There’s something undeniably engaging about a good detective show. It beckons the inner sleuth in us all, challenging us to piece together clues before the protagonist does, or at least trying to understand their sharp deductive reasoning. The last few years have been especially golden for fans of detective shows, with an impressive lineup of series that keep us on the edge of our seats. From classic whodunits and police procedurals to psychological thrillers and noir dramas, there’s no shortage of intrigue and mystery to enjoy. Here are the 20 best detective TV shows you should be watching right now.

1.Sherlock –A modern reimagining of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic characters with Benedict Cumberbatch as the eponymous detective.

2.True Detective –An anthology crime drama where each season introduces new characters and new mysteries.

3.Broadchurch –This British series explores the impact a child’s murder has on a small, tight-knit community.

4.Mindhunter –Delves into the early days of criminal psychology and profiling within the FBI.

5.Elementary –Another contemporary take on Sherlock Holmes, set in New York with Jonny Lee Miller in the lead role.

6.Luther –Idris Elba stars as a dedicated but haunted detective operating in London.

7.The Bridge (Bron/Broen) –A joint Swedish-Danish production that starts with a dead body found exactly on the border between the two countries.

8.Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries –Follows Phryne Fisher, a glamorous private detective in 1920s Melbourne.

9.Line of Duty –Centers around an anti-corruption unit within the UK police force.

10.Marcella –Features a British police detective struggling with a complex personal life while solving heinous murders.

11.Murdoch Mysteries –Set at the turn of the 20th century, this Canadian show focuses on Detective William Murdoch who uses innovative forensic techniques for his time.

12.The Sinner –Each season investigates a new crime committed by an unlikely suspect in this anthology series.

13.Wallander –Follows Kurt Wallander, a Swedish inspector solving serious crimes while grappling with his own demons.

14.Bosch –A gritty LA-based series following Harry Bosch, a homicide detective with a troubled past.

15.Perry Mason (2020) –Fresh take on Erle Stanley Gardner’s books about a defense attorney investigating complex cases in 1930s Los Angeles.

16.Endeavour –A prequel to “Inspector Morse,” looking at the early career of Endeavour Morse.

17.Veronica Mars –Combines teen drama with a film-noir style mystery, featuring Kristen Bell as a young private investigator.

18.Agatha Christie’s Poirot –David Suchet plays iconic Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels.

19.Mare of Easttown –Kate Winslet stars as Mare Sheehan, a small-town Pennsylvania detective investigating local murder and missing persons cases while battling personal issues.

20.The Wire –Although not strictly a traditional detective show, this critically acclaimed series presents an incredibly detailed picture of urban crime and society from various perspectives including law enforcement.

These series excel at what they do – weaving intricate storylines filled with twists and turns alongside compelling character development that draws viewers even deeper into their worlds. Each presents its own unique approach to storytelling and the art of detection, offering something for every kind of armchair detective out there.