20 TV Mysteries for British TV Fans on Hulu
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Last Updated on June 5, 2024 by Stefanie Hutson
Hulu isn't the best streaming service for someone who wants British TV and only British TV, but that doesn't mean they don't have anything for the British TV lover. Below, we take a look at the British mysteries and crime dramas currently available on Hulu (US), along with a handful of others that are likely to be of interest to British TV fans.
This list is accurate for US Hulu viewers as of early June 2024, but please remember offerings can change at any time.
Cardinal (2017 to 2020)
Canada. Based on the crime novels of author Giles Blunt, this series follows two detectives who work out of the hauntingly beautiful fictional city of Algonquin Bay. It follows Detective John Cardinal (Billy Campbell, The Killing) and his partner, Detective Lise Delorme (Karine Vanasse, Revenge), as they investigate a series of chilling murders. The series opens with the discovery of a young girl’s body, leading Cardinal and Delorme into a complex maze of dark secrets and dangerous criminals. As the cases unfold, Cardinal battles his own personal demons, while Delorme grapples with suspicions about her partner’s past.
Chance (2016 to 2017)
United States. English actor and comedian Hugh Laurie stars as Dr. Eldon Chance, a forensic neuropsychiatrist in San Francisco who finds himself drawn into a dangerous world of corruption and violence. After diagnosing a patient with a severe dissociative identity disorder, Chance becomes entangled in a toxic situation involving her abusive ex-husband, a powerful and corrupt police detective. To help her escape his grasp, he'll enlist the air of a mysterious and violent antique furniture restorer. The series is based on author Kem Nunn's 2014 book of the same name.
City Homicide (2007 to 2011)
Australia. Set in the bustling metropolis of Melbourne, this gritty Australian crime drama follows the dedicated detectives of the Homicide Squad as they tackle the city's most complex and brutal murder cases.
Culprits (2023)
United Kingdom. This series follows the aftermath of a high-stakes heist, exploring the lives of the crew members as they try to evade the repercussions of their daring crime. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Misfits) stars as Joe, a former criminal mastermind attempting to leave his past behind and start fresh. However, as his old associates begin to meet untimely ends, he realises someone is systematically hunting them down. With tension mounting and time running out, he'll have to figure out the identity of the mysterious assassin before it’s too late. Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace) also stars.
Hard Sun (2018)
United Kingdom. Created by Neil Cross (Luther), this pre-apocalyptic crime drama follows two detectives who stumble upon evidence that the world is facing imminent destruction. DI Elaine Renko (Agyness Deyn, Sunset Song) and DCI Charlie Hicks (Jim Sturgess, Cloud Atlas) are already struggling with their troubled partnership when they uncover a government conspiracy intent on keeping the impending catastrophe a secret. As they deal with their own personal demons and the moral issues with everything going on, they face serious opposition from both the authorities and those who wish to exploit the chaos.
Harrow (2018 to 2021)
Australia. Welshman Ioan Gruffudd stars as Dr. Daniel Harrow, a brilliant yet unorthodox forensic pathologist with a deep empathy for the dead. Determined to give victims a voice, Harrow often clashes with authorities and bends the rules to uncover the truth. As he does his best for those who cross his table, a dark secret from his past threatens to surface, putting his career and life at risk.
Helstrom (2020)
United States. English actor Tom Austen (Grantchester) stars alongside Sydney Lemmon (Fear the Walking Dead) in this Marvel-universe series about siblings Daimon and Satana Hellstrom, children of a powerful serial killer who hunt down the worst elements in society. Daimon is an ethics professor with unique abilities, while Ana is a successful auction house owner with a penchant for hunting down evildoers. As they uncover the truth about their origins, they'll have to work together to stop a growing threat from unleashing chaos upon the world.
Intruders (2014)
United Kingdom. John Simm (Life on Mars) stars as an ex-cop whose wife goes missing. The ensuing investigation leads him to Seattle, where he finds a secret society dedicated to chasing immortality by hiding in the bodies of others. Based on Michael Marshall Smith's novel.
The Killing Kind (2023)
United Kingdom. This intense British psychological thriller follows Ingrid Lewis (Emma Appleton, The Witcher), a successful barrister whose life is turned upside down when her former client, John Webster (Colin Morgan, Merlin), reappears with a dark obsession. After successfully defending him against a stalking charge, Ingrid finds herself being stalked by the very man she saved. As the lines between protector and predator blur, Ingrid must navigate a perilous game of cat and mouse to uncover the truth and protect herself.
Line of Duty (2012 to present)
United Kingdom. This critically-acclaimed police procedural, created by Jed Mercurio (Bodyguard), brings us into the high-stakes world of the fictional AC-12 unit. Led by Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar, Blood), the team, including DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston, Sweet Sixteen) and DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure, This Is England), investigates corrupt officers within the force. Each series focuses on a new case, exposing the complex and often murky relationships between law enforcement, crime, and power.
A Murder at the End of the World (2023)
United States. This murder mystery/thriller follows Darby Hart (played by English actress Emma Corrin), an amateur detective who’s invited to a reclusive billionaire’s Arctic retreat, only to find herself caught up in a real-life murder mystery. Clive Owen (Chancer) also appears as Andy Ronson.
Murdoch Mysteries (2008 to present)
Canada. Set in the 1890s, Murdoch uses early forensics to solve murders. Yannick Bisson stars as Detective William Murdoch, Helene Joy plays Dr. Julia Ogden, and Thomas Craig and Jonny Harris fill the roles of Inspector Thomas Brackenreid and Constable George Crabtree, respectively. Hulu has the first 13 seasons.
New Tricks (2003 to 2015)
United Kingdom. This long-running series follows the unconventional methods of the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad (UCOS), a team of retired police officers brought back to tackle cold cases. Led by DS Sandra Pullman (Amanda Redman, At Home with the Braithwaites), the team includes the charming but often reckless Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman, Minder), the meticulous Brian Lane (Alun Armstrong, The Mummy Returns), and the streetwise Jack Halford (James Bolam, The Likely Lads). Combining their diverse skills and decades of experience, the team navigates the challenges of modern policing while uncovering long-buried secrets.
Obituary (2023)
Ireland. This dark dramedy follows Elvira Clancy (Siobhán Cullen, The Long Call), a young woman who loves her job as an obituary writer until the newspaper falls on hard times and they start paying her per-obituary. One day, she “accidentally” kills an unpleasant local, only to find she’s awakened an unknown bloodlust within. She continues to kill, and it's all quite lovely until the newspaper hires an attractive new crime correspondent…
Prey (2014 to 2015)
United Kingdom. Manchester detective Marcus Farrow (played by John Simm) is on the run, accused of a crime and desperate to prove his innocence. All the while, his former friends and colleagues do their best to hunt him down. This series reunites Philip Glenister and John Simm, who also appeared together in Life on Mars.
Sherlock
United Kingdom. Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, this modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective stories stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) as the brilliant but eccentric Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) as his loyal friend and helper, Dr. John Watson. Set in contemporary London, the series follows Holmes and Watson as they solve complex and often bizarre crimes, pairing cutting-edge technology with traditional deductive reasoning.
The Sister (2020)
United Kingdom. Luther creator and screenwriter Neil Cross brings us this four-part story “of murder – and perhaps ghosts – which exposes the quiet terror of a man trying to escape his past.” It’s inspired by Cross’s novel Burial, released in 2009. Russell Tovey (Years and Years) plays Nathan, a man trying to hide a terrible secret. His world is rocked when Bob (Bertie Carvel, Doctor Foster) spears on his doorstep with shocking news. Amrita Acharia (The Good Karma Hospital) also appears.
Top of the Lake (2013 to 2017)
This UK/New Zealand co-production stars Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) as Detective Robin Griffin, a determined investigator specializing in sexual crimes. Set against the stunning and remote landscapes of New Zealand, it begins with the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl. As Robin investigates, she uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and corruption within the tight-knit community. In the second series, the story moves to Sydney, with the same detective investigating a body found at Bondi Beach.
Whitechapel (2009 to 2013)
United Kingdom. This atmospheric crime drama brings us to the eerie streets of London’s Whitechapel district, where modern-day detectives investigate brutal murders echoing infamous historical crimes. DI Joseph Chandler (Rupert Penry-Jones, Spooks/MI-5) is a fastidious, ambitious detective newly assigned to Whitechapel. He teams up with the grizzled and streetwise DS Ray Miles (Phil Davis, Sherlock) and historical crime expert Edward Buchan (Steve Pemberton, The League of Gentlemen). Together, they handle chilling cases inspired by Jack the Ripper and other notorious figures.
Witness No. 3 (2022)
United Kingdom. Jodie is a single mum who runs a hair salon, but when she looks out the window one day and witnesses a murder, her life changes. Though she does what she believes is her civic duty, her identity is soon leaked and she becomes the subject of an intense intimidation campaign.
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