10 Movies & Shows Similar to Murdoch Mysteries (2008)

Description: Foyle's War shares Murdoch's historical detective premise, set during WWII Britain. Both shows use their historical settings to explore social issues while solving crimes. Like Murdoch, Foyle often deals with conflicts between morality and duty.

Fact: Michael Kitchen (Foyle) insisted on doing minimal takes. Many plots based on real wartime events. Continued for 8 seasons despite initial plans for just one.

Description: Like Murdoch Mysteries, Sherlock features a brilliant, unconventional detective solving complex crimes. Both shows modernize classic detective formulas - Sherlock through contemporary setting, Murdoch through historical innovation. They share a focus on deductive reasoning and forensic detail.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch auditioned via Skype from Africa. Each 90-minute episode takes about a month to film. The iconic coat cost £750 but looked cheaper for character authenticity.

Description: While set in modern Caribbean, it shares Murdoch's 'cozy mystery' format with quirky detectives solving contained cases. Both shows balance crime-solving with humor and character development. Like Murdoch, it features fish-out-of-water detectives adapting to new environments.

Fact: Filmed on Guadeloupe, doubling for fictional Saint Marie. Has survived multiple lead actor changes. The original detective was written out by killing the actor's character.

Description: Like Murdoch Mysteries, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is a period detective series set in the early 20th century (1920s Australia). Both shows feature charismatic lead detectives who use innovative forensic techniques for their time. The series combines crime-solving with rich historical settings and strong character development.

Fact: Based on Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher novels. The show's costumes won multiple awards for their authentic 1920s style. Essie Davis (Miss Fisher) performed many of her own stunts.

Description: Ripper Street shares Murdoch's Victorian-era crime setting (1880s London) and focus on early forensic methods. Both shows blend historical events with fictional crimes, though Ripper Street has a grittier, more violent approach. The series similarly explores the tension between tradition and modernity in policing.

Fact: Originally canceled after 2 seasons but revived by fan demand. Features real historical figures like Inspector Abberline. The sets were built on the same lot as Game of Thrones.

Description: Similar to Murdoch Mysteries, Father Brown is a cozy mystery series featuring a clever detective solving crimes in a small community. Both shows blend crime-solving with moral and philosophical questions, though Father Brown is set in 1950s England. The series shares Murdoch's formula of standalone mystery episodes with ongoing character arcs.

Fact: Based on G.K. Chesterton's stories. Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley in Harry Potter) plays Father Brown. Filmed in the Cotswolds, using many original 1950s locations.

Description: Like Murdoch Mysteries, this show features brilliant problem-solvers using their unique skills to solve crimes. Set in 1950s Britain, it shares Murdoch's historical setting and focus on intellectual detective work. Both shows highlight women using their intelligence in male-dominated environments.

Fact: Inspired by real Bletchley Park codebreakers. The lead actresses learned real codebreaking techniques. A US remake was attempted but never aired.

Description: Set in 1950s Australia, this shares Murdoch's historical medical/crime-solving combination. Both feature doctor-detectives using forensic medicine to solve crimes. The shows similarly blend personal drama with mystery plots in period settings.

Fact: Lead actor Craig McLachlan also composed the theme music. Based loosely on real Australian police surgeon stories. Canceled then revived with a new lead after controversy.

Description: Grantchester shares Murdoch's formula of a crime-solving duo (here a vicar and detective) in a period setting (1950s England). Both shows blend mystery with character drama and explore moral dilemmas. Like Murdoch, it features an unconventional detective with a unique perspective on crime.

Fact: Based on James Runcie's novels. The real Grantchester village sees increased tourism because of the show. Features jazz music reflective of the 1950s setting.

Description: The Alienist shares Murdoch Mysteries' historical crime-solving premise but with a darker tone. Set in 1890s New York, it similarly explores early forensic techniques and criminal psychology. Both shows feature period-accurate settings and address social issues of their respective eras.

Fact: Based on Caleb Carr's bestselling novel. Features Dakota Fanning's first major TV role. The production recreated 1896 New York with extensive CGI.