The Best New Mystery TV Shows

The mystery genre has experienced a significant revitalization since 2020, with streaming platforms and traditional networks delivering a wave of high-concept whodunits and psychological thrillers. These series range from gritty noir and historical adaptations to mind-bending science fiction and true crime dramatizations. This list highlights the best mystery television released between 2020 and 2026, showcasing the diversity of storytelling within the genre.

‘Adolescence’ (2025)

This psychological crime drama centers on a 13-year-old schoolboy who is arrested for the murder of a classmate. The series is notable for its technical achievement, as each of its four hour-long episodes was filmed in a single continuous take. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, the narrative shifts focus to the perpetrator’s family rather than concentrating solely on the victim. It explores the societal factors contributing to youth violence while maintaining a visceral and immersive atmosphere.

‘Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials’ (2026)

Set in 1925, this three-part adaptation of the classic novel follows Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent as she investigates a murder at a country house party. A guest is found dead after a practical joke involving seven alarm clocks goes wrong, leading Bundle into a dangerous conspiracy. The series stars Mia McKenna-Bruce in the lead role alongside a supporting cast that includes Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman. It marks a significant foray for its streaming platform into dedicated Christie adaptations with a focus on period authenticity.

‘His & Hers’ (2026)

In this murder mystery, a news reporter and a homicide detective find their lives intersecting during a brutal investigation in their Georgia hometown. The protagonists, played by Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, are estranged spouses who both possess personal motives related to the victim. As the investigation progresses, the narrative reveals that both characters are hiding secrets that could implicate them in the crime. The series is based on the novel by Alice Feeney and features a structure that examines the case from multiple conflicting perspectives.

‘Dept. Q’ (2025)

Based on the popular Danish book series, this adaptation follows Carl Mørck, a detective who is reassigned to lead a cold case unit in Edinburgh. Matthew Goode stars as Mørck, a man struggling with guilt after a traumatic police operation left one colleague dead and another paralyzed. Working from a basement office with a small, eclectic team, he begins to uncover threads connecting long-unsolved disappearances to modern-day crimes. The show blends a dark, atmospheric tone with intricate plotting characteristic of Nordic noir.

‘The Beast in Me’ (2025)

Claire Danes stars as Aggie Wiggs, a celebrated author who has retreated from public life following the death of her son. Her curiosity is piqued when a mysterious new neighbor, played by Matthew Rhys, moves into the house next door. She soon discovers that her neighbor was once the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance, leading her to start a private investigation. The series explores themes of grief and obsession as Aggie becomes increasingly entangled in her neighbor’s potentially dark past.

‘MobLand’ (2025)

Directed and produced by Guy Ritchie, this British crime drama depicts a brutal war between two rival London mob families. The story features Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, a fixer who navigates the escalating violence and betrayals between the warring factions. Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren headline the Harrigan family as the patriarch and matriarch struggling to maintain control of their territory. The series combines sharp narrative twists with Ritchie’s signature fast-paced editing and stylized dialogue.

‘Black Rabbit’ (2025)

This limited series stars Jude Law as Jake Friedkin, the successful owner of an up-and-coming New York City restaurant and lounge. His life is thrown into chaos when his estranged, problematic brother Vince, played by Jason Bateman, returns to the business. Vince’s arrival opens the door to old family traumas and new criminal dangers that threaten the legitimacy of Jake’s empire. The show is described as a character examination that explores how deep-seated bonds can become destructive under pressure.

‘The Better Sister’ (2025)

Based on the novel by Alafair Burke, this thriller stars Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks as estranged sisters Chloe and Nicky. Their lives are forcibly reunited when Chloe’s husband Adam, who was previously in a long-term relationship with Nicky, is murdered. As the police investigate the crime, the sisters must navigate their own history of resentment and the possibility that Adam’s killer is closer than they think. The series focuses on the complex dynamics of a dysfunctional family trapped in the spotlight of a high-profile murder case.

‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ (2025)

The series begins in a local morgue where nine bodies have been recovered following a plane crash in the Mexican jungle. Through a non-linear narrative, the show reveals that while the victims survived the initial crash, they were subsequently murdered in unique ways. The survivors must contend with the dangers of the jungle and each other as they realize an unknown adversary is hunting them. Eric McCormack and David Ajala lead an ensemble cast in this mystery created by Anthony Horowitz.

‘The Residence’ (2025)

This series presents a comedic take on the whodunit genre, set entirely within the confines of the White House. Uzo Aduba stars as an eccentric detective tasked with solving a murder that occurs among the staff and residents of the Executive Mansion. The investigation must navigate political red tape and the high-stakes environment of the presidency to identify the culprit. Giancarlo Esposito also stars in this adaptation of the book ‘The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House’.

‘Severance’ (2022– )

Lumon Industries uses a controversial medical procedure to surgically divide the work and personal memories of its employees. Mark Scout, played by Adam Scott, leads a team in the Macrodata Refinement division whose “innies” have no knowledge of their outside lives. The mystery deepens when a former colleague makes contact with Mark in the outside world, sparking a quest to uncover the company’s true nature. This series blends corporate satire with a dark, psychological mystery regarding the ethics of the technology.

‘Slow Horses’ (2022– )

Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman, oversees Slough House, a dumping ground for MI5 agents who have botched their careers. Despite their status as “slow horses,” the team frequently finds themselves embroiled in dangerous espionage plots that the main service cannot handle. Each season follows a specific investigation into corruption, terrorism, or deep-cover sleeper cells within the British intelligence community. The show is praised for its gritty realism and the complex, cynical nature of its lead characters.

‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

Detective Mare Sheehan investigates a local murder in a small Pennsylvania town while her own life crumbles around her. The narrative explores the interconnectedness of a community where everyone knows each other’s secrets and past mistakes. As Mare hunts for a killer, she must also confront a personal tragedy and the high expectations of the townspeople who once saw her as a local hero. Kate Winslet’s performance as the weary, determined detective earned significant critical acclaim.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ (2021– )

Three neighbors sharing an obsession with true crime podcasts find themselves investigating a real murder in their affluent New York apartment building. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez play an unlikely trio who document their investigation through their own podcast. Each season introduces a new mystery within the Arconia building, blending humor with genuine suspense. The series often parodies the tropes of the mystery genre while maintaining a focus on the evolving friendship of the leads.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021– )

This anthology series follows the exploits of various guests and employees at a luxury resort over the span of a single week. Each season begins by revealing that a death has occurred at the hotel, then flashes back to show the events leading up to it. The mystery serves as a framing device for a sharp social satire regarding wealth, privilege, and human behavior. Jennifer Coolidge appears in multiple seasons as a recurring thread through the show’s changing locations.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021– )

The plot follows a high school girls’ soccer team whose plane crashes in the remote northern wilderness in 1996. The narrative alternates between their survival in the woods and their adult lives twenty-five years later, as they are haunted by the secrets of what they did to stay alive. Mystery elements include the identity of “the Antler Queen” and a modern-day blackmail plot targeting the survivors. The series incorporates elements of horror and psychological drama as it explores the lasting effects of trauma.

‘Poker Face’ (2023– )

Natasha Lyonne stars as Charlie Cale, a woman with an extraordinary ability to detect when someone is lying. While on the run from a casino boss, she travels across the country and encounters a new murder mystery in every town she visits. The series follows an “inverted detective” format, where the audience sees the crime committed before Charlie begins her investigation. It serves as a modern homage to classic procedural mystery shows like ‘Columbo’.

‘Silo’ (2023– )

In a ruined and toxic future, a community exists in a giant underground silo that extends hundreds of stories deep. Men and women live in a society governed by strict regulations they believe are intended to protect them. The mystery begins when the silo’s sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents begin to die mysteriously, prompting engineer Juliette to investigate. She uncovers secrets about the silo’s history that challenge everything the residents have been taught about the world outside.

‘Bad Sisters’ (2022– )

After the death of their brother-in-law, the five Garvey sisters find themselves under investigation by insurance agents who suspect foul play. The story unfolds through two timelines: one showing the sisters’ various attempts to kill the abusive husband, and another following the current-day investigation. The series is set in Dublin and blends dark comedy with a tension-filled mystery. It explores the bond between the sisters as they go to extreme lengths to protect one another.

‘Black Bird’ (2022)

Jimmy Keene is a high school football hero turned drug dealer who is sentenced to ten years in a minimum-security prison. He is offered a deal to commute his sentence if he can elicit a confession from a suspected serial killer in a maximum-security facility. The narrative focuses on the psychological game between Jimmy and the suspect as he tries to find the location of several victims’ bodies. The series is based on true events and stars Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser.

‘Ripley’ (2024)

Andrew Scott stars as Tom Ripley in this monochrome adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novels. Set in the 1960s, a wealthy man hires Tom to travel to Italy and convince his vagabond son to return home to New York. The job becomes a gateway to a life of deceit, fraud, and murder as Tom becomes obsessed with the lifestyle he has discovered. The series focuses on the intricate, slow-burn mechanics of Tom’s crimes and his efforts to evade the authorities.

‘Presumed Innocent’ (2024)

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who becomes the prime suspect in the horrific murder of one of his colleagues. The series explores themes of obsession, politics, and the limits of love as Rusty fights to keep his family and his life together. As the trial progresses, evidence surfaces that challenges the audience’s perception of his guilt or innocence. This adaptation updates the original novel and film with a contemporary focus on legal and personal complexities.

‘Under the Bridge’ (2024)

Based on the book by Rebecca Godfrey, this series dramatizes the true story of the 1997 disappearance of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk. Lily Gladstone stars as a local police officer and Riley Keough as a journalist who investigate the group of teenagers accused of the crime. The mystery delves into the hidden world of the teens involved, revealing a story of bullying and systemic failure. It provides a somber look at a tragic event that shocked a small community in British Columbia.

‘Sugar’ (2024)

Colin Farrell plays John Sugar, an American private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel. Olivia is the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar tracks her down, he unearths Siegel family secrets that have long been buried. The series is noted for its unique visual style and a significant narrative twist that reframes the entire detective story.

‘Wednesday’ (2022– )

Wednesday Addams is sent to Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts, after being expelled from her previous school. While there, she attempts to master her emerging psychic ability and solve a supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents twenty-five years ago. The narrative also involves a monstrous killing spree that is terrorizing the local town. The series, directed in part by Tim Burton, blends gothic mystery with a coming-of-age story.

‘Dark Winds’ (2022– )

Set in the 1970s on a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation, the series follows two police officers who must challenge their own spiritual beliefs to solve a double murder. Zahn McClarnon and Kiowa Gordon star as Leaphorn and Chee, who find themselves investigating crimes that may have supernatural roots. The show is based on the ‘Leaphorn & Chee’ book series by Tony Hillerman. it offers a unique cultural perspective on the traditional Western noir genre.

‘The Diplomat’ (2023– )

Keri Russell stars as Kate Wyler, a career diplomat who is unexpectedly appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. While navigating international crises and forging strategic alliances, she must also manage her volatile marriage to a fellow political star. The overarching mystery involves a conspiracy regarding an attack on a British aircraft carrier. The show combines high-stakes political maneuvering with a central investigative thread.

‘Will Trent’ (2023– )

Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was abandoned at birth and endured a difficult childhood in Atlanta’s overwhelmed foster care system. Now, he uses his unique point of view to ensure that no one is abandoned like he was, maintaining the highest clearance rate in the GBI. The series follows Will as he solves complex crimes while navigating personal relationships and his own past. It is based on the bestselling book series by Karin Slaughter.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023– )

A low-level FBI agent named Peter Sutherland works in the basement of the White House, monitoring a phone that never rings. When it finally does, he is propelled into a fast-paced conspiracy that leads all the way to the Oval Office. He must protect a young tech CEO whose aunt and uncle were murdered while they were uncovering a government plot. The series focuses on high-octane action and a layered investigation into internal corruption.

‘Reacher’ (2022– )

Jack Reacher, a veteran military police investigator, is arrested for a murder he did not commit in the small town of Margrave, Georgia. After clearing his name, he stays to help the local police investigate a deep-seated conspiracy involving town leaders and international criminals. Reacher uses his immense physical strength and sharp investigative skills to dismantle the organization. Each season is based on a different novel from the long-running series by Lee Child.

‘Sherwood’ (2022– )

Inspired by real events, this British series focuses on two shocking murders that occur in a mining village already fractured by the 1980s strikes. The killings spark one of the largest manhunts in British history and revive decades-old tensions within the community. David Morrissey stars as the detective leading the investigation into the crimes. The show examines how historical grievances can resurface and impact modern-day justice.

‘The Sixth Commandment’ (2023)

This dramatization explores the true story of the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin in the village of Maids Moreton. It focuses on the manipulative relationship formed by a younger man with the two elderly neighbors, leading to a complex criminal investigation. The series highlights the vulnerability of the victims and the meticulous work of the police to uncover the truth. It received praise for its sensitive handling of a disturbing real-life case.

‘Criminal Record’ (2024– )

An anonymous phone call draws two brilliant detectives into a confrontation over an old murder case in contemporary London. Peter Capaldi plays a veteran detective inspector protective of his legacy, while Cush Jumbo plays a young sergeant determined to find the truth. The narrative explores issues of race, institutional failure, and the search for common ground in a polarized city. It functions as a tense character study driven by a legacy of potential injustice.

‘Monsieur Spade’ (2024)

Clive Owen stars as the legendary private eye Sam Spade, who has retired to the South of France in the early 1960s. His peaceful life is interrupted by the brutal murder of six nuns at a local convent. As Spade investigates, he discovers that the killings are connected to a mysterious child who is believed to possess great power. The series serves as a sequel to the events of ‘The Maltese Falcon’, placing the classic character in a new cultural context.

‘Lupin’ (2021– )

Assane Diop sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family. Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, he uses charisma and mastery of disguise to carry out elaborate heists and uncover the truth. The central mystery involves a stolen necklace and a historical cover-up that ruined Assane’s family. The show is set in Paris and has become a global hit for its clever plotting and lead performance by Omar Sy.

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

The arrival of a charismatic young priest brings miraculous events and frightening omens to a dying island community. As the residents experience unexplainable phenomena, a deep-seated mystery regarding the priest’s origins and the nature of the miracles begins to surface. The series blends supernatural horror with a central mystery about faith and sacrifice. Created by Mike Flanagan, it features a slow-burn narrative that culminates in a significant town-wide revelation.

‘Bodies’ (2023)

Four detectives in four different eras—1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053—find the exact same body in London’s Whitechapel. As they each investigate the crime in their respective timelines, they begin to realize their cases are connected to a conspiracy spanning 150 years. The series follows a non-linear structure, jumping between the different periods to reveal how the detectives’ efforts influence one another. It is based on the graphic novel of the same name.

‘The Afterparty’ (2022–2023)

Each episode of this comedic murder mystery features a retelling of the same night from a different character’s perspective. The visual style of each episode changes to match the genre of the character’s story, ranging from action movie to romantic comedy. Detective Danner, played by Tiffany Haddish, must sift through these subjective accounts to find the truth behind a high-profile death. The show encourages viewers to piece together clues hidden across the various perspectives.

‘Hijack’ (2023– )

Idris Elba stars as Sam Nelson, a professional corporate negotiator who attempts to use his skills to save everyone on board a hijacked plane. The series plays out in real-time over the course of a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London. While Sam negotiates with the hijackers on board, authorities on the ground scramble to uncover the identity and motives of the criminals. The narrative tension is maintained through both the physical situation on the plane and the investigative work of the flight controllers.

‘The 7 Lives of Lea’ (2022)

A young woman named Lea discovers the remains of a teenager who disappeared thirty years earlier. She begins waking up in the past, inhabiting a different body each day, all belonging to people connected to the dead boy. She uses these opportunities to investigate the circumstances of his death and attempt to prevent it. This French series combines a time-travel premise with a poignant coming-of-age mystery.

‘Shining Girls’ (2022)

Kirby Mazrachi, played by Elisabeth Moss, is a newspaper archivist whose reality shifts after she survives a brutal attack. When she learns that a recent murder mirrors her own experience, she teams up with a veteran reporter to track down her assailant. The mystery involves a killer who is able to travel through time, causing Kirby’s world to constantly change around her. The show is based on the novel by Lauren Beukes and functions as a high-concept psychological thriller.

‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ (2022)

Andrew Garfield stars as a detective whose faith is tested while investigating a brutal murder connected to a fundamentalist LDS family. The story examines the origins of the Mormon religion and the modern-day radicalization that led to the crime. As the investigation deepens, the detective uncovers buried secrets and a history of violence within the community. The series is based on the true-crime book by Jon Krakauer.

‘The Flight Attendant’ (2020–2022)

Cassie Bowden is a flight attendant who wakes up in the wrong hotel, in the wrong bed, with a dead man and no idea what happened. Afraid to call the police, she continues her day as if nothing happened, but she is soon questioned by the FBI in New York. The series follows her frantic efforts to piece together the night’s events while dealing with her own addiction and hallucinations. Kaley Cuoco stars as the protagonist in this blend of dark comedy and espionage mystery.

‘I May Destroy You’ (2020)

Arabella is a carefree, self-assured Londoner with a group of great friends and a burgeoning writing career. Her life changes irreversibly when her drink is spiked and she is sexually assaulted in a nightclub. The narrative follows her attempt to reconstruct the events of that night and identify those responsible. Created by and starring Michaela Coel, the series is a highly personal and acclaimed exploration of consent and trauma.

‘The Undoing’ (2020)

Grace Fraser is a successful therapist living a seemingly perfect life in New York with her husband Jonathan and their son. This reality is shattered following a violent death and the subsequent disappearance of her husband. As the investigation unfolds, Grace discovers a series of terrible revelations about the man she thought she knew. The series stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant and focuses on the elite social circles of Manhattan.

‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020)

Atticus Freeman joins his friend Letitia and his Uncle George on a road trip across 1950s Jim Crow America in search of his missing father. Their journey becomes a struggle to survive both the racist terrors of white America and terrifying monsters out of a Lovecraft paperback. The central mystery involves an ancient secret society and Atticus’s own family lineage. The show blends historical drama with supernatural horror and pulp mystery elements.

‘The Plot Against America’ (2020)

Based on the Philip Roth novel, this series imagines an alternate American history where Charles Lindbergh defeats FDR in the 1940 presidential election. The narrative follows a working-class Jewish family in New Jersey as they witness the country’s turn toward fascism and anti-Semitism. The mystery elements involve political conspiracies and the true motives behind Lindbergh’s rise to power. It serves as a cautionary tale regarding the fragility of democratic institutions.

‘The Vow’ (2020–2022)

This documentary series follows the stories of individuals who joined the self-improvement group NXIVM, which was later revealed to be a predatory cult. It features extensive footage from within the organization and interviews with former members who worked to expose its leader, Keith Raniere. The mystery focuses on the psychological tactics used to manipulate members and the gradual discovery of the organization’s illegal activities. It provides a detailed look at the mechanics of a modern-day cult.

‘Clickbait’ (2021)

A family man is kidnapped, and a video appears online showing him holding a sign that says he will die once the video reaches five million views. His family and the police race against time to find him while uncovering secrets that suggest he might not be who he seems. The series explored the role of social media in modern crime and the way digital identities can be manipulated. Each episode focuses on a different character involved in the investigation.

‘The Old Man’ (2022– )

Jeff Bridges stars as Dan Chase, a former CIA operative who has been living off the grid for decades. When an assassin arrives to take him out, Chase must confront his past and the secrets he has kept hidden from the world. The investigation into his whereabouts is led by an FBI assistant director who shares a complicated history with Chase. The series focuses on high-stakes espionage and the lasting consequences of covert operations.

Share your favorite new mystery shows or any hidden gems you’ve discovered in the comments.