10 Shows & Movies Like Deadloch (2023)

Description: Mare of Easttown and Deadloch both center on small-town crime investigations led by flawed, relatable female detectives. Both shows delve into the personal lives of their protagonists, blending mystery with family drama and dark humor. The atmospheric settings and strong ensemble casts are also key similarities.

Fact: Mare of Easttown was inspired by real-life cases in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Kate Winslet, who plays the lead role, adopted a Delaware County accent for the series. The show's twist ending was kept secret from the cast until the final table read.

Description: The Killing shares Deadloch's slow-burn approach to storytelling, with a focus on the procedural aspects of solving a crime while also exploring the personal lives of the investigators. Both shows feature strong female leads and a moody, atmospheric tone that keeps viewers on edge.

Fact: The Killing is an American adaptation of the Danish series Forbrydelsen. The show's protagonist, Sarah Linden, is known for her iconic knit sweaters, which became a cultural phenomenon. The first season covers a single murder case over 13 episodes, a format that was groundbreaking at the time.

Description: The Bridge, like Deadloch, is a crime drama with a strong female lead and a focus on the cultural and social dynamics of a specific location. Both shows feature complex mysteries and a blend of procedural and character-driven storytelling.

Fact: The Bridge is a Scandinavian series that begins with a body found on the border between Sweden and Denmark. The show's protagonist, Saga Norén, is known for her blunt, socially awkward personality. The Bridge has been remade in several countries, including the US (The Bridge) and the UK (The Tunnel).

Description: Top of the Lake, like Deadloch, is a crime drama with a strong female lead and a focus on the complexities of small-town life. Both shows blend mystery with social commentary, addressing issues like gender dynamics and community secrets. The remote, hauntingly beautiful settings in both series add to the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere.

Fact: Top of the Lake was co-created by Jane Campion, the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. The series was filmed in New Zealand, standing in for the story's setting in the South Island. Elisabeth Moss, who plays the lead role, also served as a producer on the show.

Description: Happy Valley and Deadloch both feature strong, complex female protagonists navigating the challenges of law enforcement in small communities. Both shows balance gritty crime drama with dark humor and emotional depth, exploring themes of justice, trauma, and resilience.

Fact: Happy Valley's creator, Sally Wainwright, is known for her strong female characters and realistic dialogue. The series is set in West Yorkshire, and the title refers to the area's nickname due to its high levels of drug use. Sarah Lancashire, who plays the lead role, won a BAFTA for her performance.

Description: Like Deadloch, Broadchurch is a crime drama that delves into the dark underbelly of a small, tight-knit community. Both series explore the impact of a crime on the community, with a strong focus on character development and emotional depth. The coastal setting in Broadchurch mirrors the isolated, atmospheric backdrop of Deadloch, enhancing the tension and mystery.

Fact: Broadchurch was filmed in Dorset, England, and the stunning coastal scenery became a character in its own right. The show's creator, Chris Chibnall, later became the showrunner for Doctor Who. The first season's twist was so well-guarded that even the actors didn't know the killer's identity until the final episodes were filmed.

Description: The Fall, like Deadloch, is a psychological crime thriller with a strong female lead and a focus on the cat-and-mouse dynamic between detective and killer. Both shows explore themes of power, gender, and violence, with a tense, atmospheric tone.

Fact: The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as a detective hunting a serial killer played by Jamie Dornan. The series was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the city's moody atmosphere is a key element of the show. The Fall was one of the first BBC shows to be picked up by Netflix, helping to popularize the series internationally.

Description: Shetland, like Deadloch, is set in a remote, picturesque location that plays a significant role in the story. Both series feature intricate mysteries and a focus on the impact of crime on the community. The strong sense of place and the slow, deliberate pacing are key similarities.

Fact: Shetland is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, who also created the Vera series. The show is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands, giving it an authentic and unique atmosphere. The series has been praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and its complex characters.

Description: Sharp Objects and Deadloch both explore the dark secrets of a small town through the eyes of a troubled female protagonist. Both shows blend crime drama with psychological depth, featuring unreliable narrators and haunting, atmospheric storytelling.

Fact: Sharp Objects is based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote Gone Girl. The series was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, known for his work on Big Little Lies. Amy Adams, who plays the lead role, also served as an executive producer on the show.

Description: Fargo and Deadloch both blend crime drama with dark humor and quirky characters. Both shows are set in small, close-knit communities where crime disrupts the surface calm. The Coen Brothers' influence on Fargo is echoed in Deadloch's tonal shifts and eccentric storytelling.

Fact: Fargo is inspired by the 1996 film of the same name by the Coen Brothers. Each season of Fargo features a new cast and storyline, with some subtle connections between them. The show has won numerous awards, including Emmys for its writing and acting.