10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Shetland (2013)

Description: Wallander, like Shetland, features a brooding, introspective detective (Kurt Wallander) solving crimes in a stark, rural setting (Sweden). Both shows are adaptations of popular crime novels and focus on the psychological impact of crime on the detective. The slow-burning, atmospheric storytelling is a key similarity.

Fact: Wallander is based on the novels by Henning Mankell. Kenneth Branagh played the lead role and also directed some episodes. The show was filmed in Ystad, Sweden, and boosted tourism to the area.

Description: Vera shares with Shetland a focus on a no-nonsense detective (DCI Vera Stanhope) solving crimes in a rural, often bleak setting (Northumberland). Both shows emphasize character development and the impact of crime on small communities. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for deep dives into the personal lives of both the victims and the investigators.

Fact: Vera is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, who also created the Shetland series. Brenda Blethyn, who plays Vera, has said she was initially hesitant to take the role because of the character's age and appearance. The show has been praised for its authentic portrayal of the North East of England.

Description: The Bridge shares with Shetland a focus on a cross-border investigation (between Sweden and Denmark) and a strong, unconventional female lead (Saga Norén). Both shows feature complex, multi-layered plots and a dark, atmospheric tone. The exploration of societal issues through the lens of crime is another similarity.

Fact: The Bridge was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, who also created Marcella. The show's iconic opening scene features a body found on the Øresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark. Saga Norén's character, with her Asperger's-like traits, became a cultural icon in Scandinavia.

Description: Scott & Bailey, like Shetland, focuses on the personal and professional lives of its detective protagonists. Both shows feature strong female leads and explore the challenges of balancing work with personal relationships. The realistic portrayal of police work and the emotional toll it takes is a key similarity.

Fact: Scott & Bailey was created by Sally Wainwright and Diane Taylor. Suranne Jones and Lesley Sharp, who play the leads, were close friends before the show and suggested the idea to Wainwright. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of female detectives.

Description: Happy Valley shares with Shetland a focus on a strong, morally complex female lead (Catherine Cawood) and a rural setting (Yorkshire). Both shows blend crime-solving with personal drama, exploring how the protagonists' pasts influence their present cases. The gritty realism and emotional depth are key similarities.

Fact: Happy Valley was created by Sally Wainwright, known for her strong female characters. Sarah Lancashire's performance as Catherine Cawood won her a BAFTA. The show's title refers to the nickname for the Calder Valley, where it is set, due to its high levels of drug use.

Description: Like Shetland, Broadchurch is a British crime drama that focuses on a tight-knit community where a murder disrupts the peace. Both shows feature a strong, introspective detective (DI Alec Hardy in Broadchurch, DI Jimmy Perez in Shetland) who must navigate personal and professional challenges while solving the case. The coastal setting in Broadchurch (Dorset) mirrors the isolated, atmospheric Shetland Islands, adding to the eerie, melancholic tone.

Fact: Broadchurch was created by Chris Chibnall, who later became the showrunner for Doctor Who. The show's first season was such a hit that it led to a surge in tourism to Dorset, where it was filmed. David Tennant and Olivia Colman's performances were critically acclaimed, with Colman winning a BAFTA for her role.

Description: The Fall, like Shetland, is a psychological crime drama that delves into the minds of both the detective and the killer. While The Fall is set in urban Belfast, its dark, brooding atmosphere and complex characters are reminiscent of Shetland's tone. Both shows explore themes of obsession, justice, and the psychological toll of crime-solving.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's portrayal of DSI Stella Gibson was widely praised and earned her several award nominations. The show was created by Allan Cubitt, who also wrote all the episodes. Jamie Dornan's performance as the serial killer Paul Spector was a breakout role for him.

Description: Line of Duty shares with Shetland a focus on police procedural elements and the moral complexities of law enforcement. While Line of Duty is more focused on corruption within the police force, both shows feature intricate plots, strong character development, and a tense, suspenseful atmosphere.

Fact: Line of Duty was created by Jed Mercurio, who also wrote Bodyguard. The show's acronym-heavy dialogue became a trademark and was often parodied. The finale of season 6 was one of the most-watched TV events in the UK in

Description: Unforgotten, like Shetland, is a British crime drama that focuses on cold cases and their impact on both the victims' families and the detectives. Both shows feature a team of investigators working together to solve complex cases, with a strong emphasis on character development and emotional depth.

Fact: Unforgotten was created by Chris Lang, who also wrote all the episodes. The show has been praised for its diverse casting and realistic portrayal of police work. Each season focuses on a different cold case, with some characters returning across seasons.

Description: Marcella shares with Shetland a focus on a detective with a troubled personal life (Marcella Backland) and a complex, multi-layered crime narrative. Both shows blend elements of noir and psychological drama, with a strong emphasis on character development and moral ambiguity.

Fact: Marcella was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, who also created The Bridge. Anna Friel, who plays Marcella, learned to speak Swedish for the role. The show's third season was set in Northern Ireland and featured a completely new storyline.