Crime thriller shows have a way of keeping audiences on the edge by creating an atmosphere that keeps you guessing what will happen next. They mix mystery, suspense, and strong characters, making it hard to stop watching. When these stories take place in small towns, they get even more intense because these quiet places often hide dark secrets.
Here are 10 small-town crime thriller shows you should add to your watchlist.
Top 10 small-town crime thriller shows you must watch
1) Broadchurch
This British crime drama aired from 2013 to 2017 and begins with the shocking death of an 11-year-old boy, Danny Latimer, whose body is found on the beach in the quiet town of Broadchurch. Detectives Alec Hardy, played by David Tennant, and Ellie Miller, played by Olivia Colman, work on investigating the case to uncover the truth.
The town, once seen as peaceful, is full of hidden secrets, and everyone becomes a suspect. A particularly emotional moment is when Danny’s family learns of his death, especially his mother, Beth. Her heartbreak and anger draw audiences in right away. Unlike most thriller shows, Broadchurch isn’t just about solving a murder; it’s about how a tragedy shakes an entire town.
2) True Detective Season 1
After premiering in 2014, True Detective became widely popular. It follows detectives Rust Cohle, played by Matthew McConaughey, and Marty Hart, played by Woody Harrelson, as they investigate a series of murders in rural Louisiana over 17 years. The show jumps between different periods, revealing how their lives and the case intertwine.
One unforgettable scene is the six-minute single-take sequence in episode 4, where Rust goes undercover during a dangerous drug raid. This season stands out for its dark atmosphere and deep characters. Rust’s cynical view of life adds a philosophical layer, making it more than just a murder mystery.
3) Fargo
Inspired by the 1996 film, Fargo is a series where each season is a different crime story based in small towns in the midwestern belt. In the first season, a timid insurance salesman named Lester Nygaard is drawn into a web of crime after meeting a hitman named Lorne Malvo. As things spiral out of control, two local cops try to piece everything together.
A standout moment is when Malvo, disguised as a dentist, calmly guns down a target in the middle of the day. The shocking contrast between his calm behavior and violent actions shows why Fargo blends crime and dark humor so well.
4) Bates Motel
Bates Motel is made to be like a sequel to the classic horror film Psycho directed by Alfred Joseph Hitchcock. It aired from 2013 to 2017 and focuses on the relationship between Norman Bates and his overprotective mother, Norma, as they run a small motel in a quiet town. The show gradually reveals how Norman transforms into the infamous killer from Psycho.
A key moment is when Norman, influenced by his mother, kills his high school teacher, Miss Watson. It’s a chilling scene that marks the beginning of his descent into madness. The atmosphere becomes even more eerie because of the small-town setting, like the rest of the thriller shows.
5) Mare of Easttown
Kate Winslet stars as Mare Sheehan in Mare of Easttown, which aired in 2021. The story revolves around a detective in a small Pennsylvania town who is investigating a murder while dealing with personal struggles. Mare has faced the loss of her son and a strained relationship with her family, making the case even more challenging.
A shocking scene comes when Mare’s best friend, Lori, realizes her son might be involved in the murder. The emotional confrontation between Mare and Lori is intense, showing how personal connections complicate the pursuit of justice. Kate Winslet’s portrayal of Mare is raw and emotional, making this deeply real and relatable among the thriller shows.
6) Top of the Lake
This mystery drama is set in a remote New Zealand town. The show follows Detective Robin Griffin, played by Elisabeth Moss. She investigates the disappearance of a pregnant teenage girl named Tui. As Robin digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets about the town, including drug trafficking and abuse, all while confronting her troubled past.
The haunting landscapes of New Zealand add to this thriller show’s tense atmosphere, and Robin’s connection to the case makes it more than just a mystery to solve.
7) Longmire
Set in Wyoming, Longmire aired from 2012 to 2017 and follows Sheriff Walt Longmire, who is trying to keep the peace in his small town while dealing with the loss of his wife. Each episode focuses on a new crime, but there’s also a bigger mystery about his wife’s death that unfolds throughout the series which makes for an interesting watch for fans of thriller shows.
One powerful scene is when Walt finally confronts the person he thinks is responsible for his wife’s death. The quiet intensity of this moment shows Walt’s struggle between seeking justice and revenge, a common theme for thriller shows.
8) Three Pines
Based on Louise Penny’s novels, Three Pines is a story of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he investigates murders that occur in the small village of Three Pines. While the village seems charming on the surface, Gamache discovers hidden conspiracies and dark secrets beneath the calm exterior.
In one standout scene, Gamache uncovers a long-hidden conspiracy, revealing the true nature of the village. The emotional weight of this discovery makes it clear that even the quietest places can have dark undercurrents, making it an interesting watch among thriller shows.
9) Sharp Objects
Sharp Objects, based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, aired in 2018 and follows journalist Camille Preaker, played by Amy Adams, as she returns to her hometown to report on the murders of two young girls. Camille’s troubled past and toxic relationship with her mother are central to the story, making her investigation more personal.
The shocking final twist reveals that Camille’s own family may be involved in the murders, creating a chilling end to the show. The eerie atmosphere and dark themes make Sharp Objects a disturbing and addictive one among thriller shows.
10) Shetland
Shetland is a Scottish crime drama set on the remote Shetland Islands. Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez investigates complex cases that shake the small, tight-knit community. The isolation of the islands adds to the intensity of each case, and the beautiful but rugged scenery creates a haunting backdrop for the stories.
One dramatic moment comes when Perez confronts a killer on the cliffs of the Shetland Islands. The confrontation is intense, and the stunning landscape adds to the tension, making it one of the most well-made thriller shows out there.
The above thriller shows combine suspense, mystery, and complex characters, making them irresistible to watch. Whether you prefer the emotional weight of Broadchurch or the philosophical depth of True Detective, these thriller shows will keep you hooked with their twists and turns.
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