2023)
Despite the cheerful sounding title, "Happy Valley" is far from a light-hearted romp.
Set in the rural English landscape of West Yorkshire, this mini-series features Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood, a hard-nosed police sergeant grappling with personal tragedy while trying to maintain peace in her town. The plotline involves kidnapping, drug abuse, and revenge, intertwined with Cawood's haunting past.
This series received high praise for its gritty realism and outstanding performances, particularly Lancashire, who won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress. This underappreciated series stands tall with a solid 8.5 on IMDb.
4. "Paranoid" (2016)
In "Paranoid," the tranquility of a children's playground is shattered when a GP is brutally murdered in broad daylight. This triggers an intense investigation by a group of detectives who soon find themselves entangled in a mystery that spans Europe.
Despite its relatively low profile, the series is a roller-coaster ride of suspense, intrigue, and international espionage, making it a must-watch for any crime drama enthusiast.
If you need any more convincing, Leslie Sharp, one of the lead detectives in the series, played the quirky but lovable D.C. Janet Scott in "Scott & Bailey."
5. "The Loch" (2017)
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, the six-part series "The Loch" follows DS Annie Redford as she tackles her first murder case. As the body count rises, Annie and her family find themselves at the heart of a murder investigation shrouded in secrets, deceit, and monstrous legends.
With stunning cinematography that beautifully captures the moody Scottish landscape and a whodunit plot that keeps you guessing till the end, "The Loch" really is an overlooked gem in the crime drama genre and totally worth watching.
6. "Thirteen" (2016)
"Thirteen" is a five-part psychological drama centered around Ivy Moxam, a woman who escapes from a cellar where she's been imprisoned for 13 years.
As Ivy struggles to readjust to freedom, her family wrestles with long-buried emotions. Simultaneously, detectives uncover that Ivy's case isn't as straightforward as it seems, leading to intense suspense and shocking revelations.
Despite a 7.2 rating on IMDb, "Thirteen" remains tucked away in the BBC's trove of content, overshadowed by more widely-discussed series.
7. "The Night Of" (2016)
One would argue that "The Night Of" had its moment in the sun. However, in a world where shows like "Breaking Bad " and "The Wire" steal the crime drama spotlight, "The Night Of" seems to be an afterthought for most.
This mini-series presents a complex story of a man accused of murder and his journey through the criminal justice system. As the investigation and trial unfold, each character's depths and nuances are revealed.
This eight-part series is a brilliant exploration of issues surrounding race, class, and justice. It boasts an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
8. "The Kettering Incident" (2016)
For fans of the mysterious and unexplained, "The Kettering Incident" is a must-watch. This Australian series weaves a tale around the disappearance of two girls, decades apart, in the peculiar town of Kettering, a place plagued by unusual occurrences and UFO sightings.
The narrative brilliantly integrates crime drama with elements of supernatural intrigue, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Despite the series' compelling narrative and atmospheric cinematography, it remains relatively unexplored by international viewers, which is, to be honest, quite a shame.
9. "Five Days" (2007)
"Five Days" is a riveting crime drama series told over five non-consecutive days – a unique narrative structure that sets it apart. The series begins with the mysterious disappearance of a mother and her two children, and as the investigation proceeds, family secrets start to unravel.
This show offers an intense, realistic portrayal of how a crime can affect a community and individuals over time. Each series of "Five Days" focuses on a different crime, all set in the same police division, so there's plenty to keep you hooked.
10. "Quirke" (2014)
"Quirke" is a three-part drama series following the life of a chief pathologist in the Dublin city morgue – a charismatic loner whose job takes him into fascinating places as he uncovers the secrets of sudden death in 1950s Dublin.
It's a beautiful mix of crime, noir, and drama, with the charismatic Gabriel Byrne playing the titular role.