10 Shows Like Bloodlands (2021)

Description: A brooding detective series set in Sweden, focusing on a melancholic inspector solving crimes while grappling with personal demons.

Fact: Based on Henning Mankell's novels, the show's slow pace and existential themes set it apart from more action-packed crime dramas.

Description: A high-octane crime drama featuring a brilliant but emotionally damaged detective, known for its intense storytelling and moral dilemmas.

Fact: Idris Elba's portrayal of John Luther earned him a Golden Globe, and the show's urban London setting adds a gritty realism.

Description: A cross-border crime drama that explores societal issues through its investigations, featuring a unique partnership between detectives from different countries.

Fact: The show's iconic opening scene, involving a body found on the bridge between Sweden and Denmark, set the tone for its dark and intricate narrative.

Description: A gritty and emotionally charged crime series set in a small town, focusing on a determined police sergeant dealing with personal and professional challenges.

Fact: The show's creator, Sally Wainwright, drew inspiration from real-life experiences of police officers in West Yorkshire to create its authentic tone.

Description: A haunting murder mystery set in a close-knit coastal community, blending personal drama with a meticulous police investigation.

Fact: The show's stunning cinematography and use of the Dorset coastline became almost a character in itself, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Description: A dark and psychological crime drama that delves into the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer, exploring themes of obsession and justice.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's portrayal of DSI Stella Gibson was widely acclaimed, and the show was noted for its slow-burning tension and atmospheric cinematography.

Description: A gripping police procedural with intense investigations into corruption and moral ambiguity, featuring complex characters and high-stakes drama.

Fact: The show became famous for its lengthy interrogation scenes, often lasting over 20 minutes, which were praised for their tension and realism.

Description: A crime drama with a strong sense of place, featuring a detective solving cases in a remote and atmospheric island setting.

Fact: Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, the show's portrayal of the Shetland Isles' rugged beauty and tight-knit community adds depth to its storytelling.

Description: A cold-case crime series that meticulously unravels long-buried secrets, focusing on the emotional impact of past crimes on present lives.

Fact: Each season features a new case, but the core team of detectives remains, providing continuity and deep character development.

Description: A psychological crime thriller with a troubled detective at its center, blending personal turmoil with complex criminal investigations.

Fact: The show's creator, Hans Rosenfeldt, also created the Swedish-Danish series 'The Bridge,' known for its dark and intricate plots.