The Ultimate Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Detective: Top 15 Must-Watch Series on Amazon Prime Video

Summary

Amazon Prime Video is home to a vast library of detective series, offering viewers a wide array of crime mysteries to choose from.

Despite not having a vast selection of original series compared to other streaming platforms, Prime Video compensates through its remarkable collection of TV shows and movies, particularly captivating detective dramas. From revamps of American classics to British crime mysteries and even Hindi-language crime series, Amazon Prime Video caters to the tastes of every enthusiast of detective series, serving gripping plots and exceptional acting.

Amazon Prime Video, a popular streaming service, is the go-to platform for viewers seeking the latest crime mysteries in the television world. With its launch in 2011, Amazon Prime Video has effortlessly provided a wide range of films and TV shows for seamless streaming. Meeting the rising demand for crime dramas, Amazon has commissioned an impressive collection of gripping mysteries.

In the ongoing battle among streaming services, Amazon Prime Video manages to shine through. While its original series may not be as extensive as some competitors, the platform compensates with a vast library of TV shows and movies, including detective series. Presently, here are the top fifteen detective series that can be enjoyed on Amazon Prime Video.

15 Gracepoint

14 Harlan Coben's Shelter

Gracepoint, a ten-part series, is an American remake of the British crime drama Broadchurch. The series features the talented David Tennant reprising his role as Detective Emmett Carver (known as Alec Hardy in Broadchurch). Joining him is Anna Gunn, renowned for her role in Breaking Bad, as they join forces to investigate the tragic death of a local boy whose lifeless body is discovered washed up on a nearby beach. With its gripping and suspenseful storyline, Gracepoint delves into the delicate balance of trust within a close-knit community and how a single death can irrevocably change the course of a small town's future.

Based on the novel of the same name by author Harlan Coben, Shelter tells the tale of Mickey Bolitar (Jaden Michael). After the tragic death of his father, Mickey relocates across the country and enrolls in a new school, only to find himself caught up in the enigmatic disappearance of a fellow classmate. The initial season comprised eight gripping episodes and wrapped up in August 2023. Rumors about the renewal of Harlan Coben's Shelter for a second season are currently circulating.

13 Grimm

After discovering that he is descended from a lineage of supernatural creature hunters, homicide detective Nick Burkhardt (played by David Giuntoli) begrudgingly finds himself thrust into a new realm. Combining elements of a traditional detective drama with the supernatural adventures of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Grimm follows Nick as he confronts a host of dangerous mythical beings in order to safeguard humanity. Spanning six seasons from 2011 to 2017, the show garnered acclaim for its skillful blend of humor and a haunting, unsettling ambiance.

12 Monk

Monk, which first aired in 2002 on the USA network, is a captivating comedy series. The story revolves around Adrian Monk (played by Tony Shalhoub), a former detective with OCD spectrum disorder, who returns to the force as a consultant. Offering a refreshing twist on the typical detective show, Monk garnered critical acclaim throughout its run. The series scooped up eight Emmy Awards, one Golden Globe Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2023, the streaming service Peacock announced the production of a film sequel titled Mr. Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie, welcoming back the original cast for their reprised roles.

11 Upload

10 Carnival Row

In the not-so-distant future, a tragic event befalls Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell) as he unexpectedly passes away at the tender age of 27. However, his consciousness finds itself transferred into a virtual afterlife, presenting Nathan with a whole new reality to grapple with. Amidst his struggle to adapt to this digital realm, Nathan forms an unlikely bond with Nora (Andy Allo), his supportive agent who is still living. As their friendship deepens, Nora becomes suspicious of foul play in Nathan's demise, propelling her into a labyrinthine quest for the truth. Embracing elements of crime drama and science fiction, Upload weaves a compelling narrative that explores the overlap of modern and futuristic anxieties.

Carnival Row tells the story of a marginalized community of mythical creatures who coexist with humans amidst a backdrop of tension and mutual fear. At the heart of the narrative is Philo, a detective who is half-human and half-fae (played by Orlando Bloom), as he investigates a series of murders tied to the mythical beings. Throughout his pursuit of justice, Philo must navigate the delicate balance of concealing his true identity from his human counterparts. Carnival Row spanned two seasons, concluding in March 2023 after production delays caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.

9 Absentia

8 Unforgotten

When FBI agent Emily Byrne (Stana Katic) mysteriously reappears after six years, her memory erased, she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her past and reclaim her identity. However, her return also places her at the center of a murder investigation, forcing her to fight relentlessly to prove her innocence. Premiering in 2017 and concluding in 2021, Absentia garnered strong praise during its three-season run.

DCI Cassie Stuart and her partner Sunny are called in to investigate after discovering the body of a young man in an abandoned building. Unforgotten, a British crime drama, captivated audiences for five seasons by exploring a different murder in each one. The show received positive reviews from critics who praised its dark and compelling nature. Nicola Walker's powerful portrayal added depth and emotion to the series until her departure in the fourth season.

7 Endeavour

A prequel to the world-renowned Inspector Morse, Endeavour is a captivating British crime drama that captivated audiences for nine seasons, until its conclusion in 2023. Follow the journey of Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) as he starts his career as a constable and steadily climbs the ranks to become a detective. Endeavour offers a thought-provoking exploration of corruption within law enforcement, while remaining faithful to Colin Dexter's original vision.

6 The Terminal List

Chris Pratt, known for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, stars in this thrilling series. The protagonist, James Reece, a U.S. Navy SEAL, survives an attack on his platoon, making him the sole survivor. However, upon his return, he discovers that there are sinister forces working against him. As doubts plague his mind, he struggles to safeguard his family.

Exciting news for fans as a second season of the show has been commissioned in February 2023. Additionally, a prequel series titled The Terminal List, featuring Taylor Kitsch reprising his role as Ben Edwards, is also in the works.

5 Outer Range

Outer Range is a captivating series that delves into the haunting tale of the Abbott family as they grapple with the inexplicable disappearance of their daughter-in-law. In addition to this heart-wrenching ordeal, they find themselves embroiled in a fierce battle to protect their cherished land from encroaching neighbors. Against the rugged backdrop of Wyoming's outskirts, Royal Abbott, the patriarch of the family, stumbles upon a perplexing black void on his ranch, igniting a torrent of unanswered questions. Notably, esteemed actor Josh Brolin marks his triumphant return to television screens after a two-decade hiatus, captivating audiences once more. The excitement continues with the confirmation of Outer Range season 2, commencing principal photography in April 2023. Prepare to be enthralled by the gripping saga that unfolds in

4 The Devil's Hour

.

The Devil’s Hour showcases the exceptional talent of Peter Capaldi, known for his roles in Doctor Who and The Thick of It, as he brings to life a deranged serial killer. When social worker Lucy Chambers (Jessica Raine) seeks answers to her harrowing visions and her link to his crimes, she finds herself drawn into his twisted world. This Amazon Original series garnered high praise from critics, prompting the early renewal for not just a second, but also a third season within a month of its October 2022 debut. Capaldi's performance, in particular, stands out as he embraces an entirely new and eerie character.

3 Case Histories

2 Three Pines

Starring renowned British actors, Jason Isaac and Amanda Abbington, Case Histories tells the compelling tale of a resilient private investigator and his capable assistant. Together, they embark on a mission to provide solace to grieving families affected by unsolved crimes. Based on the popular Jackson Brodie book series, the first episode draws its inspiration from the acclaimed 2010 novel Started Early, Took My Dog by Kate Atkinson. Although the series came to an end after two seasons, it garnered critical acclaim for its captivating character-driven plot.

Nestled in the serene and picturesque region of Quebec lies the charming village of Three Pines, where a web of enigmatic occurrences unfolds. Only Chief Investigator Armand Gamache (portrayed by Alfred Molina) possesses the keen eye to discern these mysteries. Although Three Pines originates from a novel, the Amazon Original series unveils its own compelling narrative, delving into Gamache's relentless pursuit of a missing woman. This intricately woven tale spans four captivating episodes, but Amazon's announcement in March 2023 shattered hopes of its renewal for another season.

1 Dahaad

The Hindi crime drama Dahaad takes inspiration from the true story of Cyanide Mohan, a notorious serial killer. The show revolves around Anjali Bhaati (played by Sonakshi Sinha), who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a series of missing women. Meanwhile, Anjali grapples with the pressure from her mother to find a husband, completely oblivious to the fact that there is a serial killer lurking in the shadows, preying on women seeking marriage. Dahaad has garnered praise from critics and has also resonated with Western audiences, solidifying its success across different markets.