10 Shows Like Murder, She Wrote (1984) for Mystery Lovers

Description: 'Hart to Hart' and 'Murder, She Wrote' both feature wealthy, sophisticated protagonists who solve crimes. While 'Hart to Hart' is more of a romantic adventure, it shares with 'Murder, She Wrote' a light-hearted tone, glamorous settings, and a focus on amateur sleuthing.

Fact: The show was created by Sidney Sheldon, who also wrote 'I Dream of Jeannie.' Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers had real-life chemistry, having previously starred together in 'The Pink Jungle.' The opening narration, delivered by Lionel Stander, became iconic.

Description: 'Remington Steele' combines mystery with romance and humor, much like 'Murder, She Wrote'. Both shows feature a strong female lead (Laura Holt and Jessica Fletcher) who solves crimes, though 'Remington Steele' adds a romantic and comedic twist with the fake detective premise.

Fact: Pierce Brosnan's role in 'Remington Steele' led to him being cast as James Bond. The show was one of the first to blend the detective and romantic comedy genres. The character of Remington Steele was originally intended to be a recurring role, but Brosnan's popularity made him a co-lead.

Description: 'Moonlighting' and 'Murder, She Wrote' both feature witty dialogue and a mix of mystery and comedy. While 'Moonlighting' is more of a romantic comedy with detective elements, it shares with 'Murder, She Wrote' a focus on clever storytelling and charismatic leads.

Fact: The show made Bruce Willis a star, launching his career. 'Moonlighting' was known for breaking the fourth wall and innovative storytelling techniques. The famous 'I Have a Dream' episode was shot in black and white as a tribute to classic Hollywood.

Description: 'Matlock' shares with 'Murder, She Wrote' a focus on a older, wise protagonist who solves crimes—Andy Griffith's Ben Matlock is a lawyer who often plays detective. Both shows mix legal drama with mystery and have a Southern charm, though 'Matlock' is set in Atlanta while 'Murder, She Wrote' is in Maine.

Fact: Andy Griffith was already a TV legend from 'The Andy Griffith Show' before starring in 'Matlock.' Matlock's famous gray suit was chosen to make him look like a 'Southern gentleman.' The show was known for its courtroom scenes where Matlock would dramatically reveal the real culprit.

Description: 'Poirot', like 'Murder, She Wrote', features a brilliant detective with a distinctive personality—Hercule Poirot's fastidiousness and Jessica Fletcher's sharp intuition. Both shows are episodic mysteries with a focus on clever plotting and character-driven stories, often set in picturesque locations.

Fact: David Suchet played Poirot for 24 years, becoming synonymous with the character. The series adapted all of Agatha Christie's Poirot stories, a first for any Christie adaptation. Poirot's meticulous appearance, including his waxed mustache, was carefully maintained throughout the series.

Description: Similar to 'Murder, She Wrote', 'Midsomer Murders' is set in a seemingly idyllic small community where murders frequently occur. Both shows feature a detective who solves crimes with a mix of intuition and methodical investigation, and both have a light, sometimes humorous tone despite the dark subject matter.

Fact: The show holds the record for the highest number of on-screen deaths in a British TV series. Despite the high murder rate, the fictional county of Midsomer is known for its beautiful countryside. The show has been running for over 20 years, with multiple actors playing the lead role of DCI Barnaby.

Description: 'Monk' and 'Murder, She Wrote' both feature eccentric but brilliant detectives who solve crimes with unique methods—Adrian Monk's obsessive-compulsive disorder vs. Jessica Fletcher's sharp intuition. Both shows blend mystery with humor and have a strong focus on the protagonist's personal quirks.

Fact: Tony Shalhoub won multiple Emmys for his role as Adrian Monk. The show was inspired by Sherlock Holmes, with Monk as a modern, neurotic version of the detective. Monk's catchphrase, 'It's a gift... and a curse,' became iconic.

Description: 'The Mentalist' shares with 'Murder, She Wrote' a protagonist who solves crimes using keen observation and psychological insight—Patrick Jane's skills are reminiscent of Jessica Fletcher's intuition. Both shows balance crime-solving with character development and occasional humor.

Fact: Simon Baker's portrayal of Patrick Jane earned him a Golden Globe nomination. The show's Red John storyline was a major plot arc spanning multiple seasons. Patrick Jane's backstory as a former psychic medium adds a unique twist to the detective genre.

Description: Like 'Murder, She Wrote', 'Columbo' is a classic detective series with a unique protagonist who solves crimes through keen observation and deduction. Both shows feature a mix of mystery and light-hearted moments, appealing to a broad audience. The episodic nature and focus on solving a new case each episode are key similarities.

Fact: Peter Falk improvised many of Columbo's mannerisms, including his famous catchphrase, 'Just one more thing.' The show was part of the NBC Mystery Movie anthology series, rotating with other shows like 'McMillan & Wife.' Columbo's raincoat was purchased off the rack by Peter Falk and became an iconic part of the character.

Description: 'Father Brown' shares with 'Murder, She Wrote' a small-town setting where the protagonist, a priest, solves crimes using his wisdom and understanding of human nature. Both shows blend mystery with a comforting, almost cozy atmosphere, and feature a protagonist who is an amateur sleuth with a unique perspective.

Fact: Based on the stories by G.K. Chesterton, the character of Father Brown has been portrayed in various adaptations since the 1950s. The series is filmed in the Cotswolds, giving it a picturesque, rural English setting. Father Brown's approach to solving crimes often involves moral and philosophical discussions.