10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Midsomer Murders (1997)

Description: Set in late 19th-century Toronto, Murdoch Mysteries shares with Midsomer Murders a love for intricate plots and period detail. Both shows feature a brilliant detective who uses unconventional methods to solve crimes, often with a touch of humor.

Fact: The series incorporates real historical figures and events into its stories. Detective Murdoch is a pioneer of forensic science, which adds an educational element. The show has a loyal fanbase and has been on the air for over a decade.

Description: Vera shares with Midsomer Murders a strong, no-nonsense detective protagonist and a focus on crimes that disrupt the peace of rural and coastal communities. Both shows delve into the psychological motivations behind the crimes, offering more than just whodunits.

Fact: Also based on novels by Ann Cleeves. The titular character, DCI Vera Stanhope, is known for her unglamorous but highly effective detective style. The series is set in Northumberland, showcasing the region's dramatic landscapes.

Description: While set in a tropical paradise rather than the English countryside, Death in Paradise shares Midsomer Murders' formula of a fish-out-of-water detective solving intricate murders in a close-knit community. Both shows balance light-hearted moments with serious crime-solving.

Fact: The show has had multiple lead detectives, each bringing a unique style to the role. It's filmed on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. The series often features locked-room mysteries, a staple of classic detective fiction.

Description: Like Midsomer Murders, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries combines stylish visuals with clever mysteries. The show's 1920s Melbourne setting provides a glamorous backdrop similar to the picturesque English villages of Midsomer, and both feature strong, charismatic leads.

Fact: Based on the novels by Kerry Greenwood. Phryne Fisher is a feminist icon, known for her independence and flair. The series has inspired a modern spin-off, Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries.

Description: Similar to Midsomer Murders, Father Brown is a British detective series set in a picturesque rural village, featuring a charming and intelligent protagonist who solves crimes with a mix of wit and intuition. Both shows blend mystery with a cozy, almost nostalgic atmosphere, and often explore the darker sides of seemingly idyllic communities.

Fact: Based on the short stories by G.K. Chesterton. The character of Father Brown is a Catholic priest, which adds a unique moral dimension to the mysteries. The series is set in the 1950s, giving it a distinct period charm.

Description: Shetland, like Midsomer Murders, is set in a remote and visually stunning location, which becomes a character in itself. Both series focus on a dedicated detective solving crimes that often reveal the secrets and tensions beneath the surface of a small community.

Fact: Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. The show is known for its atmospheric cinematography, capturing the bleak beauty of the Shetland Islands. It often features multi-episode story arcs, unlike the more episodic Midsomer Murders.

Description: This New Zealand series mirrors Midsomer Murders in its setting—a small, seemingly tranquil town with a high murder rate—and its blend of humor and mystery. The dynamic between the lead detective and his team is reminiscent of Barnaby's relationships with his colleagues.

Fact: The show is known for its quirky characters and witty dialogue. It features a soundtrack of country and folk music, adding to its unique charm. Despite the murders, the series maintains a light-hearted tone.

Description: Like Midsomer Murders, Grantchester is set in a beautiful English village and combines crime-solving with rich character development. The show features a clergyman as one of the lead detectives, adding a layer of moral and ethical dilemmas similar to the nuanced storytelling in Midsomer Murders.

Fact: Based on the novels by James Runcie. The series explores post-WWII England, providing historical context. The partnership between the vicar and the detective is a central theme, much like the dynamic between Barnaby and his sergeants.

Description: Set in sunny Mallorca, this series shares with Midsomer Murders the contrast between a beautiful setting and dark crimes. The partnership between the two leads, with their clashing personalities, is similar to the dynamic between Barnaby and his various sergeants.

Fact: The show is a co-production between the UK and Germany. It features a British and a German detective working together, adding a cultural clash element. The stunning scenery of Mallorca is a major draw.

Description: This series, like Midsomer Murders, features a sharp-witted detective solving crimes in rural England between the World Wars. The blend of humor, mystery, and period charm is reminiscent of Midsomer's earlier seasons.

Fact: Starred Diana Rigg as the titular Mrs. Bradley. Based on the novels by Gladys Mitchell. The series was short-lived but has a cult following.