10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Sherwood (2022)

Description: Wallander, similar to Sherwood, is a moody, character-driven crime drama set in a rural area, focusing on a detective grappling with personal demons while solving crimes. Both series emphasize the psychological and emotional weight of police work.

Fact: Wallander is based on the novels by Henning Mankell. The series stars Kenneth Branagh as Kurt Wallander. The show was filmed in Ystad, Sweden, and its bleak landscapes mirror the protagonist's inner turmoil.

Description: The Bridge, like Sherwood, is a crime drama that delves into the complexities of human nature and the societal issues underlying criminal behavior. Both series feature strong female leads and a mix of personal and professional drama.

Fact: The Bridge is a Swedish-Danish co-production set on the Øresund Bridge between Malmö and Copenhagen. The series stars Sofia Helin as Saga Norén, a detective with Asperger's syndrome. The show's success spawned several international adaptations.

Description: Top of the Lake shares with Sherwood a focus on a small community grappling with a dark secret, and a female detective navigating personal and professional challenges. Both series blend crime drama with deep character studies and atmospheric settings.

Fact: Top of the Lake was co-created by Jane Campion, the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. The series stars Elisabeth Moss as Detective Robin Griffin and was filmed in New Zealand. The show explores themes of gender, power, and trauma.

Description: Happy Valley shares with Sherwood a gritty, realistic portrayal of crime in a rural setting, focusing on a strong female lead navigating personal and professional challenges. Both series highlight the complexities of justice and the human cost of crime, with a blend of intense drama and dark humor.

Fact: Happy Valley is set in West Yorkshire, and its title refers to the area's high rates of drug use. Sarah Lancashire, who plays the lead role of Catherine Cawood, won a BAFTA for her performance. The series was created by Sally Wainwright, known for her sharp, authentic dialogue.

Description: Like Sherwood, Broadchurch is a British crime drama that delves into the psychological and emotional impact of crime on a small, tight-knit community. Both series explore themes of grief, betrayal, and the ripple effects of violence, with a strong focus on character development and atmospheric storytelling.

Fact: Broadchurch was filmed on location in Dorset, England, and the stunning coastal scenery plays a significant role in the show's mood. The series stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman, whose performances received widespread acclaim. The identity of the killer in the first season was kept a secret from most of the cast to maintain suspense.

Description: The Fall, like Sherwood, is a tense, character-driven crime drama that explores the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a killer. Both series are notable for their psychological depth, slow-burning suspense, and exploration of moral ambiguity.

Fact: The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson and Jamie Dornan as the serial killer Paul Spector. The series is set in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and addresses themes of gender and power. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and its chilling antagonist.

Description: Line of Duty, like Sherwood, is a gripping British crime drama that delves into corruption and moral dilemmas within the police force. Both series are known for their intricate plots, high-stakes tension, and exploration of institutional failings.

Fact: Line of Duty was created by Jed Mercurio, who also wrote Bodyguard. The series is famous for its intense interrogation scenes and twist-filled narratives. It became one of the BBC's most-watched dramas, with its finale drawing millions of viewers.

Description: Shetland, like Sherwood, is a crime drama set in a remote, close-knit community where the landscape plays a significant role in the storytelling. Both series feature a brooding atmosphere, complex characters, and mysteries that unravel slowly.

Fact: Shetland is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. The series stars Douglas Henshall as Detective Jimmy Perez. The show's setting in the Shetland Islands adds a unique and haunting backdrop to the crimes.

Description: Unforgotten, similar to Sherwood, is a British crime drama that focuses on cold cases and their impact on both the victims' families and the detectives involved. Both series emphasize the emotional and psychological toll of solving long-buried crimes, with a strong ensemble cast and meticulous storytelling.

Fact: Unforgotten features a rotating cast of guest stars, including Tom Courtenay and Nicola Walker. Each season deals with a different cold case, uncovering secrets from the past. The series has been praised for its sensitive handling of difficult subjects and its realistic portrayal of police work.

Description: Marcella, similar to Sherwood, is a British crime drama with a troubled protagonist and a focus on psychological tension. Both series explore themes of memory, identity, and the blurred lines between justice and revenge.

Fact: Marcella stars Anna Friel as the titular character, a detective with a mysterious past. The series was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, the writer behind The Bridge. The show's nonlinear storytelling and dark tone have drawn comparisons to Nordic noir.