10 Shows Like The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014)

Description: Like The Brokenwood Mysteries, Midsomer Murders is a long-running detective series set in a picturesque rural area, featuring intricate murder plots and a mix of dark humor and drama. Both shows emphasize the contrast between idyllic settings and violent crimes, and they share a focus on character-driven storytelling.

Fact: Midsomer Murders holds the record for the highest number of on-screen deaths in a British TV series. The fictional county of Midsomer was inspired by the real-life counties of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The show has been running for over 25 years, making it one of the longest-running detective series in the world.

Description: Murdoch Mysteries shares with The Brokenwood Mysteries the combination of crime-solving and strong sense of place (1890s Toronto vs. contemporary New Zealand). Both shows feature innovative detectives who use unique methods, and both mix historical/ cultural details with murder mysteries.

Fact: The show has featured numerous historical figures including Nikola Tesla and Winston Churchill. It's one of Canada's longest-running drama series. Many of Murdoch's inventions in the show were real historical innovations.

Description: Vera shares with The Brokenwood Mysteries a strong female detective protagonist solving crimes in rural settings. Both shows feature complex character development and focus on how crimes affect small communities. The atmospheric cinematography of the English countryside in Vera parallels Brokenwood's New Zealand landscapes.

Fact: Vera is based on novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves. Brenda Blethyn, who plays Vera, wears the character's signature hat and mac from her own wardrobe. The series is filmed in Northumberland, showcasing the region's dramatic landscapes.

Description: Death in Paradise shares with The Brokenwood Mysteries the formula of a detective solving crimes in an exotic location (a Caribbean island vs. New Zealand countryside). Both shows blend murder mysteries with light-hearted moments and feature fish-out-of-water protagonists adapting to local cultures.

Fact: The show has had four different lead detectives over its run, each bringing a unique style to the role. Despite being set in the Caribbean, the show is primarily filmed on the French island of Guadeloupe. The original detective, Richard Poole, was killed off in a shocking twist that surprised viewers.

Description: Like The Brokenwood Mysteries, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries combines crime-solving with strong local flavor (1920s Melbourne vs. contemporary New Zealand). Both feature unconventional detectives who challenge social norms, and both mix serious crime with witty dialogue and romantic subplots.

Fact: The show is based on Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher novels. The elaborate 1920s costumes became a major draw for viewers. A feature film continuation, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, was released in

Description: Father Brown and The Brokenwood Mysteries both feature amateur detectives solving crimes in rural communities. Both shows mix murder mysteries with humor and explore moral themes. The 1950s English village setting of Father Brown provides a historical counterpart to Brokenwood's contemporary New Zealand.

Fact: Based on G.K. Chesterton's short stories written in the early 20th century. Mark Williams, who plays Father Brown, is also known for his role as Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter films. The show is filmed in the Cotswolds, known for its picturesque villages.

Description: The Doctor Blake Mysteries and The Brokenwood Mysteries both feature medical professionals assisting in murder investigations in small communities. Both shows explore post-war society (1950s Australia vs. contemporary New Zealand) and feature complex protagonists with personal demons.

Fact: The lead character was inspired by real-life police surgeon Dr. John Springthorpe. The show was cancelled then revived as a series of TV movies. The Ballarat locations showcase well-preserved gold rush era architecture.

Description: Shetland and The Brokenwood Mysteries both feature remote island/ rural settings where close-knit communities are disrupted by crimes. Both shows balance police procedural elements with deep character studies and explore how isolation affects human behavior. The stark landscapes in both series become almost characters themselves.

Fact: Shetland is also based on novels by Ann Cleeves. The show is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands, often in challenging weather conditions. Douglas Henshall, who played DI Jimmy Perez, learned to speak with a Shetland accent for the role.

Description: Grantchester shares with The Brokenwood Mysteries the combination of crime-solving and small-town dynamics, set against beautiful rural backdrops. Both shows feature amateur detectives working with police professionals, and explore moral dilemmas alongside murder investigations.

Fact: The show is based on The Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie. The vicar-detective concept was inspired by Runcie's father, who was Archbishop of Canterbury. The series has seen two different actors play the lead role of Sidney Chambers/Will Davenport.

Description: The Coroner shares with The Brokenwood Mysteries a professional returning to their rural hometown to solve crimes. Both shows feature strong female leads balancing professional and personal lives, and both use coastal settings (Devon vs. New Zealand) to create atmospheric backdrops for mysteries.

Fact: The show is based on the books by M.R. Hall. The coroner's office is filmed in a real 19th century building in Dartmouth. Lead actress Claire Goose is known for her role in BBC's Casualty.