10 Shows Like The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

Description: A classic mystery series centered around a sharp-witted female amateur detective who solves crimes in her small community and beyond.

Fact: Angela Lansbury's portrayal of Jessica Fletcher made her one of TV's most beloved sleuths. The show ran for 12 seasons and inspired a generation of mystery writers.

Description: A long-running British detective series featuring intricate murder mysteries set in picturesque rural villages, with a focus on community dynamics.

Fact: Despite its idyllic settings, the fictional county of Midsomer has one of the highest murder rates in television history. The show holds the record for most deaths by pitchfork in TV drama.

Description: A lighthearted detective series set in a tropical paradise, blending murder mysteries with fish-out-of-water humor and colorful local culture.

Fact: The show is filmed on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. Each episode features an elaborate locked-room mystery or impossible crime scenario.

Description: A stylish period detective series featuring a strong, independent female lead who solves crimes with wit and charm, set against a vibrant historical backdrop.

Fact: The show is based on the Phryne Fisher book series by Kerry Greenwood. It was praised for its feminist themes and glamorous 1920s aesthetic.

Description: A gentle crime-solving series featuring a clerical detective who uses his understanding of human nature and moral compass to solve mysteries in a small English village.

Fact: Based on G.K. Chesterton's stories, the character has been portrayed by different actors since 195The current series is filmed in the Cotswolds, using many original locations from the stories.

Description: A crime drama about a group of brilliant female codebreakers who use their unique skills to solve crimes in post-WWII London, focusing on women's roles in a changing society.

Fact: The show highlights the real but often overlooked contributions of women at Bletchley Park during the war. It was praised for its authentic period detail and feminist perspective.

Description: A New Zealand-set detective series featuring quirky characters and complex murder cases solved by an unconventional detective with a deep understanding of human nature.

Fact: Despite its dark subject matter, the show is known for its dry humor and beautiful shots of New Zealand's countryside. Many episodes feature classic country music as a thematic element.

Description: A British detective series featuring a clergyman who partners with a police detective to solve crimes in 1950s England, exploring moral dilemmas and community relationships.

Fact: Based on The Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie, the son of a former Archbishop of Canterbury. The show is filmed in the actual village of Grantchester near Cambridge.

Description: A whimsical detective series featuring a young female detective who solves crimes with help from her three mystery writer aunts, blending cozy mystery with magical realism.

Fact: The show features a unique storytelling device where the aunts' fictional mystery plots often mirror the real cases. It's known for its quirky narration and storybook aesthetic.

Description: A period detective series featuring an unconventional female sleuth who solves crimes with sharp intuition and psychological insight, set in 1920s England.

Fact: Based on the novels by Gladys Mitchell, the show was noted for its art deco styling and feminist themes. Diana Rigg's portrayal of Mrs Bradley brought a modern sensibility to the character.