Mystery and crime have been among the most popular internet content genres in the past 7 years. So, it is no surprise that murder mystery TV shows are a favorite among viewers. Murder mystery TV shows, regardless of whether they have long or short seasons, are entertaining, thought-provoking, and exciting.

That is why we decided to create a list of some of the best murder mystery TV shows to ever grace the silver screen. From shows about infamous literary detectives like Poirot and Holmes, to Lynch’s masterpiece, our reviews cover some truly iconic titles.

Poirot

Agatha Christie’s Poirot, or better known as simply Poirot, is one of the most legendary murder mystery TV shows in history. This TV show is widely recognized as the best portrayal of Agatha Christie’s literary detective for several reasons. The primary reason is David Suchet’s performance as the eccentric but ingenious Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.

Suchet embodied Poirot, from the quirky moustache to his mannerisms and even his awkward gait. But, this TV show didn’t rely on a single man’s performance. From the set designs and costume choices to the supporting cast and the music, the TV show Poirot immerses you into Agatha Christie’s universe. That’s what makes it one of the best murder mystery TV shows of all time.

Elementary

The only fictional detective that has had more TV and movie portrayals than Poirot is Sherlock Holmes. It seems like every decade brings new iterations of Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective, and the 2010s were no different. Although BBC’s Sherlock received more attention and praise, in our opinion, Elementary is a true hidden gem.

This TV show happens in modern-day New York, which is a little odd for a Holmes adaptation, but the writers made it work. Sherlock, as played masterfully by Jonny Lee Miller, is a recovering heroin addict who assists the NYPD with murder cases. He meets Dr Joan Watson, a former surgeon and current sober companion, who eventually becomes a private detective under his tutelage.

The choice to set Elementary in New York, as opposed to London, and to make Watson a woman were met with harsh criticism. But, that is precisely what makes the show so fresh and unique. Jonny Lee Miller as Holmes and Lucy Liu as Watson understood the intricacies of their characters as very few other actors have. That, combined with the thrilling writing, makes Elementary one of our top choices.

Only Murders In The Building

Combining a murder mystery with a sitcom is no easy feat, but the Only Murders In the Building writers accomplished it. OMITB first debuted in 2021, quickly becoming a fan favorite, primarily thanks to the ridiculous but heartfelt relationship between the three leads. Comedy titans Steve Martin and Marty Short, accompanied by millennial star Selena Gomez, are an unexpected but endlessly entertaining trio.

The main characters, Charles Haden-Savage, Oliver Putnam, and Mabel Mora, are neighbors at the Arconia in NYC. They have nothing in common, until a murder happens in their building. Being avid true crime podcast listeners, they start investigating. Watching their shenanigans as they try to unravel the season’s murder never gets old. Especially since it’s quite difficult to pinpoint the killer as the watcher. That’s why we consider OMITB one of the best murder mystery TV shows in 2026.

Twin Peaks

There are very few TV shows that have had a bigger cultural impact than Twin Peaks. The David Lynch stroke of genius only ran for 3 seasons. Despite the fact that it was only on TV from 1990 to 1991, and again in 2017, it remains one of the best murder mystery TV shows of all time. It has an impressive 78% critics rating and a 92% viewer rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Twin Peaks tells the story of Detective Dale Cooper trying to solve the murder of teen Laura Palmer. This TV show is set in a fictional Pacific Northwest town called Twin Peaks. In true David Lynch style, this show relies on supernatural elements, an uncanny vibe, and campy characters to draw you in. The writing, music, and, of course, Kyle MacLachlan’s performance as Det. Cooper has made this show a legendary title.