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When it comes to blending mystery, thriller, and suspense brilliantly, crime shows are the ones that check all the boxes.
The recent British crime drama, which brought an Emmy for Owen Cooper, comes first in the list when it comes to building up suspense and confusion in the minds of the viewers. Yes, it is Adolescence that has set the bar for crime dramas this year with its uncut long shots and realistic drama.
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However, it is not the only crime show we can look forward to. Here is the list of the 5 best British crime shows, from gritty realism to procedural mystery, that you must add to your watchlist.
5 best British crime shows that should definitely be on your watchlist
Adolescence
This is a Netflix crime drama about a 13-year-old school boy who gets arrested for the murder of her classmate. The show opens with the police crawling slowly as the light breaks early morning, guarded by commandos in black suits who surround the child's home. His family witnesses the commandos barging into their 13-year-old's room and pointing a gun towards him.
The show is praised for its striking, realistic imagery and complex characters. Revolving around the crime, it explores social media culture and its impact on a child's mind, toxic masculinity, and generational trauma, making it an intense watch. Watching this show is a must if you are exploring crime shows currently.
This City Is Ours (2025)
This show premiered on BBC One and is set in Liverpool, featuring a gang war and organized crime. The narrative includes shifting loyalties, betrayals, and intense crime family power dynamics. A member of the crime world gets released after years in prison and falls in love with a woman. This makes him question his life choices, but he must also fight for his empire and position.
Line of Duty
Arguably one of the most gripping British crime shows ever made, Line of Duty dives deep into the darker world of Police corruption. The show portrays some AC-12 officers, an anti-corruption group investigating fellow officers and corruption within the department. This blurs the line between heroes and villains. The show is written tightly with unpredictable twists featuring some intense interrogations, which keep you guessing till the end.
If you are someone who loves morally complex thrillers, this crime show is for you.
Deceit
Deceit was released in 2021 and is based on true events, highlighting the story of an undercover agent and the police's covert operation. The show depicts the psychological toll of deception, especially in the cop world, where the stakes are already high. There is a cost to achieve anything, even justice. The storytelling is haunting and disturbing, making it an underrated gem of British crime drama.
Death Valley
Death Valley was released in 2025 on BBC One, and if you are looking for a crime drama but a more light-hearted one, this one will suit your taste. The show mixes murder investigation with humour. Its unusual characters give the story a fun twist. The show features Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth in lead roles.
These are the 5 best British crime shows that you must watch. Most of them are also miniseries with limited episodes that one can easily binge-watch.
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