10 Shows Like Top of the Lake (2013)

Description: 'Mare of Easttown' and 'Top of the Lake' both revolve around female detectives investigating crimes in their close-knit, economically struggling communities. Both shows blend crime procedural elements with deep character studies, exploring the personal and professional challenges faced by their protagonists. The small-town settings are richly detailed and integral to the storytelling.

Fact: Kate Winslet won an Emmy for her portrayal of Mare Sheehan. The series was filmed in and around Philadelphia, with many local actors cast in supporting roles. The show's creator, Brad Ingelsby, drew inspiration from his own upbringing in Pennsylvania.

Description: 'The Killing' shares with 'Top of the Lake' a slow-burning, character-driven approach to crime storytelling. Both series focus on the meticulous unraveling of a central mystery, with an emphasis on the emotional toll it takes on the investigators and the community. The bleak, moody cinematography and the strong, flawed female protagonist (Sarah Lund in 'The Killing', Robin Griffin in 'Top of the Lake') are also key similarities.

Fact: The original Danish title is 'Forbrydelsen', which translates to 'The Crime'. The iconic sweater worn by Sarah Lund became a cultural phenomenon in Denmark. The series was remade in the U.S., but the original Danish version is widely considered superior.

Description: Like 'Top of the Lake', 'Happy Valley' features a tough, no-nonsense female detective (Sarah Lancashire's Catherine Cawood) navigating a male-dominated profession while dealing with personal trauma. Both shows are grounded in realism, with a focus on the gritty, often unglamorous aspects of police work. The rural settings and the exploration of social issues are also shared elements.

Fact: 'Happy Valley' was created by Sally Wainwright, who also wrote 'Last Tango in Halifax'. The series was praised for its authentic portrayal of West Yorkshire. Sarah Lancashire's performance earned her a BAFTA award.

Description: Similar to 'Top of the Lake', 'Broadchurch' is a crime drama that delves deep into the psychological and emotional impact of a crime on a small, tight-knit community. Both series feature strong female leads (Elisabeth Moss in 'Top of the Lake' and Olivia Colman in 'Broadchurch') who navigate complex personal and professional challenges while investigating harrowing cases. The atmospheric coastal settings in both shows add to the sense of isolation and tension.

Fact: 'Broadchurch' was filmed in Dorset, England, and the local economy benefited significantly from the production. The show's creator, Chris Chibnall, later became the showrunner for 'Doctor Who'. David Tennant and Olivia Colman's performances were critically acclaimed, with Colman winning a BAFTA for her role.

Description: Both 'The Fall' and 'Top of the Lake' feature strong, complex female detectives (Gillian Anderson's Stella Gibson and Elisabeth Moss's Robin Griffin) who are deeply committed to their work but struggle with personal vulnerabilities. The shows share a slow-burning, psychological approach to crime-solving, with a focus on the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the detective and the perpetrator.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's performance as Stella Gibson was widely praised and earned her a BAFTA nomination. The series was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Jamie Dornan, who plays the serial killer Paul Spector, was relatively unknown before 'The Fall'.

Description: Like 'Top of the Lake', 'True Detective' explores dark, existential themes through the lens of a crime investigation. Both series feature a strong sense of place—rural Louisiana in 'True Detective' and the remote New Zealand landscape in 'Top of the Lake'—that becomes almost a character in itself. The nonlinear storytelling and deep character studies are also shared traits.

Fact: The first season of 'True Detective' was directed entirely by Cary Fukunaga, which is rare for TV series. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson's performances were highly praised, with McConaughey winning an Emmy. The show's opening credits sequence became iconic for its haunting imagery and music.

Description: 'The Night Of' and 'Top of the Lake' both delve into the psychological and emotional ramifications of a crime, with a focus on the justice system and the personal toll of the investigation. Both shows are character-driven, with a slow-burning narrative that emphasizes realism and moral ambiguity. The performances in both are deeply nuanced and compelling.

Fact: 'The Night Of' is a remake of the British series 'Criminal Justice'. Riz Ahmed's performance earned him an Emmy award. The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of the U.S. criminal justice system.

Description: 'Sharp Objects' and 'Top of the Lake' both center on troubled female protagonists returning to their hometowns to confront personal demons while investigating crimes. The shows share a gothic, psychological tone and explore themes of trauma, family secrets, and the oppressive nature of small-town life. The visual storytelling in both is lush and atmospheric, with a focus on the eerie beauty of their settings.

Fact: 'Sharp Objects' is based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote 'Gone Girl'. Amy Adams learned to play the piano for her role as Camille Preaker. The series features a haunting soundtrack by The Acid.

Description: 'Big Little Lies' and 'Top of the Lake' both feature ensemble casts of strong female characters navigating complex interpersonal dynamics in picturesque but sinister settings (Monterey, California, and New Zealand, respectively). Both shows blend crime elements with deep character studies, exploring themes of trauma, secrets, and the facade of perfection.

Fact: The series is based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. The all-star cast includes Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley. The show's soundtrack, featuring artists like Fleetwood Mac, became hugely popular.

Description: While 'The Undoing' is more of a psychological thriller than a crime drama, it shares with 'Top of the Lake' a focus on a strong female protagonist (Nicole Kidman's Grace Fraser) unraveling a web of secrets and lies. Both shows explore themes of trust, betrayal, and the fragility of personal relationships, with a stylish, atmospheric visual style.

Fact: 'The Undoing' is based on the novel 'You Should Have Known' by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Hugh Grant received critical acclaim for his role as Jonathan Fraser, marking a departure from his usual romantic comedy roles. The series was filmed in New York City, with many scenes shot on location.