10 Gripping Stories Like Shadow of the Missing

Description: A crime drama set in a working-class Pennsylvania town, where a detective investigates a local murder while grappling with personal demons. The series is praised for its authentic portrayal of small-town life and its emotionally charged storytelling.

Fact: Kate Winslet's character, Mare Sheehan, was inspired by real-life female detectives in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The show's dialect coach worked extensively with the cast to perfect the distinctive Delco accent.

Description: A haunting mystery set in a remote New Zealand town, where the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl unravels dark secrets. The series explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the resilience of women in the face of systemic oppression.

Fact: The show was co-created by Jane Campion, making it one of the few crime dramas directed by a woman. The breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand play a crucial role in setting the eerie and melancholic tone of the series.

Description: A gritty British crime drama centered on a tough police sergeant dealing with personal trauma while investigating a kidnapping case. The series is lauded for its realistic portrayal of law enforcement and its deep emotional resonance.

Fact: The title 'Happy Valley' is a nickname for the area where the series is set, derived from its high rates of drug use and crime. The show's writer, Sally Wainwright, drew inspiration from real-life police procedurals and interviews with officers.

Description: A gripping crime drama set in a small coastal town, focusing on the investigation of a young boy's murder and the ripple effects on the community. The show delves deep into personal and communal grief, secrets, and the complexities of human nature.

Fact: The series was filmed in the actual town of Broadchurch, Dorset, and its stunning coastal landscapes became a character in their own right. The identity of the killer was kept secret from most of the cast until the final episodes to maintain authenticity in their performances.

Description: A psychological thriller that follows a detective hunting a serial killer in Belfast, delving into the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the two. The series is notable for its slow-burn tension and exploration of the killer's psyche alongside the investigator's personal struggles.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's character, Stella Gibson, was praised for breaking the mold of traditional female detectives by being both highly competent and unapologetically sexual. The show was initially intended to be a five-part miniseries but was extended due to its popularity.

Description: A neo-noir crime anthology series that delves into deeply personal and philosophical investigations, often blurring the lines between good and evil. The first season, in particular, is renowned for its atmospheric tension and complex character studies.

Fact: Each season of the series features a new cast and storyline, with the first season starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The show's title sequence, featuring haunting imagery and music, has won critical acclaim and awards.

Description: A legal drama that follows a young man accused of murder and the flawed justice system that processes him. The series meticulously examines the psychological and physical toll of incarceration and the presumption of guilt.

Fact: The show was originally developed by James Gandolfini, who was set to star in it before his death. Riz Ahmed's performance earned him an Emmy, making him the first actor of South Asian descent to win in the lead actor category.

Description: A dark psychological thriller about a journalist returning to her hometown to cover the murders of two young girls, while confronting her own traumatic past. The series is steeped in Southern Gothic atmosphere and explores themes of family dysfunction and repressed memories.

Fact: The series was filmed in Barnesville, Georgia, which perfectly captured the eerie, small-town vibe. Amy Adams, who starred in the series, also served as an executive producer, marking one of her first major forays into television.

Description: A supernatural crime thriller based on Stephen King's novel, blending elements of horror with a police procedural. The series explores the thin line between reality and the unexplainable, keeping viewers on edge with its eerie atmosphere.

Fact: The show was initially planned as a feature film but was adapted into a miniseries to fully explore the novel's complex narrative. Ben Mendelsohn's performance as the grieving detective added a layer of emotional depth to the supernatural mystery.

Description: An anthology series that explores the psychological underpinnings of violent crimes, focusing on why ordinary people commit heinous acts. Each season unravels a complex mystery with deep emotional and psychological layers.

Fact: The first season was based on a German novel by Petra Hammesfahr. The show's unique structure, with each season featuring a new case and protagonist, keeps viewers engaged with fresh narratives and mysteries.