The United Kingdom has been producing many notable detectives for centuries. Arthur Conan Doyle gave the world Sherlock Holmes stories, and Agatha Christie was responsible for not one, but two iconic crime-solving sleuths. Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple have both had forays into film and television, but there are many more who followed in their footsteps. From quaint villages to big cities, crime has a way of creeping into everyday life.

British TV shows tend to come out in shorter installments, with many seasons having only a handful of episodes. Some also tend not to outstay their welcome by wrapping up their storylines within a few seasons. There are, however, a select few that have lasted for decades, rotating cast and introducing new mysteries. Whether they're perennial TV staples or two-season whodunits, there's no doubt that British detectives know how to solve crime with a unique kind of flair.

10 Inspector Morse (1987-2000)

Not the average investigator

Detective Chief Inspector Morse (John Thaw) solved crimes assisted by Sergeant Lewis (Kevin Whately), who was eventually promoted and even got his spin-off. Based on the novels of Colin Dexter, the show aimed to depict a different type of detective. Instead of being an all-knowing genius who knows who the killer is within the first few moments, Morse is fallible on many levels. On occasion, he would let his personal opinions influence the investigation, and sometimes would simply get it wrong.

Each 2-hour episode addressed a new mystery, making them mini-movies of sorts, and showcased a roster of future stars.

Audiences also got to know more about his personal life, as his love of the arts and his love of a good drink were often referenced, as was his unsuccessful love life. Each 2-hour episode addressed a new mystery, making them mini-movies of sorts, and showcased a roster of future stars. Sean Bean, future Sherlock actor Johnny Lee Miller, and Liz Hurley have all guest-starred over the years. With compelling puzzles, proper human-interest stories, and a fascinating lead at its helm, Inspector Morse is a true classic of the genre. Its prequel, Eneavour, is also worth a watch.

9 Vera (2011-2024)

There's a purpose to her frumpiness

Brenda Blethyn plays Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, in this adaptation of Ann Cleaves' series of novels. Set in the North of England, the show uses the landscape to its fullest, focusing on the wide variety of settings, and occasional darkness of nature. The brilliant, yet blunt and unapologetic detective leads her homicide team through complex mysteries, which are layered and never straightforward.

Though viewers can feel that the character has a lot of emotional baggage, her close relationships with her sergeants, and the comion she shows for the victims, bring out her caring, protective side. Far from glamorous, the show focuses on real people and real places that make it relatable to watch. It was aired every year, with self-contained, long-running episodes, each telling its own unique story, allowing audiences to get fully immersed in the details of each one.

8 Sherlock (2010-2017)

Bringing the famed detective into the 21st century

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Victorian detective is brought to modern-day London in this re-imagining of a well-known character. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman play Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson respectively, showcasing bickering chemistry and a genuine bond. It's a refreshing take on some familiar stories, introducing current technology and more elaborate ways of solving crimes. Being able to address Sherlock's behavior as neurodivergence rather than simply "eccentricities", adds a new layer of depth to his character and his effect on others.

Holmes' relationship with nemesis, Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott) is explored over the series' run, creating some of the more compelling storylines, and brilliantly acted scenes.

The show made stars of its cast and was nominated for many awards, including BAFTAs and Emmys. Sherlock's four seasons had highs and lows, but the BBC show is widely considered one of the best takes on the character.

7 Poirot (1989-2013)

The masterclass of Belgian brilliance

As one of Agatha Christie's most famous sleuths, Hercule Poirot had already had a few movie outings before he transitioned into TV. The Poirot series was able to show audiences more of his personal life and dig deeper into what made him the way that he was. David Suchet did a stellar job in portraying this slightly excentric but brilliant private investigator who tackles mysteries that would be unsolvable to most.

Each episode is based on Christie's novels or short stories, meaning that audiences get a well-structured and fascinating mystery every time. The historical setting brings a hint of nostalgia, along with certain technological issues that would be used in more modern settings. The guest cast list is truly impressive, reading like a who's who of Hollywood stars. Future Academy Award nominees Emily Blunt, Michael Fassbender, and Jessica Chastain have all had roles. The show is comforting and entertaining in equal measure, with an old-world charm that's synonymous with the great writer's storytelling.

6 Midsomer Murders (1997-)

The most dangerous fictional English country

Set in a fictional, but extremely deadly county in England, Midsomer Murders sees Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (John Nettles), followed by his cousin DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon), who takes the mantle after his departure in 2011. Setting the show in such a picturesque, and seemingly safe, location makes it even more chilling when the horrific events eventually unfold. It also does not shy away from a high body count, keeping the viewers on edge throughout each episode.

A perennial hit, it's one of the longest-running crime shows in the UK, entertaining old and new audiences over the decades. Its combination of crime and dark comedy makes it stand out from some of the more bleak and naturalistic shows on television. The focus on a collection of likable characters that recur throughout the run of the series grounds it in reality and offers a comforting reference point for those watching.

5 The Fall (2013-2016)

An electrifying game of cat and mouse

This stylish and seductive series follows Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson) who's tracking an evasive serial killer, Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The victims are all young women, with a lot of care and attention paid to their lives and, inevitably, brutal deaths. The focus on the personal lives of both protagonists allows audiences to get to know them on a personal level, even though they don't know each other for a long time.

Equally fascinating is seeing the highly intelligent and accomplished detective show weaknesses and struggles in her personal life.

It's chilling to see the loving family man version of Spector, juxtaposed with the ruthlessness he displays when stalking and killing his victims. Equally fascinating is seeing the highly intelligent and accomplished detective show weaknesses and struggles in her personal life, as she navigates a new city and tackles her own demons. The mystery builds over the show's three seasons, allowing viewers to be emotionally invested in each character and their plight.

4 Line of Duty (2012-2021)

The search for "bent coppers"

The focus of this incredibly successful show is the Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12), which is in charge of "policing the police", and investigating potential illegal activities within the force. DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) and DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) are the audience's eyes and ears on the inside, as they navigate this world of treachery and intrigue. Each season would focus on one person being investigated as the clever writing dove deeper and deeper into the mystery.

There's also an underlying plot line concerning a mole within the agency, who's connected to a crime organization. This enigma steadily builds over each season, culminating in the nerve-wracking series finale. At the time, it was one of the most anticipated reveals, as viewers flooded social media with theories and guesses. Line of Duty is also one of the most awarded and highly-rated crime dramas in British TV history, having earned multiple BAFTAs, and holding a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

3 Luther (2010-2019)

Tough on criminals and himself

Idris Elba skillfully brings to life the complicated and brutish Detective Chief Inspector John Luther. This distressing show focuses on the DCI's twisted relationship with Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson), a cunning and intelligent woman who also happens to be a murderer. Playing on Luther's inner demons and this obsessive connection to the darkest aspects of his job, Morgan forms a strong bond with him that's explored in depth over the first four seasons. Her psychopathic insights help the detective solve some horrific crimes, and the tension between the characters is always engaging.

Elba has received a Golden Globe and a SAG Award among his many accolades, and the show itself has been nominated across many international awards shows. It spawned a feature film co-starring Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis and remains one of Idris Elba's most recognizable roles. Gritty and violent, Luther delves into the most frightening parts of humanity and shows how it affects everyone who's been exposed to them.

2 Death in Paradise (2011- present)

St Marie has seen its fair share of murders

It's rare for a show about murder to be this joyous and colorful, yet Death in Paradise is just that. Perhaps it's due to the tight-knit group leading the investigation or the idyllic Caribbean setting, but the show's jaunty opening credits song that plays immediately after a body is discovered is a great representation of what the viewer should expect. There have been four Detective Inspectors leading the investigations over the years (with a fifth on the way), and multiple line-ups of assistants. Kris Marshall's Humphrey Goodman was so popular, that he got his own spin-off, Beyond Paradise.

The beauty of the show lies in the juxtaposition of a fish-out-of-water detective and the laid-back setting. The first DI (Ben Miller) absolutely hates the heat, while DI Goodman fully embraces the culture, but his awkwardness often gets him in trouble. DI Mooney is grieving a loss and finds solace in the change of scenery, and DI Parker's multiple allergies are the main cause of his misery. But, they're all brilliant. Their moment of revelation scenes serve as a way of filling the viewer in on what happened, and the answer is always far more complicated than anyone could imagine.

1 Broadchurch (2013-2017)

A look into the aftermath of tragedy

David Tennant and Olivia Colman deliver powerful performances in this harrowing drama. The show centers on the murder of a young boy in a quiet coastal town. It dives deep into how the tragedy affects the whole community, as the viewers are introduced to the key players. As the boy's family struggles to come to with their loss, Jodie Whittaker's heartbreak as his mother can be felt through the screen. Each episode casts new suspicions and uncovers additional details that help piece the puzzle together, leaving viewers on tenterhooks.

The first two seasons deal with Danny Latimer's death and subsequent trial of his killer, with season three taking a bit of a departure into a new mystery connected with Tennant's past. Relationships are formed, and the audience gets more attached to the complicated characters. Broadchurch offers more than just a mystery. It explores the effect that tragedy has on a community, and how together they try to rebuild. With multiple awards and steadily high critics' ratings, the quality of Broadchurch is plain to see.