13 Shows to Watch if You Love Midsomer Murders
If you love Midsomer Murders, you already know the appeal goes far beyond the crimes themselves. Set in the seemingly idyllic English countryside, the series follows detectives as they uncover a surprising number of murders hidden beneath the charm of quaint villages, garden parties, and tight-knit communities. It’s that signature blend of picturesque settings, intricate whodunits, eccentric locals, and touches of dry humor that keeps fans coming back. For cozy mystery lovers especially, Midsomer Murders hits a sweet spot—offering clever, character-driven mysteries in a comforting, familiar world. If you’re looking for more shows that capture that same mix of atmosphere, intrigue, and memorable detectives, these picks are perfect for your next mystery binge.
13. Inspector Lynley Mysteries
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy The Inspector Lynley Mysteries
Fans of Midsomer Murders who enjoy layered mysteries and character-driven storytelling will find a lot to appreciate in The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. Both series dig into the relationships, secrets, and tensions that lie beneath the surface of everyday life. While Lynley’s cases often feel more emotionally complex, they offer the same satisfying experience of watching a carefully constructed mystery unfold piece by piece.
What The Inspector Lynley Mysteries Is About
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries follows Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, an aristocrat working in the police force, and his partner Sergeant Barbara Havers, whose background and personality sharply contrast his own. Together, they investigate murders across England, bringing different perspectives and strengths to each case. The series blends compelling mysteries with a strong focus on character and partnership.
Why Fans Will Enjoy The Inspector Lynley Mysteries
Character-Driven Mysteries – Like Midsomer Murders, the cases are rooted in personal relationships and hidden motives.
Engaging Detective Duo – Lynley and Havers’ contrasting personalities create depth and tension.
Strong Sense of Setting – The stories move between countryside estates and urban locations across England.
Layered, Thoughtful Cases – Each mystery unfolds with care, rewarding attention to detail.
Emotional Depth – The series explores how crimes impact the people involved.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
British mysteries with rich character development
Intricate, relationship-driven whodunits
Strong detective partnerships
Stories set across a variety of English locations
Mysteries that balance plot with emotional storytelling
12. Murder, She Wrote
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Murder, She Wrote
Fans of Midsomer Murders who love small-community mysteries and a steady stream of cleverly constructed cases will feel right at home with Murder, She Wrote. While Midsomer can be darker beneath its picturesque surface, Murder, She Wrote leans more traditionally cozy—offering a lighter tone, a familiar setting, and a sleuth you can settle in with for the long run. Both series share that comforting rhythm of uncovering secrets hidden within seemingly peaceful places.
What Murder, She Wrote Is About
Murder, She Wrote follows Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer living in the quaint town of Cabot Cove, Maine, who repeatedly finds herself caught up in real-life murders. Using her intelligence, intuition, and deep understanding of human nature, Jessica solves cases both in her hometown and while traveling. The series became a staple of classic television, known for its engaging mysteries and enduring lead character.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Murder, She Wrote
Small-Town Mysteries – Like Midsomer Murders, many cases are rooted in tight-knit communities full of secrets.
A Beloved Central Sleuth – Jessica Fletcher is a warm, observant, and endlessly engaging detective figure.
Consistent, Long-Running Comfort – Both series offer many episodes with a reliable, satisfying format.
Character-Driven Cases – Motives and relationships are at the heart of each mystery.
Classic Whodunit Structure – Each episode builds to a clear, rewarding resolution.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Cozy mysteries with a traditional, comforting tone
Small-town settings filled with hidden secrets
Strong, intelligent amateur sleuths
Long-running series you can dip into anytime
Character-focused whodunits with satisfying endings
11. Ludwig
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Ludwig
Fans of Midsomer Murders who love intricate puzzles and the satisfaction of piecing together clues will find Ludwig especially appealing. While it steps away from the traditional village setting, it shares that same focus on cleverly constructed mysteries and hidden connections. The tone is quieter and more introspective, but it still delivers the core pleasure of watching a brilliant mind unravel a seemingly impossible case—one detail at a time.
What Ludwig Is About
Ludwig follows John “Ludwig” Taylor, a reclusive puzzle setter whose life is turned upside down when his identical twin brother, a detective, disappears. Forced to assume his brother’s identity, Ludwig begins working with the police despite having no investigative background. Using his expertise in logic, patterns, and codes, he approaches each case like a puzzle, slowly uncovering the truth while trying to solve the mystery of his brother’s disappearance.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Ludwig
Puzzle-Driven Mysteries – Like Midsomer Murders, each case is layered with clues that reward attention and deduction.
Brilliant but Unlikely Detective – Ludwig’s unconventional mind offers a fresh take on solving crimes.
Character-Focused Storytelling – The emotional undercurrent and personal stakes add depth to the mysteries.
Dry, Subtle Humor – Gentle wit balances the more serious elements of the cases.
Satisfying, Clever Resolutions – Each mystery builds toward a well-earned reveal.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Clever, puzzle-heavy whodunits
Unconventional detectives with unique perspectives
Cozy-adjacent mysteries with a thoughtful tone
Character-driven stories with underlying emotional arcs
British mysteries that reward careful observation
10. Poirot
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Agatha Christie’s Poirot
Fans of Midsomer Murders who appreciate intricate plots, memorable settings, and a touch of classic British charm will find Agatha Christie’s Poirot especially rewarding. While it leans more toward traditional detective storytelling than cozy mystery, it shares that same love of carefully constructed puzzles and character-driven motives. Where Midsomer Murders explores village secrets, Poirot offers a more refined, elegant take on mystery—yet both deliver the satisfying pleasure of watching a brilliant mind bring order to chaos.
What Agatha Christie’s Poirot Is About
Agatha Christie’s Poirot stars David Suchet as Hercule Poirot, the iconic Belgian detective known for his meticulous methods and “little grey cells.” Set primarily in England between the 1930s and 1940s, the series follows Poirot as he solves a wide range of crimes—from country house murders to international intrigues—often alongside his friend Captain Hastings. The show is celebrated for its faithful adaptations of Agatha Christie’s stories and its richly detailed period atmosphere.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Agatha Christie’s Poirot
Brilliant, Methodical Detective – Like the investigators in Midsomer Murders, Poirot unravels complex cases through careful observation and reasoning.
Intricate, Fair-Play Mysteries – The clues are there for the audience, making each case satisfying to solve along the way.
Memorable Settings – From grand estates to quiet villages, the locations are just as engaging as the mysteries.
Character-Driven Motives – The focus on relationships, secrets, and human nature mirrors what fans enjoy in Midsomer Murders.
Classic British Mystery Feel – A timeless series that delivers elegance, atmosphere, and clever storytelling.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
British mysteries with intricate, puzzle-like plots
Classic detective stories with a strong central sleuth
Period settings rich in detail and atmosphere
Character-focused whodunits with satisfying reveals
Cozy-adjacent mysteries that lean more traditional and refined
9. Harry Wild
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Harry Wild
Fans of Midsomer Murders who enjoy clever mysteries set within close-knit communities will find a lot to like in Harry Wild. While it trades English villages for the streets of Dublin, the appeal is similar—cases rooted in relationships, secrets, and human behavior. The tone is a bit more modern and playful, but it still offers that satisfying mix of character-driven storytelling and well-constructed whodunits that mystery fans appreciate.
What Harry Wild Is About
Harry Wild follows Harriet “Harry” Wild, a recently retired English professor who stumbles into crime-solving after a personal ordeal shakes up her life. Teaming up with Fergus, a young man with a complicated past, she begins working as a private investigator. As Harry inserts herself into cases—often overlapping with her son’s work as a police detective—she uses her intellect and literary knowledge to uncover the truth.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Harry Wild
Character-Driven Mysteries – Like Midsomer Murders, the cases are built around relationships and hidden motives.
A Distinctive Lead – Harry’s intelligence, wit, and strong personality make her a memorable sleuth.
Community Connections – The stories often explore how people are linked in unexpected ways.
Modern Tone with Humor – The series adds a lighter, more contemporary edge to its mysteries.
Episodic Whodunits – Each episode delivers a clear, satisfying resolution.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
British and Irish mystery series with strong leads
Stories centered on community, secrets, and relationships
Amateur sleuths with unique perspectives
Character-focused mysteries with a touch of humor
Engaging, standalone whodunits
8. Shetland
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Shetland
While Midsomer Murders draws cozy mystery fans in with its picturesque villages and layered community secrets, Shetland offers a more atmospheric take on that same idea. It’s not cozy in the traditional sense—its tone is quieter, moodier, and more introspective—but it shares that deep focus on place, relationships, and the hidden tensions within small communities. For viewers who enjoy mysteries where the setting feels alive and the characters evolve over time, Shetland is a natural next step.
What Shetland Is About
Shetland follows DI Jimmy Perez as he leads investigations across the remote Shetland Islands of Scotland, working within a close-knit community where everyone knows each other—and where secrets rarely stay buried. In later seasons, the series introduces a new lead detective, DI Ruth Calder (played by Ashley Jensen), bringing a fresh perspective and energy while maintaining the show’s focus on character, community, and emotional storytelling. The rugged island setting and evolving team dynamics keep the series feeling both grounded and engaging.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Shetland
Small Community, Big Secrets – Like Midsomer Murders, each case is rooted in relationships, history, and local tensions.
A Powerful Sense of Place – The stark, windswept islands create a striking and immersive backdrop.
Evolving Detective Perspective – The transition from Perez to Calder keeps the series fresh while honoring its core tone.
Thoughtful, Character-Led Investigations – The focus remains on understanding people as much as solving crimes.
Slow-Burn, Emotional Mysteries – Cases unfold gradually, with lasting impact on the community and characters.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Cozy-adjacent mysteries with a more serious, reflective tone
Strong settings that shape the story and characters
Community-focused storytelling with emotional depth
Long-running series that evolve over time
British crime dramas that balance atmosphere with compelling cases
7. Inspector Morse
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Inspector Morse
While Midsomer Murders draws cozy mystery fans in with its countryside charm and intricate village secrets, Inspector Morse offers a more contemplative and character-driven take on British crime. It’s not cozy in the traditional sense—its tone is more serious and introspective—but it shares that same love of carefully constructed mysteries and a strong sense of place. For viewers who appreciate clever puzzles and richly developed detectives, Inspector Morse delivers a deeper, more thoughtful variation on the genre.
What Inspector Morse Is About
Inspector Morse follows Chief Inspector Endeavour Morse, a brilliant but complex detective working in Oxford. Known for his sharp intellect, love of classical music, and attention to detail, Morse tackles intricate cases alongside his loyal partner, Sergeant Lewis. The series is known for its layered mysteries, often involving academia, literature, and hidden personal motives.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Inspector Morse
Intricate, Puzzle-Driven Mysteries – Like Midsomer Murders, the cases are layered and rewarding to solve.
Strong Sense of Place – Oxford’s historic setting adds depth and atmosphere to every investigation.
Character-Focused Storytelling – Morse’s personality and relationships are central to the series.
Thoughtful, Slower Pace – The mysteries unfold deliberately, allowing time for detail and reflection.
Classic British Mystery Feel – A foundational series that helped shape modern British crime dramas.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Cozy-adjacent mysteries with a more serious tone
Clever, intellectually engaging whodunits
British settings rich in history and atmosphere
Character-driven detective stories
Slower-paced mysteries that reward close attention
6. Death in Paradise
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Death in Paradise
While Midsomer Murders isn’t strictly a traditional cozy, many fans love it for its memorable settings, rotating detectives, and the steady rhythm of cleverly constructed mysteries. Death in Paradise delivers a similar appeal—just with sunshine instead of rolling green hills. It’s cozy-adjacent in the best way: the crimes can be serious, but the tone stays light, the characters are engaging, and the setting is as much a draw as the mysteries themselves. Plus, like Midsomer Murders, it’s a long-running series you can settle into for the long haul.
What Death in Paradise Is About
Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, Death in Paradise follows a succession of British detectives assigned to solve murders in paradise. Each lead detective brings a different personality and perspective, creating fresh dynamics while maintaining the show’s core formula. Alongside a local police team, they investigate crimes that often unfold as clever, contained whodunits within the island’s tight-knit community.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Death in Paradise
Long-Running, Comfort Viewing – Like Midsomer Murders, it offers many seasons of consistent, satisfying mysteries.
Strong Sense of Place – The tropical island setting is vibrant and immersive, much like Midsomer’s countryside.
Rotating Detectives – New leads keep the series feeling fresh while preserving its familiar structure.
Classic Whodunit Format – Each episode presents a puzzle that can be solved alongside the detective.
Light, Character-Driven Tone – Humor and team dynamics balance out the darker elements of the crimes.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Long-running British mysteries with a consistent format
Cozy-adjacent shows that balance charm with clever puzzles
Strong settings that feel like a character in the story
Episodic whodunits with satisfying resolutions
Mystery series you can dip into anytime or binge for weeks
5. Rosemary & Thyme
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Rosemary & Thyme
While Midsomer Murders isn’t always a traditional cozy, many fans are drawn to its lush countryside settings, layered village secrets, and the comforting rhythm of its mysteries. Rosemary & Thyme leans even further into those cozy elements, offering a lighter, more relaxed take on crime-solving. The stakes feel gentler, the tone more soothing, but the appeal is similar—beautiful locations, character-driven stories, and mysteries that unfold within close-knit communities.
What Rosemary & Thyme Is About
Rosemary & Thyme follows two gardening enthusiasts—Rosemary Boxer, a plant pathologist, and Laura Thyme, a former police officer—who form a friendship and a landscaping business that takes them across the English countryside. Wherever they go, they stumble upon mysteries that need solving. Using their complementary skills and keen observations, the pair uncover truths hidden beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful settings.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Rosemary & Thyme
Picturesque Countryside Settings – Like Midsomer Murders, the series showcases beautiful gardens, estates, and villages.
Community-Based Mysteries – Each case is rooted in relationships, local tensions, and hidden pasts.
A Calmer, Cozier Tone – The series leans more traditional cozy, with less darkness and more comfort.
Strong Female Duo – Rosemary and Laura bring intelligence, warmth, and teamwork to every investigation.
Gentle, Satisfying Mysteries – The pacing is relaxed, with clear, well-resolved conclusions.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Cozy mysteries set in the English countryside
Amateur sleuths with complementary skills
Light, character-driven whodunits
Scenic settings that enhance the storytelling
Mysteries that prioritize charm, friendship, and atmosphere
4. Whitstable Pearl
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Whitstable Pearl
While Midsomer Murders leans into the charm of the English countryside with its twisty village secrets, Whitstable Pearl offers a similarly inviting setting with a slightly more grounded tone. It’s not a traditional cozy—there’s a touch more realism and emotional weight—but it still delivers the small-community feel, character connections, and steady mysteries that cozy fans appreciate. If you enjoy spending time in a place where everyone knows each other and every case uncovers hidden layers, Whitstable Pearl is an easy next watch.
What Whitstable Pearl Is About
Set in the seaside town of Whitstable, the series follows Pearl Nolan, a restaurant owner who launches a private detective agency in her coastal hometown. Drawing on her local knowledge and connections, Pearl investigates crimes that ripple through the community, often working alongside (and sometimes clashing with) a by-the-book police detective. The show blends seaside charm with character-driven storytelling and approachable mysteries.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Whitstable Pearl
Tight-Knit Community Mysteries – Like Midsomer Murders, each case is rooted in relationships, secrets, and local history.
Strong Sense of Place – The coastal setting adds a fresh but equally immersive backdrop.
Approachable, Character-Led Cases – The mysteries are engaging without being overly complex or dark.
A Relatable Amateur Sleuth – Pearl’s connection to the town gives her a natural edge in solving crimes.
Touches of Warmth and Humor – Personal moments and relationships add balance to the investigations.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Cozy-adjacent mysteries with a community focus
Seaside or small-town settings full of personality
Amateur sleuths working alongside official investigators
Character-driven storytelling with a gentle tone
British mysteries that balance charm with realism
3. Magpie Murders
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Magpie Murders
While Midsomer Murders draws cozy mystery fans in with its idyllic English villages and intricate web of secrets, Magpie Murders offers a more layered, self-aware take on that same tradition. It’s not purely cozy—there’s a sharper, more literary edge—but it still delivers the kind of carefully constructed mystery and immersive atmosphere that fans love. If you enjoy unraveling puzzles set within charming communities, Magpie Murders adds an extra twist by exploring how those classic mysteries are created in the first place.
What Magpie Murders Is About
Based on the novel by Anthony Horowitz, Magpie Murders follows book editor Susan Ryeland, who becomes entangled in a real-life mystery after receiving the unfinished manuscript of a bestselling author’s latest detective novel. As she reads, the story shifts between a traditional village whodunit—featuring fictional detective Atticus Pünd—and the modern-day mystery surrounding the author’s death. The dual narrative blends classic British mystery elements with a contemporary investigation.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Magpie Murders
A Mystery Within a Mystery – Fans of classic whodunits will enjoy the layered storytelling that plays with familiar tropes.
Classic Village Vibes (with a Twist) – The fictional Atticus Pünd storyline delivers that Midsomer-style countryside mystery.
Clever, Puzzle-Driven Plot – The series invites viewers to actively piece together clues across two timelines.
Literary, Self-Aware Tone – It reflects on the conventions of cozy and classic mysteries while still embracing them.
Strong Central Character – Susan’s investigation grounds the story with a modern, character-driven perspective.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Cozy-adjacent mysteries with a smart, meta twist
British village settings paired with intricate plots
Stories that play with classic mystery conventions
Layered narratives that reward close attention
Whodunits that blend traditional charm with modern storytelling
2. Brokenwood Mysteries
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy The Brokenwood Mysteries
Like Midsomer Murders, The Brokenwood Mysteries isn’t strictly a traditional cozy—but it absolutely hits many of the notes cozy mystery fans love. With its small-town setting, colorful locals, and touch of dry humor, the series balances darker crimes with a welcoming, character-driven feel. If you enjoy spending time in a community where everyone has a secret and the detectives feel like familiar faces, Brokenwood offers that same immersive charm with a fresh New Zealand twist.
What The Brokenwood Mysteries Is About
Set in the fictional rural town of Brokenwood, New Zealand, the series follows Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd, a laid-back but perceptive investigator who arrives to solve a case and ends up staying. Alongside his capable partner Kristin Sims and a tight-knit team, Shepherd tackles murders that arise within the seemingly peaceful community. Each case draws on local culture, relationships, and hidden tensions, all set against scenic countryside landscapes.
Why Fans Will Enjoy The Brokenwood Mysteries
Small-Town Secrets – Like Midsomer Murders, the mysteries are rooted in the relationships and histories of a close-knit community.
Memorable Detective Team – Shepherd’s relaxed style and quiet insight create a lead you enjoy spending time with.
Light Touch of Humor – Dry wit and character moments keep the tone approachable despite the crimes.
Strong Sense of Place – The New Zealand countryside provides a fresh but equally immersive setting.
Satisfying, Layered Mysteries – Each episode unfolds as a well-paced, standalone whodunit.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
Cozy-adjacent mysteries with a slightly darker edge
Small-town settings full of secrets and personality
Detective-led stories with humor and heart
International mysteries with scenic backdrops
Classic whodunits that focus on character as much as plot
1. Vera
Why Fans of Midsomer Murders Will Enjoy Vera
While Midsomer Murders isn’t always “cozy” in the traditional sense, many cozy mystery fans are drawn to its quintessential English countryside setting, layered village secrets, and the glimpses of detectives’ personal lives that add warmth and humor. Vera offers a similarly immersive British mystery experience, trading sunlit villages for windswept coasts but keeping that same focus on community, character, and carefully unraveled crimes.
What Vera Is About
Vera follows DCI Vera Stanhope, a sharp and quietly intuitive detective working in North East England. Leading her small team, Vera investigates murders across coastal towns and rural communities, where tight-knit relationships often hide long-buried secrets. Though her demeanor is understated, her ability to read people and patiently piece together the truth makes her an exceptional investigator.
Why Fans Will Enjoy Vera
Community-Driven Mysteries – Like Midsomer Murders, each case is rooted in relationships, history, and hidden tensions within a close-knit setting.
Strong Sense of Place – The dramatic coastal landscapes provide the same immersive feeling as the English countryside villages.
Character-Focused Storytelling – The investigations are as much about people and motives as they are about clues.
Subtle Personal Moments – Vera’s interactions with her team add warmth and humanity, similar to the personal touches fans enjoy in Midsomer Murders.
Thoughtful, Layered Mysteries – The show takes its time building each case, leading to satisfying and emotional conclusions.
Perfect for Fans Who Enjoy
British mysteries set in memorable, atmospheric locations
Stories centered on community, secrets, and relationships
Character-driven investigations with emotional depth
Slower-paced, carefully constructed whodunits
Cozy mystery fans open to slightly darker, more grounded storytelling