10 Underrated TV Series to Watch If You Liked Mare of Easttown

1. Top of the Lake (2013-2017)

Created and written by Jane Campion, Top of the Lake begins when a twelve-year-old girl, who is five months pregnant, walks into a freezing lake in New Zealand. Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss) is called in to investigate the mystery. However, as she gets closer to finding out the disturbing truth, she must confront her own demons. This series stands out for its haunting storytelling, stunning visuals, and layered characters, with Elisabeth Moss delivering truly unforgettable performance.

2. Hinterland (2013-2016)

This Welsh noir crime drama focuses on detective chief inspector Tom Mathias (Richard Harrington), a troubled man with a mysterious past, who solves crimes in the town of Aberystwyth. The series is distinctive for its atmospheric setting and intricate, darkly woven narratives that take viewers into the heart of the rugged Welsh landscape. Each episode revolves around a new case, with the season's larger narrative gradually unfolding.

3. Sharp Objects (2018)

This miniseries is based on Gillian Flynn's debut novel of the same name. It stars Amy Adams as Camille Preaker, a reporter who returns to her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls. Much like Mare of Easttown, Sharp Objects uses the murder investigation as a backdrop to delve into the central character's complex psyche, while also painting a bleak portrait of small-town life. As Camille gets deeper into the investigation, she also has to confront her own traumatic past and a tumultuous relationship with her mother.

4. The Killing (2011-2014)

Set in Seattle, this American adaptation of the Danish series Forbrydelsen follows detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) as they investigate the murder of a local teenager. Much like Mare of Easttown, The Killing places a heavy emphasis on character development and the effect that the central crime has on the community. The series dives deep into the aftermath of tragedy, touching on political implications and familial grief, making it a must-watch for fans of nuanced crime dramas.

5. Shetland ( 2013-)

Set in the breathtaking, isolated landscapes of Shetland, Scotland, this series centers around Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) as he and his team investigate complex crimes within the close-knit island community. In this harsh but beautiful setting, the show spins tales of deceit, murder, and redemption, drawing viewers into the entangled lives of its characters.

6. The Bletchley Circle (2012-2014)

Set in the early 1950s, The Bletchley Circle tells the tale of four women who worked as codebreakers at Bletchley Park (the central site for British codebreakers during World War II) and now lead ordinary lives. When they realize that a string of murders follows a pattern they recognize from their code-breaking days, they start investigating. The series takes the viewers on a journey filled with suspense and intrigue as the women use their unique skills to unravel the mystery behind the murders while dealing with the societal constraints of the time.

7. Happy Valley (2014-)

This British crime drama is a masterclass in storytelling. At its center is Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire), a no-nonsense police sergeant grappling with the suicide of her daughter and the recent release of Tommy Lee Royce, the man she blames for her daughter's death. As the series unfolds, Cawood is drawn into a case involving a kidnapping gone terribly wrong. Happy Valley delves deep into the intricate personal life of its central character while simultaneously exploring the dark, disturbing underbelly of the community she serves. The complexity of Cawood's personal journey adds a potent layer of emotional depth to the series.

8. The Fall (2013-2016)

Another British gem, The Fall takes a different approach to the crime genre by revealing the killer's identity right from the start (but trust us, there's at least half of the fun in it). The series revolves around Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), a detective superintendent brought in to investigate a string of murders in Belfast, Northern Ireland. On the other side of the law, we have Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan), a seemingly normal family man who leads a dark, secret life as a serial killer. The series explores the repercussions of violence on a community, but also provides a deep dive into the psyche of a killer, making it a chilling yet enthralling watch.

9. Broadchurch (2013-2017)

In this British crime drama, we are introduced to the seaside town of Broadchurch, shaken to its core when an 11-year-old boy is found dead on its beach. Detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman ) are tasked with solving the case, their relationship strained due to Hardy's recent appointment to a position Miller believed was hers. Like Mare of Easttown, Broadchurch uses a murder investigation to peel back the layers of a seemingly idyllic community and reveal the secrets that lie beneath.

10. Rectify (2013-2016)

Rectify is a gripping drama that explores the life of Daniel Holden (Aden Young), who returns to his small hometown in Georgia after spending 19 years on death row. When DNA evidence calls his conviction into question, he's released from prison, but his sudden freedom is far from easy. As Daniel tries to adjust to the world outside the prison, he also struggles with the trauma of his past and the skepticism of a town still convinced of his guilt.