Best Crime TV Shows in 2021

As we prepare for the Christmas break – a time of the year where most of us barely leave our sofas! – we’ve rounded up a list of our 10 favourite crime TV shows this year, to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seat all holiday.

Mare of Easttown

Kate Winslet plays a detective in a small Pennsylvania town who must juggle her own complicated personal life whilst investigating the murder of a local woman. Kate’s flawless performance has made this arguably one of the most well-reviewed TV shows of the year. Watch it now on Sky Atlantic or NOW TV.

Vigil

An incredibly claustrophobic drama about a death onboard the Trident nuclear submarine HMS Vigil. This tense BBC series was made by the producers of Line of Duty and stars Suranne Jones (Doctor Foster), Martin Compston (Line of Duty) and Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones). Watch it now on BBC iPlayer.

The Serpent

Set across Asia’s ‘hippie trail’, this drama is inspired by the shocking true story of Charles Sobhraj, a conman and murderer who preyed on travellers in the 1970s. The show provides some excellent armchair travel and fabulous 70s fashion inspiration, thanks to the wardrobes of Tahar Rahim (The Mauritanian) and Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who). Watch it now on Netflix or BBC iPlayer.

Zero Zero Zero

A gripping and cinematic series exploring the global cocaine trade. Based on the book by Roberto Saviano, this drama watches like a blockbuster movie and follows the buyers of the cocaine shipment in Italy, the suppliers in Mexico and the middlemen in the US. Watch it now on Sky Atlantic or NOW TV.

Line of Duty

One of the most anticipated TV shows this year, Season 6 of Line of Duty had everyone talking! This season had a guest appearance from Kelly McDonald (The Victim) as a detective under investigation by AC-12.

Only Murders in the Building

For something a little more light-hearted, try this mystery-comedy series about three Upper West Side neighbours with a love for true-crime, who suddenly find themselves wrapped up in a real-life murder. The all-star cast of Steve Martin, Selena Gomez and Martin Short makes this a must watch! Catch it now on Disney+.

Lupin

Omar Sy returned on our screens this year as Arsène Lupin, the world-famous gentleman thief, in Season 2 of the compelling French espionage thriller Lupin. Watch it now on Netflix.

The Pembrokeshire Murders

This ITV miniseries is based on the real-life investigation into the Coastal Path Murders in Pembrokeshire and the pursuit of the most notorious serial killer in Welsh criminal history. A chilling drama in which Luke Evans (Dracula) stars as the lead detective. Watch it now on ITV hub.

The Flight Attendant

An anxiety-inducing yet witty thriller series in which Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) plays a flight attendant who wakes up in bed with a dead man and no idea what happened. Watch now on Sky on NOW TV.

The Long Call

Calling all Vera and Shetland fans, Ann Cleeves’s latest crime series has now also been adapted for TV/ This police procedural drama set in North Devon features DI Matthew Venn – played by Ben Aldridge (Fleabag) – who must investigate a murder in his small hometown. Watch it now on ITV hub.