A good detective show can bring moments of intrigue and excitement to normal weekdays. Whether they are based in comedy or have more dramatic themes, finding a way to keep viewers hooked and guessing about what will happen next makes a good mystery series a great one. Netflix has become a go-to destination for those seeking interesting plotlines and shocking twists. The streaming studio has superb original series like The Residence, and older classics from network TV like NCIS.
In trying to keep this list comprehensive, there are some lighthearted whodunit capers, moody and spooky teen shows, and some intense, nail-biting dramas. And Netflix is home to all of them, and everything in between. So no matter what mood you’re in or what flavor you’re looking for, here are some of the greatest detective shows streaming on Netflix right now.
10
‘The Sinner’ (2017–2021)
Things take a dark, supernatural turn in The Sinner. Bill Pullman stars as Detective Harry Ambrose, a man with inner demons and a haunted past to overcome as he attempts to uncover the truth behind mysterious cases involving seemingly ordinary individuals accused of heinous crimes. Costar Jessica Biel gave a riveting performance in the first season and was nominated for an Emmy for her performance as suspect Cora Tannetti.
The Sinner is a classic example of what happens when a TV show’s plot is stretched too thin. It was originally intended to be a limited series, but the first season proved so intriguing, and it was such a hit that the show was renewed for three more seasons. The Sinner then morphed into an anthology series of sorts with a new ensemble cast joining each season. Although this brought some new direction to the material, it was not as good as the first season. However, the character of Ambrose is given nuance and empathy by Pullman, and it is an interesting series that mixes metaphysical elements with a gritty crime backdrop. The Sinner is worth a watch for fans of the genre, especially the highly acclaimed first season.
9
‘A Man on the Inside’ (2024–Present)
Netflix original A Man on the Inside has sitcom royalty at the helm in the superbly talented Ted Danson. After his success in shows like Cheers and The Good Place, Danson takes his turn at being an undercover agent. The setting, however, is refreshingly different from most crime capers. Instead of infiltrating the FBI, the CIA, or various other government organizations, Danson’s character Charles must embed himself in a local retirement community where precious items are going missing.
Hired by a private investigator (Lilah Richcreek Estrada), Charles moves out of his home and into the Pacific View Retirement Community to keep an eye on whatever foul plots are afoot. But far beyond being one-dimensional, this lighthearted comedy has poignant statements to make about senior citizen treatment, coping with illness, loss, and navigating relationships. It was one of Netflix’s most popular series upon its debut. After the success of its second season, it has been renewed for a third season. Now’s the time to get hooked on this delightfully genuine and charming show.
8
‘The Residence’ (2025)
What happens when a body is discovered in one of the most secure locations in the country? That is what happens in the funny, eclectic, and clever series The Residence. Uzo Aduba is Cordelia Cupp, a highly intelligent and methodical detective who has a knack for solving unsolvable cases. She makes the perfect detective to investigate a murder inside the White House during a state dinner. With hundreds of suspects and several different motives, the series blends humor and suspense in a well-written script.
Although there sadly won’t be a season two of The Residence, despite its huge success with audiences and critics alike, it makes a great series to binge-watch over a weekend. Perhaps avoiding the fate of shows like The Sinner, The Residence won’t outrun or outwrite itself, and the singular season can remain perfect and popular as-is. Aduba is joined by the exceptional talents of Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, and Edwina Findley, among many others in the wonderful ensemble cast. If Clue and Knives Out had a love child, The Residence would be it. It’s a highly entertaining vignette and worthy of a detective’s watchlist.
7
‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ (2022–Present)
Part lawyer, part investigator, and all entertaining to watch, The Lincoln Lawyer stars Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, a lawyer with a few loyal friends and no short list of enemies. The Lincoln Lawyer is a great mix of mystery, law procedural, and courtroom drama as Haller fights for his clients both in and out of court. Fans of the 2011 movie starring Matthew McConaughey will enjoy Garcia-Rulfo’s take on the character, and a series is a great way to dive deeper into the source material and spend time exploring details of the story.
Creator David E. Kelley, the same influence behind such hits as Alley McBeal and Boston Legal, adds his signature depth to the series, ensuring it is not one-dimensional or hollow. The Lincoln Lawyer doesn’t shy away from complex topics and delivers storylines with intentionality and pathos. Season 4 kept the momentum going with a worthy adversary and arch-nemesis that brought excellent tension.
6
‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)
If it takes one to know one, then The Blacklist is the perfect crime-solving setup. Fugitive Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader) comes out of hiding, waltzes into the FBI, and offers to work with them. The catch? He will only speak to an unassuming, low-ranking agent, Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). In a fun Silence of the Lambs-esque dynamic, the young agent must keep her wits about her as she works with the manipulative and cunning Red.
The Blacklist is a great deep dive into the world of criminal networking and organized crime. It has a panache and flair that makes it feel elegant, clean, and sharp. The series is full of great quotes, and Spader is paramount in his portrayal of the complex and cavalier Reddington. With 10 exciting seasons, it is a great title to add if you want to get stuck in and invest in the interesting characters.
5
‘Missing You’ (2025)
It’s typically magicians that pull off disappearing and reappearing acts, but for Detective Inspector Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar), she gets the shock of her life when she finds her fiancé, who went missing without a trace 11 years ago, on a dating app. This sudden reappearance is not the only mystery that Kat will confront in the twisting-and-turning miniseries Missing You. She will reopen her father’s unsolved murder, and try to help a young man find his missing mother as well.
Eleazar is joined by Richard Armitage, Ashley Walters, and Jessica Plummer in this complicated mystery with more than one surprising twist. Missing You is a great blend of old-school detective work and new technology like social media. It feels modern and fresh and makes a great thriller for a new generation of mystery fans.
4
‘Wednesday’ (2022–Present)
Speaking of inspiring mysteries for a whole new generation, Tim Burton‘s Wednesday is a smash hit that is influencing everything from the genre itself to collectibles and fashion. Jenna Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, the iconic character from the enduring The Addams Family series and films. As she enrolls in a new school, Nevermore Academy, she endeavors to solve mysteries while avoiding the complex social climate that is adolescent school life, even if her classmates are werewolves and sirens.
Ortega is perfect in the role and brings an intensity and allure to Wednesday that has reinvented the character for contemporary audiences. Complete with an inside agent, Thing (Victor Dorobantu), murder boards that make her roommate faint, and a lot of spooky sleuthing, Wednesday is tenacious and undeterred as she tries to solve the nefarious schemes taking place around Nevermore and the sleepy town of Jericho, Vermont. From the costumes, to the characters, to the Gothic filming locations, Wednesday is a detective show like none other.
3
‘The Night Agent’ (2023–Present)
The Night Agent has seen passion on both sides of the argument, those who love it and those who hate it. The espionage-themed thriller has been a huge hit for Netflix, and no one can deny its impact. Based on the Matthew Quirk novel of the same name, The Night Agent follows underling FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who is sent to do a mundane task and slowly sinks into obscurity. But the phone that is never supposed to ring does. Once Peter answers the call, everything he knows begins to unravel as a deep-seated conspiracy propels him further up the chain of command than he ever imagined.
Although some criticize the surface-level script and plotlines, The Night Agent is good at what it does, creating interesting plots you can watch every night after work. You can tune in, get invested in the characters, and just enjoy the ride. You don’t have to overthink, and that level of accessibility is highly enjoyable for viewers. After all, isn’t the best part about watching a detective show the feeling you get when you solve riddles or notice clues before the protagonists do?
2
‘Dept Q’ (2025–Present)
A new British detective drama that you’ll want to get in on sooner rather than later is the Matthew Goode-led Dept. Q. This intriguing series is quietly taking over the streaming charts and is showing steady momentum for massive success. Its interesting setting, moody atmosphere, and subtle humor make it a global favorite with audiences around the world.
In Dept. Q, Goode plays Carl Morck, a detective with PTSD who is assigned cold cases as he slowly gets back to work after a near-fatal accident. Morck is given two other unique crew members to work with, and the supporting cast of Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim and Leah Byrne as DC Rose Dickson are phenomenal. It has an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is one you will not want to fall behind on as it continues its trajectory to become the next big thing. Season 2 begins filming this summer, so now is the perfect time to catch up.
1
‘NCIS’ (2003–Present)
From new and noteworthy to the OG or the GOAT, NCIS (an acronym for Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is one of the founding pillars of detective TV dramas. There is a reason this series has seen unprecedented success and boasts a rich legacy of seven franchise shows. Originally established as a spin-off of another series, JAG, it has become a beloved fan favorite and enduring dynasty on the small screen.
Fans are still as loyal to the series as they were in the beginning. Originally aired on CBS, streamers everywhere are delighted that the iconic show is available to watch on Netflix. With its solid foundation in a positive portrayal of the US military, combined with witty humor and touching moments of teamwork, NCIS is not only one of the best detective shows on Netflix, but in the history of the entertainment industry itself.
NCIS
- Release Date
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September 23, 2003
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Sean Murray
Timothy McGee
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david mccallum
Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard
