17 TV Shows With Lesbian Detectives Solving Non-Romantic Mysteries

Representation in crime procedurals and mystery dramas has expanded significantly in recent years to include complex LGBTQ+ characters in leading roles. These series feature lesbian detectives and investigators who tackle gritty cases ranging from local homicides to international conspiracies. The focus in these narratives remains tight on the deduction process and the professional capabilities of the officers involved. Viewers can enjoy high-stakes investigations where the sexual orientation of the protagonist is a seamless part of their identity rather than the sole plot point.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Detective Kima Greggs serves as a dedicated officer within the Baltimore Police Department who navigates the complexities of the drug trade. She brings a sharp intelligence and moral grounding to the Major Crimes Unit while balancing her demanding career with her personal life. The show focuses heavily on the intricate police work involved in wiretaps and surveillance operations across the city. Kima stands out as a competent professional who commands respect from her peers in a male-dominated environment.

‘Vigil’ (2021)

DCI Amy Silva boards a nuclear submarine to investigate a suspicious death that the Navy wishes to write off as an accidental overdose. The claustrophobic setting forces Silva to navigate military protocol and close quarters while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens national security. Her investigation is complicated by the fact that she has limited communication with her team back on land. The series highlights her methodical approach to solving a murder in one of the most hostile environments on earth.

‘Hightown’ (2020–2024)

Jackie Quiñones starts as a National Marine Fisheries Service agent who discovers a body washing up on the shores of Cape Cod. This discovery propels her into a chaotic investigation involving the local opioid epidemic and organized crime rings. She battles her own personal demons and addiction issues while striving to solve the murder that haunts her. The narrative emphasizes her relentless pursuit of the truth despite her lack of formal homicide detective status initially.

‘NCIS: New Orleans’ (2014–2021)

Tammy Gregorio joins the NCIS team as a former FBI agent with a tough exterior and a precise approach to profiling. She utilizes her background in federal investigations to help the team solve military-related crimes throughout the chaotic city of New Orleans. The series showcases her skills as a sniper and her ability to read suspects during tense interrogations. Her character arc integrates her identity naturally while keeping the primary focus on the procedural aspects of the naval cases.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

Dr. Wendy Carr leaves a prestigious academic position to join the FBI Behavioral Science Unit during the late 1970s. She brings a disciplined and academic rigor to the team as they interview imprisoned serial killers to understand their psychology. Her work is instrumental in standardizing the methods used for criminal profiling and data collection. The show depicts her professional dedication to categorizing criminal behavior while navigating the bureaucracy of the FBI.

‘Wynonna Earp’ (2016–2021)

Nicole Haught serves as a deputy and later the sheriff in the supernatural territory of the Ghost River Triangle. She provides the stabilizing law enforcement perspective to a team that often deals with demons and chaotic magic. Her detective skills are frequently applied to unexplained phenomena and maintaining order in a town constantly under siege. The series balances her role as a competent officer who protects the townspeople with the broader fantasy elements of the plot.

‘The Fall’ (2013–2016)

Superintendent Stella Gibson arrives in Belfast from the Metropolitan Police to review a stalled murder investigation. She quickly identifies a series of attacks as the work of a single serial killer and takes charge of the task force. The show meticulously details her leadership style and her psychological game of cat and mouse with the perpetrator. Gibson is portrayed as an icy and brilliant investigator who refuses to be intimidated by the brutality of the crimes she investigates.

‘Gotham’ (2014–2019)

Renee Montoya works as a detective in the Major Crimes Unit of the Gotham City Police Department during a time of rampant corruption. She strives to clean up the streets and prosecute powerful mobsters who have the city in their pockets. Her storyline involves navigating the moral grey areas of a city overrun by supervillains and compromised officers. The character is adapted from the comics as a capable detective who relies on her instincts to survive the city’s underworld.

‘Deadloch’ (2023)

Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins attempts to manage a bizarre murder investigation in a sleepy Tasmanian town. She is forced to partner with a chaotic detective from Darwin who employs vastly different methods. The mystery unfolds with dark humor as the two women try to find common ground to catch a killer targeting local men. The show focuses on the friction between their investigative styles and the eccentricities of the rural community.

‘Batwoman’ (2019–2022)

Maggie Sawyer is a seasoned detective and later captain who is dedicated to maintaining law and order in Gotham City. She often finds herself working alongside or in opposition to vigilantes while trying to solve crimes through legal channels. The series highlights her commitment to the badge and her frustration with the masked heroes who operate outside the law. Her investigations frequently intersect with the fantastical threats facing the city.

‘Janet King’ (2014–2017)

Senior Crown Prosecutor Janet King returns from maternity leave to lead a series of high-profile cases that require deep investigative work. She directs the police and her legal team to uncover the truth behind complex conspiracies and murders. The show operates as both a legal drama and a mystery procedural where King is the driving force behind the inquiries. Her sharp legal mind dismantles the alibis of criminals in the pursuit of justice.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Rosa Diaz functions as the toughest detective in the precinct with a penchant for weapons and secrecy. She solves a wide variety of crimes ranging from street-level robberies to major drug busts with an intimidating demeanor. The ensemble comedy highlights her competence and loyalty to her fellow officers during dangerous raids. Her character eventually comes out as bisexual and continues to be a pivotal asset to the investigative squad.

‘Perry Mason’ (2020–2023)

Della Street begins as a legal secretary but quickly proves herself to be an astute investigator and partner to the titular lawyer. She works tirelessly to gather evidence and find witnesses that the police have overlooked or ignored. The HBO adaptation reimagines her character with a queer identity while keeping her firmly rooted in the noir mystery genre. Her resourcefulness is essential to building the defense strategies that save their clients from wrongful conviction.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005–Present)

Madame Vastra is a Silurian detective living in Victorian London who solves crimes that baffle Scotland Yard. She operates with her human wife Jenny Flint and the Sontaran Strax as the Paternoster Gang. The trio investigates extraterrestrial threats and gothic mysteries while blending into 19th-century society. Vastra uses her prehistoric wisdom and combat skills to deduce the nature of the monsters threatening the capital.

‘FBI: Most Wanted’ (2020–Present)

Sheryll Barnes is a lead agent in the Fugitive Task Force who uses her background in undercover work to track down criminals. She balances her life as a new mother with the intense demands of hunting the most dangerous offenders in the country. The show focuses on the manhunts and the tactical coordination required to apprehend fugitives. Barnes provides a level-headed and empathetic perspective that often helps in profiling the targets.

‘Rookie Blue’ (2010–2015)

Gail Peck starts as a rookie officer with a prickly attitude and eventually moves into more serious investigative roles. She navigates the politics of the precinct and the pressure of her family legacy in law enforcement. Her character arc includes coming to terms with her sexuality while managing complex cases involving missing persons and violent crimes. The series emphasizes the learning curve of young officers as they transition into seasoned detectives.

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ (1999–Present)

Officer Katriona Tamin joins the squad as an eager vice officer who transitions into the Special Victims Unit. She brings a modern perspective to the team and frequently challenges the older detectives on their methods. The show depicts her involvement in sensitive cases where she advocates fiercely for the survivors of assault. Her bisexuality is established as part of her character while she focuses on catching predators in New York City.

Please share your favorite detective from this list or suggest other shows we missed in the comments.