The Best New Mystery TV Shows

Mystery shows have become incredibly popular again since 2020, thanks to a surge of new series on both streaming services and regular TV. These shows cover a wide range of styles, from classic detective stories and historical mysteries to suspenseful thrillers, sci-fi puzzles, and dramatizations of real crimes. This list features the best mystery TV shows that came out between 2020 and 2026, demonstrating just how varied and exciting the genre has become.

‘Adolescence’ (2025)

This gripping crime drama tells the story of a 13-year-old boy arrested for murder. What makes the series unique is how it’s filmed – each of the four hour-long episodes is done in one continuous shot. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, the show focuses on the family of the boy who committed the crime, rather than the victim. It’s a powerful exploration of the issues that can lead to youth violence, and it creates a very intense and realistic experience for the viewer.

‘Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials’ (2026)

This three-part series, set in 1925, is based on a classic novel and follows Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent as she solves a murder mystery at a weekend gathering in the countryside. When a prank involving alarm clocks goes terribly wrong and a guest dies, Bundle uncovers a dangerous plot. Mia McKenna-Bruce stars as Bundle, with Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman also featuring in the cast. This marks a major step for the streaming service, which is now focusing on faithful and detailed adaptations of Agatha Christie’s work.

‘His & Hers’ (2026)

This murder mystery follows a news reporter and a detective as they investigate a brutal crime in their Georgia hometown. The two are divorced, and both had connections to the victim, giving them each a personal stake in the case. As they dig deeper, it becomes clear that both are keeping secrets that could make them suspects. The series is based on a novel by Alice Feeney and tells the story through shifting, often unreliable, viewpoints.

‘Dept. Q’ (2025)

This series, inspired by a bestselling Danish book, centers on detective Carl Mørck, played by Matthew Goode. He’s moved to Edinburgh to lead a unit that investigates old, unsolved cases. Haunted by a past police operation that went wrong, leaving a colleague dead and another paralyzed, Mørck works with a quirky team in a basement office. They begin to realize that seemingly unrelated disappearances from the past are connected to current crimes. The show features the dark, suspenseful style and complex storylines typical of Nordic noir.

‘The Beast in Me’ (2025)

Okay, so I just finished watching this new series, and Claire Danes is absolutely fantastic as Aggie, a writer who’s basically become a recluse after a terrible loss. Things get interesting when Matthew Rhys moves in next door – he’s got a seriously mysterious vibe, and it turns out he was a suspect in his wife’s disappearance! Naturally, Aggie starts digging around, trying to figure out what really happened. It’s a really gripping story, and it really dives deep into how grief and obsession can consume you. It’s not just a mystery, it’s a character study, and I was hooked from the beginning.

‘MobLand’ (2025)

I’m really excited about this new crime drama! It’s directed by Guy Ritchie, and it’s a gritty look at a huge war breaking out between two powerful families in London. Tom Hardy plays this incredible character, Harry Da Souza, who’s caught right in the middle of all the chaos and trying to keep things from spiraling out of control. And you can’t beat having Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren as the heads of one of the families – they bring so much to the show! It’s got all the twists and turns you’d expect, plus Ritchie’s trademark fast pace and really cool dialogue. It’s going to be a wild ride.

‘Black Rabbit’ (2025)

The series centers around Jake Friedkin, a thriving restaurant and lounge owner in New York City, played by Jude Law. His carefully built life is disrupted when his troubled brother, Vince (Jason Bateman), unexpectedly returns and gets involved in the business. Vince’s reappearance stirs up painful memories from the past and introduces new criminal threats that could ruin everything Jake has worked for. The show delves into the complexities of family relationships and how even the strongest bonds can become damaging when tested.

‘The Better Sister’ (2025)

This thrilling series, inspired by Alafair Burke’s novel, follows sisters Chloe and Nicky, played by Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, who are brought back together after a tragedy. When Chloe’s husband is murdered—a man who once had a long relationship with Nicky—the sisters must confront their complicated past and consider the possibility that someone they know is responsible. The story delves into the tense relationships within a fractured family as they grapple with a high-profile murder investigation.

‘Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ (2025)

The story starts in a morgue, where nine bodies are found after a plane crashes in the Mexican jungle. The show unfolds in a non-traditional way, revealing that the passengers actually survived the crash, but were then killed one by one. As the survivors struggle with the perils of the jungle and growing distrust among themselves, they discover they’re being hunted by someone – or something – unknown. Starring Eric McCormack and David Ajala, this mystery is the creation of Anthony Horowitz.

‘The Residence’ (2025)

This funny mystery series takes place entirely inside the White House. Uzo Aduba plays an unusual detective investigating a murder among the White House staff and those who live there. She has to deal with political complications and the pressure of the presidency while trying to find the killer. The show is based on the book ‘The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House’ and also stars Giancarlo Esposito.

‘Severance’ (2022– )

Lumon Industries performs a highly unusual surgery on its employees, separating their work and personal memories. Mark Scout, portrayed by Adam Scott, manages a team where the “work selves” of employees have no recollection of their lives outside the office. The story becomes more complicated when Mark is contacted by a former coworker in the outside world, leading him to investigate what Lumon is really up to. The show is a mix of sharp commentary on corporate life and a suspenseful, unsettling mystery about the morality of the technology being used.

‘Slow Horses’ (2022– )

Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the head of Slough House – a department where MI5 sends agents who’ve messed up. Despite being considered failures – nicknamed ‘slow horses’ – this team often gets pulled into dangerous spy missions that the rest of the intelligence agency can’t deal with. Each season focuses on a new investigation, tackling issues like corruption, terrorism, and hidden spies within Britain’s intelligence services. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of the spy world and its complicated, often cynical characters.

‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

In a close-knit Pennsylvania town, Detective Mare Sheehan investigates a murder while dealing with her own personal struggles. The story reveals how deeply connected everyone is, and how well-kept secrets can impact the investigation. As Mare searches for the killer, she’s also forced to face a painful loss and the pressure of living up to the town’s expectations, as she was once a celebrated figure. Kate Winslet received widespread praise for her portrayal of the exhausted but relentless detective.

‘Only Murders in the Building’ (2021– )

A trio of true crime-obsessed neighbors in a fancy New York apartment building stumble upon a real murder and decide to investigate it themselves, documenting everything as their own podcast. Starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, the show follows their quirky investigation each season, with each new mystery unfolding within the building. It’s a funny and suspenseful series that playfully pokes fun at classic mystery tropes while also focusing on the growing bond between the three friends.

‘The White Lotus’ (2021– )

This show is a darkly comedic mystery that takes place at different luxurious resorts each season. Each season opens by revealing a death has occurred, then goes back in time to show what happened leading up to it. Through the investigation, the series offers a biting commentary on the lives of the wealthy and how people behave. Jennifer Coolidge appears in several seasons, connecting the different stories and locations.

‘Yellowjackets’ (2021– )

The story centers around a high school girls’ soccer team who survive a plane crash in the wilderness back in 1996. The series jumps between their desperate fight for survival in the immediate aftermath and their lives twenty-five years later, where they’re still dealing with the consequences of what happened. A central mystery revolves around a figure known as ‘the Antler Queen,’ and the survivors are now being targeted by a modern-day blackmail scheme. It’s a suspenseful story that blends horror and psychological drama, examining how deeply traumatic experiences can affect people long after they occur.

‘Poker Face’ (2023– )

Natasha Lyonne plays Charlie Cale, a woman who can always tell when people are lying. While escaping a dangerous casino boss, she travels across the country, stumbling into a new murder mystery in each town. The show is a twist on typical detective stories – viewers actually see the crime happen before Charlie starts solving it, making it a fresh take on classic mystery shows like ‘Columbo’.

‘Silo’ (2023– )

In a bleak, polluted future, humanity survives in a massive underground silo stretching hundreds of stories down. Life inside is highly controlled by a strict set of rules, meant to keep everyone safe. When the sheriff breaks one of those rules and people start dying unexpectedly, engineer Juliette begins an investigation. What she discovers about the silo’s past throws into question everything the residents believe about the world above.

‘Bad Sisters’ (2022– )

Following the death of their sister’s husband, the five Garvey sisters become suspects in an insurance investigation, leading investigators to believe something wasn’t right. The story jumps between the present-day investigation and flashbacks showing the sisters’ previous attempts to deal with their abusive brother-in-law. Set in Dublin, the series is a darkly funny and suspenseful mystery that delves into the strong, protective bond between the sisters and how far they’ll go for each other.

‘Black Bird’ (2022)

Jimmy Keene, a former high school football star who became a drug dealer, receives a ten-year prison sentence. He’s given a chance to shorten his time by going undercover – he must get a confession from a suspected serial killer held in a more dangerous prison. The story centers on the intense psychological battle between Jimmy and the suspect as he attempts to uncover the locations of the killer’s victims. This series is based on a true crime story and features Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser in leading roles.

‘Ripley’ (2024)

Andrew Scott plays Tom Ripley in this black and white series based on Patricia Highsmith’s novels. It’s set in the 1960s, and follows Tom as he’s hired by a rich man to find his wayward son in Italy and bring him back to New York. This job quickly leads Tom down a path of lies, scams, and ultimately, murder, as he becomes captivated by a new, luxurious life. The show carefully explores how Tom plans and carries out his crimes, and how he tries to stay one step ahead of the law.

‘Presumed Innocent’ (2024)

Jake Gyllenhaal plays Rusty Sabich, a lawyer who suddenly finds himself suspected of murdering a coworker. The story delves into themes of intense obsession, political maneuvering, and the boundaries of love, all while Rusty struggles to protect his family and rebuild his life. As the case unfolds, new evidence emerges, making viewers question whether he’s truly guilty or innocent. This version of the story is a modern take on the original book and movie, focusing on the intricate details of both the legal battle and Rusty’s personal life.

‘Under the Bridge’ (2024)

This series tells the true story of Reena Virk, a fourteen-year-old who disappeared in 1997. Based on Rebecca Godfrey’s book, the show follows a police officer, played by Lily Gladstone, and a journalist, played by Riley Keough, as they investigate the teenagers suspected of being involved. The series explores the hidden lives of these teens, uncovering a story of bullying and how systems failed them. It’s a heartbreaking look at a tragic event that deeply affected a small town in British Columbia.

‘Sugar’ (2024)

I just finished watching this new series, and it’s really stuck with me. It centers around John Sugar, played by Colin Farrell, who’s a private investigator looking for Olivia Siegel, the granddaughter of a huge Hollywood producer. As Sugar gets closer to finding her, he starts uncovering a lot of dark family secrets. What’s really cool about the show is its look – it’s visually stunning – and honestly, there’s a major twist that completely changes how you see the whole story. It’s a really clever detective series!

‘Wednesday’ (2022– )

After getting kicked out of her old school, Wednesday Addams is sent to Nevermore Academy, a school for students who are different. At Nevermore, she tries to control a new psychic power she’s developing and investigates a decades-old mystery surrounding her parents. Meanwhile, a series of monster attacks is frightening the nearby town. Directed in part by Tim Burton, the show combines a spooky, gothic atmosphere with a story about growing up.

‘Dark Winds’ (2022– )

This series, set in the 1970s on a Navajo Nation reservation, centers around two police officers investigating a double murder. As they dig deeper, Leaphorn, played by Zahn McClarnon, and Chee, played by Kiowa Gordon, are forced to question their own beliefs, as the crimes may be connected to the supernatural. The show is based on the popular ‘Leaphorn & Chee’ novels by Tony Hillerman and brings a fresh, culturally rich perspective to the classic Western crime drama.

‘The Diplomat’ (2023– )

Keri Russell plays Kate Wyler, a seasoned diplomat who suddenly becomes the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The series follows Kate as she deals with international issues, builds important relationships with other countries, and tries to manage a difficult marriage to a prominent politician. At the same time, she’s uncovering a conspiracy related to an attack on a British aircraft carrier. The show blends intense political drama with a compelling mystery.

‘Will Trent’ (2023– )

Will Trent, a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, had a tough start in life, being abandoned as a baby and growing up in Atlanta’s busy foster care system. This experience gives him a special understanding, driving him to solve crimes and make sure no one feels forgotten – he has the highest case closure rate in the GBI. The series follows Will as he tackles challenging investigations, builds relationships, and confronts his own history. It’s based on the popular novels by Karin Slaughter.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023– )

Peter Sutherland is an FBI agent working a quiet, almost forgotten post in the White House basement, watching a phone that never receives calls. But when the phone does ring, he’s thrust into a thrilling conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power. He’s tasked with protecting a young tech CEO whose family was killed after discovering a secret government scheme. The show is packed with intense action and a complex investigation into corruption within the government itself.

‘Reacher’ (2022– )

Jack Reacher, a former military police officer, finds himself wrongly accused of murder in the town of Margrave, Georgia. Once he’s proven his innocence, he decides to stay and help the local police uncover a complex plot involving powerful people in town and dangerous criminals from around the world. Reacher relies on his strength and detective abilities to take down the entire operation. Each season of the show is based on a different book from Lee Child’s popular series.

‘Sherwood’ (2022– )

This British drama series, based on true events, centers around two disturbing murders in a mining village still recovering from the 1980s strikes. The crimes trigger a massive manhunt – one of the biggest in British history – and bring long-buried conflicts within the community back to the surface. Starring David Morrissey as the lead detective, the show explores how past hurts can affect the pursuit of justice today.

‘The Sixth Commandment’ (2023)

As a movie lover, I was completely gripped by this series. It tells the heartbreaking, true story of what happened to Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin in a quiet village. It really focuses on how a younger man took advantage of their kindness, and how that led to a really complicated police investigation. What struck me most was how sensitively it portrayed the victims and the incredible detail the police put into solving the case. It’s a disturbing story, but it’s handled with a lot of care and respect, and it’s truly compelling viewing.

‘Criminal Record’ (2024– )

A mysterious phone call brings together two sharp detectives in modern London to reopen a decades-old murder case. Peter Capaldi stars as a seasoned inspector guarding his reputation, and Cush Jumbo plays a determined young sergeant seeking the truth. The story delves into themes of race, systemic flaws, and finding connection in a divided city, ultimately focusing on the complex relationship between the detectives and the possibility of past wrongs.

‘Monsieur Spade’ (2024)

Clive Owen plays Sam Spade, the famous detective, who has settled into retirement in the South of France in the early 1960s. His quiet life is shattered when six nuns are murdered nearby. As Spade looks into the killings, he uncovers a connection to a young child rumored to have extraordinary abilities. This series picks up the story after the events of ‘The Maltese Falcon,’ reimagining the iconic character in a new setting.

‘Lupin’ (2021– )

Assane Diop is on a mission to right the wrongs done to his father by a powerful, wealthy family. Taking inspiration from the legendary Arsène Lupin, he uses his charm and skill at disguises to pull off complex robberies and expose the truth. At the heart of the story is a stolen necklace and a long-hidden secret that destroyed Assane’s family. Set in Paris, the show has become popular worldwide thanks to its intricate plot and the captivating performance by Omar Sy.

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

When a captivating young priest arrives on a struggling island, strange and unsettling things begin to happen. As the townspeople witness events they can’t explain, secrets about the priest’s past and the true nature of the miracles start to emerge. This series, created by Mike Flanagan, combines supernatural horror with a compelling mystery about belief and what people are willing to give up. The story unfolds slowly, building to a shocking revelation that affects the entire community.

‘Bodies’ (2023)

Detectives in four different time periods—1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053—all investigate the same murder in London’s Whitechapel. As each detective works the case, they uncover a 150-year-old conspiracy that links their investigations together. The story jumps back and forth between these different eras, showing how each detective’s work affects the others. It’s adapted from a graphic novel.

‘The Afterparty’ (2022–2023)

This funny murder mystery tells the same story each episode, but from a different character’s point of view. The look and feel of each episode changes to fit the character’s story – one might feel like an action movie, another like a romantic comedy. Detective Danner, played by Tiffany Haddish, has to sort through all these different versions of events to solve a high-profile murder. Viewers are challenged to find clues hidden within each character’s unique perspective and put the pieces together.

‘Hijack’ (2023– )

Idris Elba plays Sam Nelson, a skilled negotiator who tries to use his professional techniques to save passengers on a hijacked plane. The show unfolds in real-time during the seven-hour flight from Dubai to London. As Sam negotiates with the hijackers, those on the ground race to figure out who the criminals are and why they’re doing this. The story builds suspense both through the dangerous situation on the plane and the investigation happening with air traffic control.

‘The 7 Lives of Lea’ (2022)

I’m completely hooked on this French series! It starts with a young woman, Lea, finding the remains of a teen who went missing decades ago. Then things get really strange – I start waking up in the past, but not as myself. Each day, I’m someone different, someone who knew the missing boy. It’s like I’m living through their eyes, and I’m using these glimpses into the past to figure out what happened to him and, if I can, stop it from happening. It’s a really emotional story, a mystery about growing up and uncovering a long-held secret.

‘Shining Girls’ (2022)

Elisabeth Moss stars as Kirby Mazrachi, a newspaper archivist whose life is turned upside down after a violent attack. When a new murder eerily resembles what she went through, she joins forces with an experienced reporter to find the person responsible. The investigation leads them to a time-traveling killer, causing Kirby’s reality to constantly shift and change. The series is a mind-bending psychological thriller adapted from the novel by Lauren Beukes.

‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ (2022)

Andrew Garfield plays a detective investigating a shocking murder linked to a strict Mormon family. The series explores the beginnings of the Mormon faith and how extreme beliefs contributed to the crime. As he digs deeper, the detective reveals long-hidden secrets and a pattern of violence within the community. The story is based on a true-crime book by Jon Krakauer.

‘The Flight Attendant’ (2020–2022)

Cassie Bowden, a flight attendant, wakes up disoriented in a strange place – a hotel room with a dead man beside her, and no memory of the night before. Scared of getting involved with the police, she tries to act normal, but soon finds herself under FBI investigation in New York. The series follows Cassie as she desperately tries to figure out what happened, all while battling her personal struggles with addiction and disturbing hallucinations. Kaley Cuoco plays the lead role in this darkly comedic and suspenseful mystery.

‘I May Destroy You’ (2020)

Arabella is a confident and independent woman living in London, enjoying her friends and a promising career as a writer. Her life is turned upside down when she’s spiked and sexually assaulted at a nightclub. The story follows her journey to piece together what happened that night and find the people responsible. Created by and starring Michaela Coel, the series is a powerful and deeply personal look at consent and the aftermath of trauma.

‘The Undoing’ (2020)

Grace Fraser appears to have it all: a thriving therapy practice, a beautiful home in New York City, and a loving family with her husband, Jonathan, and their son. But her world is turned upside down when a violent crime occurs and Jonathan vanishes. As the mystery unfolds, Grace uncovers shocking secrets about the husband she believed she knew so well. Starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, the series delves into the lives of Manhattan’s wealthy and privileged.

‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020)

In the 1950s, Atticus Freeman embarks on a road trip with his friend Letitia and Uncle George to find his father, who has gone missing. Their journey takes them through the racially charged landscape of Jim Crow America, where they face not only prejudice and danger but also terrifying creatures inspired by classic horror stories. As they search for answers, they uncover a hidden, age-old secret society connected to Atticus’s family history. The show combines historical drama, supernatural horror, and the thrills of a classic detective story.

‘The Plot Against America’ (2020)

This series, inspired by Philip Roth’s novel, presents a fictionalized version of American history where Charles Lindbergh wins the 1940 presidential election instead of FDR. The story centers on a Jewish family in New Jersey and how they experience the country’s shift towards fascism and prejudice. Woven throughout the narrative are political mysteries and questions about why Lindbergh gained power, ultimately serving as a warning about how easily democracy can be threatened.

‘The Vow’ (2020–2022)

This documentary series explores the experiences of people involved with NXIVM, a self-improvement group that was ultimately exposed as a harmful cult. Using footage from inside the organization and interviews with former members who helped bring down its leader, Keith Raniere, the series unravels the psychological methods used to control people and how the group’s illegal activities were uncovered. It offers an in-depth look at how modern cults operate.

‘Clickbait’ (2021)

When a father is kidnapped and a chilling video surfaces online – promising his death once it’s viewed five million times – his family and the police launch a desperate search. As they try to save him, they discover he may not be who everyone thinks he is. The series examines how social media fuels modern crime and how easily online personas can be faked, with each episode revealing the story through the eyes of a different person involved in the case.

‘The Old Man’ (2022– )

Jeff Bridges plays Dan Chase, a retired CIA agent who’s been living in secret for years. When someone tries to kill him, he’s forced to deal with his past and the secrets he’s been hiding. An FBI assistant director with a personal connection to Chase leads the investigation. The show is a thrilling spy story that explores how past secret missions can have long-lasting effects.

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

2026-02-09 00:51