Somehow, there is something about murder mystery shows that has never ceased to captivate and thrill audiences with compelling storylines. Rich in history and variety, the genre continues to evolve while maintaining its essential elements that keep viewers and readers guessing until the very end.
When we talk about murder mystery shows, we're talking about the ones that keep you glued to your seat. They leave you with a burning question: who is behind these crimes? These shows are full of unexpected twists and turns that put everyone under suspicion. You can bet that by the time the show ends, you'll be in for a jaw-dropping reveal that will prove all your guesses wrong.
This article looks at 10 murder mystery shows for 2024 that you cannot miss if you like to unleash your inner true detective while enjoying a bowl of popcorn in your cozy space.
9 must-watch movies to watch from the murder mystery franchise
1) Bodies
Bodies is a British sci-fi murder mystery series created for Netflix by Paul Tomalin. Bodies is based on the 2015 DC Vertigo graphic novel of the same name. The show consists of eight episodes and premiered on Netflix on October 19, 2023.
The show centers on four detectives, Alfred Hillinghead (Kyle Soller), Carles Whiteman (Jacob-Fortune Lloyd), Sahara Hasan (Amaka Okafor), and Iris Maplewood (Shira Hass), who exist in four completely different time periods and become part of a far-fetched conspiracy spanning over 150 years.
The four must find a way to collaborate to save Britain's future. After they all discover the same body on Longharvest Lane, which leads them all to one particular political leader, Elias Mannix (Stephen Graham).
Bodies is available for fans to watch on Netflix.
2) A Good Girl's Guide to Murder
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a British television murder mystery series adapted by Poppy Cogan from Holly Jackson's novel of the same name for BBC Three. The series premiered on Netflix on August 1, 2024, with six episodes.
The show revolves around Pip Fitz-Amobi, who is haunted by the murder of schoolgirl Andie Bell five years ago by her lover Sal Singh, who later committed suicide. Pippa isn't very convinced by the theory and takes on the case as her final year project. As she works on the case, she discovers that someone in the village is behind the crime and wants to stay hidden.
How far will the real killer go to keep Pip from the truth?
3) The Lincoln Lawyer
The Lincoln Lawyer is an American legal drama murder mystery television series created by David E. Kelley and based on The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly. The series premiered on Netflix on May 13, 2022. The series consists of three seasons, with 10 episodes per season.
The Lincoln Lawyer revolves around Mickey Haller, who literally practices law from the back seat of his Lincoln. He drives around the sprawling city of Los Angeles, taking on cases big and small. But things take a complete 180 when Hollywood lawyer Jerry is murdered and Mickey inherits his practice firm, including the defense of Jery’s client Trevor Elliot, a billionaire accused of murdering his wife and her lover.
But as he takes on the cases, he realizes he may be the next target of Vincent's killer. The show is available for fans to stream online on Netflix.
4) Murderville
Murderville is an American comedy crime murder mystery television series developed for Netflix by Krister Johnson. The series is based on the BBC3 series Murder in Successville. Murderville premiered on Netflix on February 3, 2022, with all seven episodes.
Murderville is an improvised crime comedy in which a clueless celebrity guest teams up with eccentric detective, Terry Seattle, to investigate a series of murders by piecing together clues while keeping a straight face.
The series is available for fans to watch on Netflix.
5) Under the Bridge
Under the Bridge is an American true-murder mystery television drama created by Quinn Shephard. The show is based on Rebecca Godfrey's book of the same name and premiered on Hulu on April 17, 2024.
The show is based on the real-life murder of Reena Virk, a 14-year-old girl who was killed under a bridge following a bullying incident in the small town of Saanich, British Columbia, Canada, in 1977.
Each episode of the series follows a disclaimer: "Based on actual events - certain elements have been fictionalized or invented for dramatic effect". The series stars Lily Gladstone, Vritika Gupta, Chloe Guidry, and many others.
The show is available for fans to watch on Hulu.
6) Mare of Easttown
Mare of Easttown is an American murder mystery television miniseries praised for its compelling storytelling, complex characters, and strong performances. Created by Brad Ingelsby for HBO, the series premiered on April 18, 2021. The series consists of a total of seven episodes and stars Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan, a small-town Pennsylvania detective.
The series revolves around the investigation of the brutal murder of a teenage girl in her Pennsylvania hometown, Erin McMenamin, and the disappearance of another, Katie Bailey. Mare tries to solve the complex cases she is assigned while dealing with her own grief and family drama.
Fans can stream the show on HBO Max.
7) True Detective: Night Country
True Detective is an anthology murder mystery series created by Nic Pizzolatto and Issa Lopez for HBO. The series premiered on January 12, 2014, and consists of five seasons with a total of 31 episodes.
Set in the eerie, remote wilderness of Alaska, this season follows detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of eight men from the Tsalal Arctic Research Station. The harsh, unforgiving environment of the Arctic serves as a backdrop to a dark and intricate narrative. The show explores themes of isolation, survival, and the unknown. In True Detective: Night Country, Danvers and Navarro delve deeper into cases as they uncover a complex web of secrets, lies, and supernatural elements. This challenge their perceptions of reality. Their investigations reveal the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law. The series is available to viewers on Netflix and Prime Video.
8) Only Murders in the Building
Only Murders in the Building is an American murder mystery comedy series created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman. The series spans three entertaining seasons and revolves around three true-crime obsessed neighbors, who come together to solve a murder that happens in their upscale New York apartment building.
Only Murders in the Building is praised for its writing and performances, particularly by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. Its clever commentary on the true crime genre and the nature of obsession sets it apart.
Fans can watch the show on Hulu.
9) Death and Other Details
Death and Other Details is an American crime drama television series. The show was created by Heidi Cole McAdams and Mike Weiss and premiered on Hulu on January 16, 2024. The show has a total of ten episodes.
Death and Other Details revolves around the famous detective Rufus Cotesworth and his team-up with Imogene, who isn't very fond of him. However, she must take his help to clear her name from the locked room murder allegation she finds herself caught up in, unintentionally. Together, they set out to find the truth on the luxury Mediterranean ocean liner, SS Varuna, where everyone on board seems to have a secret.
The show is available for fans to watch on Hulu.
Most of the shows mentioned above are available for murder mystery fans to watch in 2024 on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and Tubi.
