10 Thrilling Picks Like The Bay (2019)

Description: A gritty psychological crime drama following a brilliant but emotionally damaged detective in London, known for its intense atmosphere and morally complex characters.

Fact: Idris Elba's portrayal of John Luther was so iconic that the character's coat became a fashion trend. The series was originally conceived as a six-episode story with a definite ending, but its success led to continuation.

Description: A long-running detective series featuring an unconventional but brilliant DCI solving crimes in Northeast England, with strong emphasis on location and working-class communities.

Fact: The character Vera Stanhope was inspired by crime writer Ann Cleeves' friend, a female birdwatcher. Despite its popularity, Brenda Blethyn initially turned down the role three times before accepting.

Description: A haunting mystery set against breathtaking New Zealand landscapes, exploring the disappearance of a pregnant girl and the dark undercurrents of a seemingly peaceful community.

Fact: Jane Campion became the first female director to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes for this series. The stunning lake locations were filmed in Queenstown, with the production building an entire waterside community set.

Description: A hard-hitting police procedural set in West Yorkshire, featuring a strong female lead dealing with personal trauma while solving brutal crimes. The raw emotional tone and exploration of community impact mirror the reference's approach.

Fact: The series' title refers to the local nickname for the Calder Valley where it's set, ironically contrasting with the dark storylines. Writer Sally Wainwright drew inspiration from real-life police work 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, which unravels dark secrets within the community. The atmospheric setting and intense character-driven storytelling create a similar mood.

Fact: The show was filmed on location in Dorset, England, and its stunning coastal scenery became a character in itself. The first season's twist was so well-guarded that even the cast didn't know the killer's identity until filming the final episodes.

Description: A cat-and-mouse psychological thriller between a detective and serial killer, notable for its slow-burn tension and exploration of both hunter and hunted's psychology.

Fact: The series was one of the first BBC dramas to be picked up by Netflix for international distribution. Gillian Anderson's character was originally written as male before she was cast.

Description: A tense police corruption drama with intricate plotting and shocking twists, focusing on internal investigations within the force. The procedural elements combined with moral ambiguity create a similar compelling narrative style.

Fact: The show popularized the term 'bent coppers' in British policing lexicon. Its interrogation scenes became famous for their intensity and length, with one season finale interrogation running nearly 30 minutes uninterrupted.

Description: A crime drama set in the remote Scottish islands, where close-knit community dynamics and stunning but isolating landscapes play crucial roles in murder investigations.

Fact: Based on Ann Cleeves' novels, the show is filmed on location in Shetland, with many locals appearing as extras. The distinctive Shetland dialect is carefully preserved in the dialogue.

Description: A cold case drama that meticulously examines how past crimes resurface to affect present lives, with a focus on character depth and emotional consequences rather than just procedural elements.

Fact: Each season features a completely new case with mostly new characters, while maintaining the same investigative team. The show is notable for its realistic portrayal of police work without glamorization.

Description: A dark psychological crime thriller featuring a troubled female detective with memory issues investigating serial crimes. The blend of personal drama with professional investigation creates a similarly complex protagonist.

Fact: Creator Hans Rosenfeldt originally wrote the lead character as male before reimagining the role for Anna Friel. The show's title refers to the protagonist's real first name, which she rediscovers during her memory loss.