10 Best TV Shows Like ‘Vera’ You Need To Watch Next

‘Vera’ is a long-running British crime drama series based on a series of novels written by Ann Cleeves. It follows an almost-retired detective Vera Stanhope who despite her quirky and messy personality has a brilliant knack for solving crimes. If you’re a fan of the show and you’ve just finished the show’s 13th season you’re probably wondering what’s next? Well until the show’s 14th season is released, we’ve curated a list of best shows like ‘Vera’ you just need to watch if you’re a fan of detective drama. Let’s go.

1. ‘Midsomer Murders’ (1997-)

What it’s about: The show follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (and later his cousin, Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby) as they investigate murders in the picturesque English county of Midsomer. Each episode deals with murder mysteries set in seemingly idyllic and peaceful villages.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: Both shows take place in England, and both are based on a series of highly successful books. The main protagonists are also older detectives with dry humor. ‘Midsomer Murders’ is almost the same show but deals with murders in different sceneries.

2. ‘Grantchester’ (2014-)

What it’s about: Sidney Chambers is a charismatic clergyman who becomes an amateur detective alongside his friend, Detective Inspector Geordie Keating. Together, they solve crimes in the fictional village of Grantchester, located near Cambridge. Throughout the show, Sidney will have to learn how to balance the horrific crimes that people are able to commit and his faith.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: Like the previous show, ‘Grantchester’ is based on short stories and it follows the same procedural format. Both shows revolve around interesting characters with a character trait that makes them unique and makes them stand out among the sea of other detectives. The show also takes place in England, in a picturesque fictional village.

3. ‘Shetland’ (2013-)

What it’s about: Set in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, the show follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez and his team as they investigate crimes in the remote and isolated community. Even though the episodes are for the most part standalone there is an overarching story for each season.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: I think you’ve noticed a pattern by now. Both shows are based on books, both are set in remote rural locations and feature strong lead characters. There’s also that standalone nature of episodes and procedural format. ‘Shetland’ also puts great emphasis on the personal life of the protagonist.

4. ‘Wallander’ (2008-2016)

What it’s about: The main protagonist of the show is Kurt Wallander, a detective with a troubling past working in the fictional town of Ystad, Sweden. Each episode features Wallander investigating a different crime, typically murder cases of a horrific nature. The show puts great emphasis on Wallander’s struggle with depression and oftentimes tense relationships with his family, coworkers, and friends.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: It’s a procedural format with strong leads in the main roles who are “stuck” in rural communities. However, it’s important to mention that ‘Wallander’ has a drastically darker tone than ‘Vera.’ So if you’re looking for that British humor, don’t expect it.

5. ‘Broadchurch’ (2013-2017)

What it’s about: The show revolves around the investigation into the death of a young boy named Danny Latimer in the small fictional town of Broadchurch, located in Dorset, England. The series follows Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller, who is assigned to the case alongside Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, an outsider with a troubled past. As they investigate Danny’s death, they uncover dark secrets and hidden tensions within Broadchurch.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: ‘Broadchurch’ like almost all shows in this list is a procedural detective series and explores the dark underbelly of an otherwise undisturbed small community. There’s also the fact that both shows have strong female leads. ‘Broadchurch’ also, however, has David Tenant.

6. ‘Hinterland’ (2013-2016)

What it’s about: ‘Hinterland’ is a Welsh noir detective drama television series set in the fictional town of Aberystwyth, Wales. The show follows Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias, a brooding detective who investigates a series of murder cases in the remote and rugged landscapes of rural Wales.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: Even though ‘Hinterland’ is not set in England, it’s still set in a remote rural town with Tom Mathias being the only capable person upon which the small community can rely. Both series are procedural in nature, but ‘Hinterland’ like the above-mentioned ‘Wallander’ has a much darker tone, atmosphere, and general themes.

7. ‘Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries’ (2012-2015)

What it’s about: The show follows the adventures of Phryne Fisher, a stylish and glamorous private detective operating in late 1920s Melbourne. The first series introduces a theme surrounding the kidnapping and tragic death of Phryne’s younger sister, Janey, during their childhood at a circus. This unresolved crime continues to haunt Phryne, who carries a deep sense of responsibility, believing she should have done more to protect her sister.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: The shows are set within different time periods, but both feature quirky female characters in lead roles and both are based on highly popular books.

8. ‘Death in the Paradise’ (2011-)

What it’s about: The show takes place on the Island of Saint Marie and follows a local police force as they solve crimes, typically murders on a remote tropical island. The show is famous for its unique characters and a healthy dose of humor.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: I gotta admit out of all shows on this list, ‘Death in the Paradise’ has the best scenery and the most cheerful and vibrant themes, despite dealing with, well murders. Both detectives also use unconventional methods to get the job done.

9. ‘True Detective: Night Country’ (2024)

What it’s about: The show follows a small-town chief of police, Liz Danvers, and her former partner and state trooper, Evangeline Navarro, as they attempt to solve one of the most horrific crimes a fictional Alaskan town has ever seen. Annie Kowtok was murdered six years ago, and now, investigating the disappearance and deaths of scientists stationed at the local Arctic research station, Danvers finds something that connects both crimes into one seemingly supernatural mystery.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: I was having doubts about adding the latest season of ‘True Detective’ to this list, but you know what. The shows are in theory similar. Both ‘Night Country’ and ‘Vera’ have strong female protagonists who have unconventional approaches toward their investigations. Both shows are also set within small communities which makes clues harder or easier to investigate, depending on how you look at it. However, it’s important to note that out of all the shows on this list, ‘Night Country’ deals with the darkest themes.

10. ‘DCI Banks’ (2010-2016)

What it’s about: ‘DCI Banks’ follows Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks and his team as they investigate complex and often nauseating crimes in the fictional town of Eastvale, Yorkshire. Each episode is a standalone story however some overarching stories tied to the main characters develop over the course of the season.

Why it’s like ‘Vera’: Both series focus not only on the crime-solving aspect but also on the personal lives and relationships of the main characters. There’s also that highly atmospheric English setting that connects them.

Have a show to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!