10 Shows & Movies Like Bancroft (2017)

Description: A moody, atmospheric crime drama centered around a brilliant but troubled detective whose personal life becomes entangled with his cases.

Fact: The series was originally conceived as a six-part miniseries but became so popular it spawned multiple seasons. The show's distinctive title sequence was created using infrared photography.

Description: A character-driven detective series featuring an unorthodox but brilliant investigator solving crimes in Northeast England, with a focus on community impact.

Fact: Also based on Ann Cleeves' novels, the series has been filming in Northumberland for over a decade. Vera's distinctive hat and coat have become iconic elements of the show.

Description: A Scandinavian noir series featuring an unusual detective partnership solving crimes that highlight social issues, known for its bleak atmosphere and complex characters.

Fact: The series was simultaneously filmed in both Swedish and Danish versions. The Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark becomes a central metaphor throughout the show.

Description: A gripping crime drama set in a small town, focusing on a strong female lead navigating complex moral dilemmas and personal trauma while solving dark crimes.

Fact: The show's creator, Sally Wainwright, drew inspiration from real-life experiences of police officers in West Yorkshire. The series was praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and its unflinching look at societal issues.

Description: A haunting crime drama exploring the impact of a murder on a small coastal community, with meticulous attention to character development and emotional depth.

Fact: The show's iconic cliffside location became a tourist attraction. The producers used two identical sets of the town to film simultaneously with different crews.

Description: A psychological thriller featuring a cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer, notable for its slow-burn tension and character study.

Fact: The series was shot entirely on location in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was one of the first BBC dramas to be picked up by Netflix for international distribution.

Description: A tense police procedural that delves into corruption within the force, featuring intricate plot twists and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Fact: The series became known for its intense interrogation scenes, often lasting up to 20 minutes. It holds the record for BBC Two's highest-rated drama since current records began.

Description: A crime drama set in the remote Scottish islands, combining stunning landscapes with intricate murder mysteries and strong local character studies.

Fact: Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, the show is filmed on location in Shetland, giving it an authentic sense of place. Many local residents appear as extras in the series.

Description: A cold case drama that weaves together past and present, focusing on how historical crimes continue to affect people's lives decades later.

Fact: Each season features a completely new case with mostly new characters, while maintaining the same investigative team. The show is known for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of police work.

Description: A dark police procedural featuring a troubled detective with memory issues, blending elements of psychological thriller with crime investigation.

Fact: The series was created by the same writer as The Bridge. The lead character's dissociative fugue state was based on real psychological cases.