If you're a fan of the gritty, noir-inspired drama 'Jack Irish' (2016), you're likely craving more shows and movies that blend mystery, crime, and a compelling protagonist. This article highlights 10 similar titles that capture the same dark atmosphere, intricate storytelling, and morally complex characters. Whether you love the Melbourne underworld or the hard-boiled detective vibe, these picks will keep you hooked.

Vera (2011)
Description: Character-driven detective series featuring an unconventional but brilliant investigator solving crimes in Northeast England.
Fact: The series is filmed in Northumberland, with many locations becoming popular with fans. Based on novels by Ann Cleeves.


Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012)
Description: Stylish period detective series with a strong-willed female lead solving crimes in 1920s Melbourne, featuring lavish production design.
Fact: Based on a series of novels by Kerry Greenwood. The show's popularity led to a crowdfunded feature film sequel.


Top of the Lake (2013)
Description: A moody crime drama set in remote New Zealand, exploring dark community secrets through a female detective's investigation.
Fact: Jane Campion's first TV series. The stunning South Island locations become almost a character in themselves.


Mystery Road (2013)
Description: A gripping crime drama set in the Australian outback, blending noir elements with a strong sense of place and a complex protagonist.
Fact: Originally a film, it later spawned a successful TV series. The story explores indigenous Australian issues within a crime framework.


Broadchurch (2013)
Description: A tightly-plotted crime drama focusing on how a murder investigation affects a small coastal community.
Fact: The iconic cliffside locations became tourist attractions. The show's success spawned an American adaptation.


The Fall (2013)
Description: Psychological crime thriller with a cat-and-mouse game between detective and serial killer, featuring strong character development.
Fact: Gillian Anderson's character was one of the first female detectives to headline a UK crime drama in decades.


The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013)
Description: A period crime drama with a medical examiner protagonist solving murders in 1950s Australia, combining historical detail with mystery.
Fact: The lead character was inspired by a real-life Melbourne police surgeon. The show was cancelled then revived due to fan demand.


Shetland (2013)
Description: Atmospheric detective series set in the Scottish islands, combining crime solving with stunning landscapes and tight-knit communities.
Fact: Based on novels by Ann Cleeves. The show significantly boosted tourism to the Shetland Islands.


The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014)
Description: Features a detective solving crimes in a small community, with a mix of dark humor and character-driven storytelling.
Fact: Set in New Zealand, the show has an unusually high murder rate for its small town setting, played for dramatic effect.


The Kettering Incident (2016)
Description: Atmospheric mystery blending crime with supernatural elements, set in a remote Tasmanian town with dark secrets.
Fact: The show features stunning cinematography of Tasmania's wilderness. It was co-created by Victoria Madden, a former script producer on 'The Secret Life of Us'.
