11 of the Best Cozy British Mystery Shows (and Where to See Them!)

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When it comes to fictional mysteries, I’m the first one to take an interest in the new crime dramas. Much as I love my U.S. network shows, some of the best mysteries are those that ITV, BBC or other networks (like NZ companies) produce. Since this is another of my favorite things (like books and this website), I decided to share some of the best cozy British mystery shows (along with one or two Canadian and Australia/New Zealand ones, too!).

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Among my list is fierce heroines and detectives with unique crime-solving processes. No matter what you can imagine, you just might meet your next favorite fictional character. Or at least someone who makes Saturday night’s in more fun. Let’s meet these curious people, shall we?

*Note, there are other British “mysteries” that I also watch and really enjoy, but I didn’t feel as if they fit the ‘cozy mystery’ sub-genre. They deserve their own publication, so maybe that will come in the future.

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Best Cozy British Mystery Shows

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1: Agatha Raisin

I mean, I’m pretty sure this genre is defined (in some ways this IS the definition of the genre) by this Acorn TV show. Led by Ashley Jenson in the titular role, this features a great “team” dynamic, and though the last season does disappoint me (in one regard), I’m hopeful that we’ll see more installments in the future.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video with an Acorn TV subscription add-on

2: Brokenwood Mysteries 

Recently discovered this NZ mystery dramedy, and it’s SO charming. Who would suspect it? In an email it was pitched as a “quirky” series, and while it is this in some sense, it also tends to keep things lighter even as the characters solve crimes.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video or with an Acorn TV subscription add-on

3: Father Brown

This one is quite cute and fun; it follows a Catholic priest in the small village he calls home, as he solves mysteries. The people who help him change here and there to bring in some new faces and energy, but the show remains fun and cute.

Where: You can find this digitally on Amazon or free with a BritBox add-on

4: Frankie Drake Mysteries

True this series is set in Canada and a Canadian production, but it deserves a mention with its sassy female detective and her business partner, Trudie, both of whom make these stories perfectly “cozy” and quite fun.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video with a PBS Masterpiece add-on

5: Grantchester

This may be the “darkest” on this list just because it takes a closer “character study” of the players, and sometimes the places (and cases!) they go is dark. But the small village setting makes it feel “cozier” as does the character of Mrs. C., the housekeeper who takes no nonsense!

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video

6: Marple

One of my original finds in the genre, this ITV series is one I didn’t see for several years. I finally took the plunge, and bought a multi-season box set, and ever since I was hooked! So much so that I’ve re-watched the episodes more than one; if the title doesn’t give it away, this chronicles the cases of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, and features a slew of impressive guest stars along the way.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video with a BritBox add-on

7: Midsomer Murders

With 20-some seasons to its name, I’d guess this is one of the longest running British mystery series. Once again, it’s all about village life, and though it undergoes a main character change and many different second-in-command faces, the premise and structure remains the same.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video or with IMDB TV

8: Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

I mean, Miss Fisher is impossible NOT to like. I love her sass and of course the banter between she and Detective Inspector Jack Robinson! Set in the 1920s, this lady detective series has all the glamour of the era.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video or with an Acorn TV add on

9: Murdoch Mysteries

If we need to be technical, like ‘Frankie,’ this too is a Canadian show. But it’s so fun and cute that I cannot exclude it; the titular detective solves cases with the inventive futuristic devices and techniques he develops. It’s also based on a series on novels.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video with an Acorn TV subscription add-on

10: My Life is Murder

Another Aussie title, this one is without question, easily, one of my favorites. A modern series with Lucy Lawless, the actress plays a former policewoman who is drawn back to the detecting game by a former co-worker who brings her unsolvable cases.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video or with an Acorn TV subscription add-on

11: Queens of Mystery

This one is so delightful, and quirky and fun. It’s an Acorn TV production that I hope earns a second season because I’m HERE for more from a young policewoman and the three unmarried aunts who stick their noses into their niece’s cases.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video or with an Acorn TV subscription add-on

Bonus! Partners in Crime

Based on an Agatha Christie novels, this mini-series isn’t a show per se, but I decided to include it because, aw, it’s fun. Plus, Jessica Raine of Call the Midwife stars.

Where: Find digitally on Amazon Video

What about you? What are your favorite overseas mysteries? Do you have any that you mark as your best cozy British mystery shows? Have you seen any of these? Did you like or dislike them?? Recommend your favorites – I want to know about them, too. Comment all the thoughts down below!

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