There was a time when I watched a few crime procedural shows like Law & Order: SVU, but that came to a halt when I watched The Wire and realized just how good a crime show could be when it didn’t try to wrap up a mystery with a tidy bow every episode.
Years later, I’ve found that I rather enjoy a good mystery or whodunit show, especially when there’s an ongoing mystery to pay attention to, theorize, and discuss. There are a few exceptions, but for me they typically require another hook to reel me in. Also, I generally prefer mystery shows with some elements of levity (not too grim and serious), and I like when each season is self contained.
Honorable mentions: Psych, Defending Jacob
- The Afterparty: In trying to solve a season-long mystery, each episode is shown through the perspective of a different character, with the episode portrayed through a specific genre.
- The Residence: A murder in the the White House prompts a full investigation led by a quirky birdwatching detective.
- A Man on the Inside: A retired engineer becomes an unlikely private investigator undercover to solve crimes in charming, warm, and humorous ways.
- Only Murders in the Building
- Poker Face
- Death and Other Details
- High Potential
- Elsbeth
- Dexter
- Bodkin
Do you have a favorite mystery and whodunit show? I’ve limited my list to shows that focus specifically on solving one or more mysteries (not show that have a general mystery or mysterious element).