13 shows to watch if you love Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders' is returning for season 23 - and we couldn't be more excited - but while we wait, you're probably feeling a murder mystery-shaped hole in your life. 

MORE: All we know about new series of Midsomer Murders

Fear not, we've rounded up our top recommendations of shows with a similar feel to Midsomer Murders that will keep you entertained for hours. Whether it's a classic murder mystery or a gripping detective drama – this list has it all…

Wycliffe 

Where to watch: ITV Hub

A classic whodunit. The popular TV show, which aired from 1994 until 1998 over five series, was set in the gorgeous seaside town of Truro in Cornwall. Episodes were adapted from W. J. Burley's novels of the same name and focused on DS Charles Wycliffe as he sought to uncover criminals in the local area. 

MORE: Where are the cast of ITV's Wycliffe now?

Inspector George Gently 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime 

This drama is based in the sixties and focuses on a group of detectives solving crimes in the North East of England. The show ran from 2007 until 2017 across eight seasons, so there's plenty of content to sink your teeth into. Lee Ingleby and Martin Shaw star.

Spooks 

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer 

You'll recognise a few faces in this one. Classic spy drama, Spooks, was a breakout role for many beloved TV stars of today including Keeley Hawes (and her now-husband Matthew Macfadyen), David Oyelowo and Unforgotten's Nicola Walker. It focuses on the work of a group of MI5 officers based in London. 

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Sherlock 

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

Is there a better detective than Sherlock Holmes, himself? We're not so sure, and what's even better is A-Lister Benedict Cumberbatch does a brilliant portrayal. Alongside Martin Freeman as Watson, the two take on unusual cases and use their expertise to find the truth. 

MORE: Did you spot this Oscar-winning star on Midsomer Murders? 

A Touch of Frost

Where to watch: ITV Hub 

David Jason fronted this drama as Detective Inspector Jack Frost from 1992 until 2010. The esteemed actor even revealed he would be up for bringing the show back for a reboot. He told HELLO! last year: "If the right script came along I think that we could certainly have another crack at it."

MORE: David Jason reveals 'bitter blow' after losing out on famous role

Endeavour 

Where to watch: ITV Hub

Endeavour is currently gearing up to return for series eight, so there's never been a better time to get stuck into the old episodes.

MORE: Trust No One: What really happened to 'Crypto King' Gerry Cotten and is he really dead?

The show is looped into the famous Morse stories and focuses on Endeavour Morse's work as a detective in the 1960s. 

Murder on the Home Front 

Where to watch: BritBox 

Fancy a World War II murder mystery? In this British drama, DI Freddy Wilkins has to discover who murdered several young women. With critics calling it "a cross between Foyle's War and Silent Witness," we think this is definitely one that would suit Midsomer Murders fans! Keep an eye out for The Tudors actress Tamzin Merchant, who plays Molly Cooper. 

READ: The real reason why John Nettles left Midsomer Murders

Perry Mason 

Where to watch: Sky/NOW TV 

The famous fictional detective returns in a dark brand new murder mystery series. Starring Matthew Rhys as the grubby private investigator, Perry must look into what really happened in a botched kidnap job which resulted in a dead child. The noir, 1930s TV show is unlike anything else on television right now, and is definitely worth the binge-watch. 

No Offence

Where to watch: Netflix 

This truly excellent Channel 4 series follows arguably one of the all-time best fictional police officers DI Viv Deering as the leader of a team at the Manchester Metropolitan Police.

In season one, the team must discover the truth behind a series of murders of girls with Down Syndrome, going to new lengths to find the killer. 

Criminal 

Where to watch: Netflix 

David Tennant knows how to pick his murder mystery dramas, with shows like Broadchurch and Deadwater Fell being big hits. However, his appearance in the Netflix show Criminal might be his best yet.

MORE: The Staircase original director criticises TV drama remake

The miniseries looks at a group of detectives as they interrogate various different suspects, encouraging confessions or picking holes in their stories while being able to legally hold them without an arrest. It is a race against the clock, locked room drama, and we promise you'll be on the edge of your seat. 

Happy Valley

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer 

This tiptop drama follows Sergeant Catherine Cawood, a well-respected officer who begins to unravel when the father of her late daughter's child is released from prison. Determined that he will begin to commit crimes the moment he is out of jail, Catherine grows slowly obsessed with the former convict - just at the same time that a local young woman goes missing. Season three is currently being filmed.

READ: Where are former Midsomer Murders cast members now?

Unforgotten  

Where to watch: Netflix 

While set in modern-day, this series focuses on historic murders. In each of the three series, a body is found that could be decades old, and two detectives must do everything in their power to work out who died so long ago and to track down the culprit - who believed that they got away with the crime scot-free - years and years after the murder was originally committed. 

READ: Where is Midsomer Murders star John Nettles now?

Death in Paradise 

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer 

Binge-watch the entire series of this beloved murder mystery comedy drama as it follows one lead detective (who changes every few series) as they attempt to solve crimes on the island of St Marie. Ralf Little is returning for season 12, but we have plenty to watch before then!