10 Shows Like The Murders (2019)

Description: A moody detective series following a Swedish police inspector as he solves crimes while battling personal demons. The show's slow pace and existential themes create a distinctive Nordic noir atmosphere.

Fact: Based on Henning Mankell's novels, the series was filmed in Ystad, Sweden, where the books are set. Kenneth Branagh learned Swedish for the role, though the series is performed in English.

Description: A psychological crime drama featuring a brilliant but troubled detective whose unconventional methods often put him at odds with his superiors. The show combines intense crime-solving with deep character study.

Fact: Idris Elba's portrayal of John Luther earned him a Golden Globe. The series was originally conceived as a more traditional police procedural before evolving into its darker, more psychological format.

Description: A Scandinavian crime drama centered around a murder investigation that begins when a body is found on the border between Sweden and Denmark. The show features complex characters and social commentary alongside its mystery.

Fact: The original Danish-Swedish collaboration inspired several international adaptations. The Öresund Bridge, where the first body is found, becomes a powerful symbol throughout the series.

Description: A haunting mystery set in a remote New Zealand community, focusing on the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. The show blends crime elements with psychological drama and stunning cinematography.

Fact: The series was co-created by Jane Campion, making her first foray into television. The breathtaking landscapes were filmed in Queenstown, New Zealand, with the water scenes shot in an actual freezing lake.

Description: A dark and intense police procedural centered around a strong female lead dealing with personal trauma while solving brutal crimes. The series excels in its raw emotional depth and realistic portrayal of law enforcement.

Fact: The show's title refers to the nickname given to the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire due to its drug problems. The lead character, Catherine Cawood, was inspired by real-life police officers the creator met during research.

Description: A gripping crime drama set in a small coastal town, focusing on the investigation of a young boy's murder and the ripple effects on the community. The show's atmospheric tension and deep character exploration make it compelling.

Fact: The show was filmed on location in Dorset, England, and its stunning coastal scenery became almost a character in itself. The identity of the killer was kept secret from most of the cast until the final episodes to maintain authenticity in their performances.

Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer. The slow-burning tension and focus on the killer's psychology create a chilling atmosphere.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's character was originally written as a man, but the role was changed when she expressed interest. The series was shot in Belfast, Northern Ireland, though it's set in London.

Description: A crime drama set in the remote Shetland Islands, featuring atmospheric investigations that are deeply tied to the local community and landscape. The show combines police procedural elements with strong character development.

Fact: Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, the show is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands, giving it an authentic sense of place. The series initially aired as two-part stories before expanding to longer formats.

Description: A cold case drama that focuses on solving historical murders while exploring how the past affects the present lives of those involved. The show's strength lies in its character-driven storytelling and emotional depth.

Fact: Each season features a completely new case with mostly new characters, though the investigative team remains constant. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of police work and avoidance of typical crime drama clichés.

Description: A complex crime drama featuring a troubled detective with memory blackouts who returns to work to solve a serial killer case. The show blends police procedural elements with psychological thriller aspects.

Fact: The lead character's name, Marcella Backland, is a nod to the 1950s film 'Laura,' where the detective falls in love with a murder victim named Laura. The show's creator also wrote the Swedish-Danish series 'The Bridge.'