Grab your popcorn and get ready for some heart-pumping action as we dive into the best new crime thriller TV shows and detectives hitting our screens in 2024! From gripping plotlines to sharp-witted sleuths, we have compiled a list of must-watch series that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic detective stories or crave something fresh and exciting, this lineup is sure to satisfy all your crime-solving cravings. So, get cozy and let’s explore the most anticipated shows that are set to take over our screens next year!
1. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is a critically acclaimed American crime thriller series that premiered on Netflix in 2017. The show was created by Joe Penhall and is based on the true-crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit, written by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. The series explores the early days of criminal profiling in the FBI in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It follows FBI agents Holden Ford (played by Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (played by Holt McCallany) as they travel across the country interviewing imprisoned serial killers and conducting groundbreaking research on criminal psychology. Together with psychologist Wendy Carr (played by Anna Torv), they develop a new understanding of the criminal mind and create a new approach to investigating violent crimes.
The show is known for its strong performances, particularly by Groff and McCallany, who bring depth and complexity to their characters. The series also features a compelling array of serial killers, each portrayed with chilling realism by a talented cast of actors.
One of the key strengths of Mindhunter is its attention to detail and historical accuracy. The show is set during a time when the FBI was struggling to keep up with the rising tide of serial killers, and it captures the sense of urgency and desperation that pervaded the agency during this period. It also incorporates real-life cases, including the Atlanta child murders and the BTK killer, and the showrunners worked closely with Douglas, a former FBI agent and one of the pioneers of criminal profiling, to ensure that the show’s portrayal of the investigative techniques used by the agency was as accurate as possible.
2. Sherlock
Sherlock is a popular British television series that aired from 2010 to 2017. Created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, the show is based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes detective stories. The series stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his trusty sidekick, Dr. John Watson.
The show is known for its clever writing, fast-paced action, and intense character development. The series is set in modern-day London and follows the dynamic duo as they solve crimes and uncover mysteries that baffle Scotland Yard. The show is a masterclass in storytelling, and the writers do an excellent job of weaving intricate plotlines that keep the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats.
Sherlock’s character is brilliantly portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, who captures the essence of the character with his unique and captivating performance. Cumberbatch brings Sherlock to life with his quick wit, sharp intelligence, and eccentric personality. Martin Freeman is also excellent as Dr. John Watson, who provides the perfect foil to Sherlock’s analytical mind.
3. Luther
The Luther series is a British crime drama television show that premiered in 2010. It follows the life of John Luther, a brilliant detective in the London police force who is haunted by the demons of his past. The show has become a cult classic, thanks to its compelling storyline, complex characters, and brilliant performances.
Idris Elba portrays John Luther, the troubled and brilliant detective who is relentless in his pursuit of justice. Elba’s performance in the show has been critically acclaimed, and he has won several awards for his role in the series. His portrayal of the character is intense, gritty, and raw, and he brings a level of emotional depth to the character that is rare in crime dramas.
The show has been praised for its portrayal of mental health issues and the toll that the job of a detective can take on a person. The character of Luther is haunted by the memory of a case gone wrong, which resulted in the death of a young girl. This trauma affects Luther deeply and causes him to struggle with his mental health throughout the series.
The Luther series is also known for its compelling villains. From the sadistic Alice Morgan to the ruthless gangster George Cornelius, the show has created some of the most memorable and terrifying villains in recent television history.
Another aspect of the show that has been praised is its cinematography. The series is shot in a moody and atmospheric style, which adds to the overall tone of the show. The show’s use of color and lighting is particularly noteworthy, and it creates a sense of unease and tension that permeates throughout the series.
4. True Detective
True Detective is a critically acclaimed American television series that premiered in 2014 on HBO. The show is an anthology series, with each season featuring a new cast and storyline. It has gained a cult following due to its complex characters, intricate storytelling, and stunning cinematography.
The first season follows the lives of two detectives, Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson), as they investigate a series of murders in rural Louisiana. The show’s first season is known for its haunting atmosphere, complex characters, and nonlinear storytelling.
The second season features a new cast and storyline, with the action taking place in California. The season revolves around the murder of a corrupt city manager and the tangled web of corruption and conspiracy that surrounds the case. Although the second season was criticized for its convoluted plot and lack of cohesion, it still managed to maintain the show’s signature dark and brooding atmosphere.
The third season of the show returns to the themes of the first season, with the action taking place in rural Arkansas. The season follows the story of detective Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali), who is haunted by a case he worked on over thirty years ago. The season is praised for its poignant exploration of memory and the passage of time.
One of the show’s most notable aspects is its cinematography. The show’s use of long takes and tracking shots creates a sense of unease and tension that adds to the show’s overall atmosphere. The show’s use of color and lighting is also noteworthy, with the first season’s use of yellow and green creating a haunting and otherworldly tone.
5. The Night Of
The Night Of is an American television miniseries that premiered on HBO in 2016. Created by Richard Price and Steven Zaillian, the show is a gritty crime drama that tells the story of a young Pakistani-American college student, Nasir “Naz” Khan (played by Riz Ahmed), who is accused of murdering a young woman after a night of drugs and sex.
It starts with Naz picking up a beautiful young woman, Andrea (played by Sofia Black-D’Elia), in his father’s cab and going back to her apartment for a night of drugs and sex. The next morning, Naz wakes up to find Andrea dead, stabbed multiple times. From this point on, the show follows Naz’s journey through the criminal justice system, as he tries to prove his innocence and navigate the complex and often corrupt world of law enforcement and the courts.
The Night Of is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of crime, race, and justice in America. It is a show that delves deep into the psychology of its characters, exploring the moral complexities of their actions and the societal forces that shape them. Through Naz’s story, the show examines issues of racial profiling, police brutality, and the criminal justice system’s failure to serve justice.
The performances in The Night Of are outstanding, particularly Riz Ahmed’s portrayal of Naz. Ahmed delivers a nuanced and emotionally charged performance that captures the character’s inner turmoil and desperation. The supporting cast, including John Turturro as Naz’s defense attorney and Bill Camp as the lead detective on the case, is equally strong, bringing depth and complexity to their roles.
