Here are six compelling, character-driven detective shows to watch while you wait for season 11 of the hit Scottish crime drama
© ITV/ShutterstockIf, like us, you’re still looking for a gripping crime drama to fill the Shetland-shaped hole left in your viewing schedule after the tenth season came to an end in December last year, then we’ve got you covered.
The Scottish BBC drama, based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, stars Douglas Henshall as DI Jimmy Pérez from seasons one to seven, and Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder from season eight.
The popular series, which first aired in 2013, has amassed a legion of dedicated viewers over the years. Loved for its breathtaking scenery and compelling, character-driven mysteries, the show offers a gritty, Scandi-Noir feel and remains a staple in the BBC’s drama schedule.
If you’re looking for a compelling crime drama to watch while you wait for season 11, here are our top detective series that are available to binge-watch now.
© Stuart Wood/ITVBrenda Blethyn stars in the crime drama
Vera
Another series based on novels by Ann Cleeves, the series follows a sharp and determined detective solving crimes for the Northumberland & City Police. The popular ITV series, set against the moody and picturesque landscape of Northumberland, ran for 14 years from 2011 until January last year.
Brenda Blethyn is brilliant as the iconic trench coat-wearing detective, DCI Vera Stanhope, who is driven by her own demons as she solves crimes in Northumberland.
She’s joined by David Leon as DS Joe Ashworth, Vera’s sidekick from seasons one to four, and Kenny Doughty as DS Aiden Healy, who took over as Vera’s right-hand man from series four to 12.
Like Shetland, Vera is gritty and atmospheric, delving into the complex characters behind the crimes occurring in close-knit communities.
A particular favourite of mine, Vera remained a staple of my Sunday night viewing schedule during its run. There’s something quite comforting about seeing the scruffy-mac and bucket hat-wearing detective pop up on the screen, even if it is to solve a gruesome murder.
Watch on ITVX.
© BBCThe series follows DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Coleman) and DS Alec Hardy (David Tennant) as they investigate a murder
Broadchurch
This gripping, slow-burn drama follows DS Ellie Miller (Olivia Coleman) and DS Alec Hardy (David Tennant) as they investigate a murder which sends shock waves through the close-knit West-Country seaside community of Broadchurch.
When the body of 11-year-old Danny Latimer is found lying on a beach, Miller and Hardy’s investigation threatens to expose dark, deep-buried secrets as suspicions begin flying around the town. The tight-knit community begins to unravel as it’s thrust into a media frenzy.
Both Olivia and David received critical acclaim for their performances in the series, which won three BAFTAs in 2014.
The series was a huge watercooler hit when it first aired in 2013, back in the days when TV series were broadcast weekly. The entire nation turned into amateur detectives, eagerly waiting to find out who killed Danny and why – and the final episode’s twist was nothing short of spectacular.
Watch on ITVX and Netflix.
