Top 10 Detective Shows Ranked by Acting Performances

It comes as no surprise that the best detective characters on TV belong to the TV shows that have the most skilled ensemble of actors bringing these crime drama and mystery series to life. The best detective shows of all time work not only because of the brilliantly plotted twists and turns at the heart of the story, but also because the actors give their all to bringing these narratives to life.

Sherlock (2010–2017)

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in season 2

As one of the best detective shows about Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock captured the attention of contemporary viewers and lovers of the original works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by translating the timeless mysteries to the modern day. Benedict Cumberbatch’s take on the iconic sleuth is one of the definitive versions, and his chemistry with Martin Freeman as John Watson sparked immediate interest in the show.

However, like all detective series, Sherlock was only ever as good as its villains, and Andrew Scott’s turn as Moriarty took the series to new heights, cementing him as a rival worth watching. With the work from the supporting cast of Mark Gatiss, Louise Brealey, and Rupert Graves, Sherlock sustains itself with its great performances, even when the story goes a little off the rails in the later seasons.

Hannibal (2013–2015)

Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen together from Hannibal

There have been many takes on the characters and stories in Thomas Harris’s novel series, but the 2013 TV series Hannibal ventures into new territory. Through the work of Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen as the FBI agent Will Graham and the sadistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter, Hannibal becomes an intense character study and cat-and-mouse game as the pair circle each other.

While the chemistry between Dancy and Mikkelsen is what keeps us invested in Hannibal, the rest of the cast is just as compelling, with iconic performers like Laurence Fishburne and Gillian Anderson playing major roles in the series. The hope that Hannibal will one day be brought back to our screens keeps many longtime fans of the show returning to Hannibal again and again.

Under The Bridge (2024)

Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough might be the biggest names in Under the Bridge, and give two of the best performances, but their work wouldn’t be as good without the work of the cast as a whole. The heavy narrative of Under the Bridge, which brings to life the true crime book by Rebecca Godfrey, requires a lot of delicacy in both the writing and acting.

Fortunately, the creative team behind Under the Bridge nails this. The work of the younger cast members who portray the teens who committed the violent crime at the heart of the story is as devastating as it is compelling to watch. Under the Bridge examines how easily hate can make people unrecognizable, and it’s in the quiet moments with the characters that we see this.

Poker Face (2023–Present)

Though Natasha Lyonne is one of the only characters seen in every episode of Poker Face, this is part of what initially drew audiences to the series, and keeps us coming back for more. Created by Rian Johnson, who skyrocketed to fame thanks to his mystery movie Knives Out, Poker Face pays tribute to the classics of the genre, like Columbo, but manages to be completely unique.

Distinguishing itself with its great use of guest stars, both famous and unknown, in each episode, Poker Face sees Charlie (Lyonne) stumble upon a strange new community and an unbelievable crime that only she has the power to solve. Though it follows a formula, Poker Face always manages to surprise us, and the actors ensure that we invest in their characters from the start.

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Holden Ford and Bill Tentch holding up a picture in a prison, while interviewing someone who is off-screen, in Mindhunter. — Holden Ford and Bill Tentch holding up a picture in a prison in Mindhunter

Between the performances by Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv, and the host of other actors playing everything from serial killers to beat cops, Mindhunter is on another level. Everything about the show is perfectly crafted, with attention to detail that sets the series apart from typical detective narratives, as the project is dedicated to getting inside the minds of its characters.

It’s unforgivable that Netflix canceled Mindhunter after just two seasons, as it’s an unbelievable addition to the genre that could’ve gone on for a long time, gaining popularity and traction. Audiences are still holding out hope that Mindhunter might return to our screens sometime soon, but even if it doesn’t, rewatching the show feels fresh every time thanks to the enduring performances.

True Detective (2014–Present)

While there are great actors in every season of the anthology crime drama True Detective, the series set a high bar in season 1 with the chemistry between Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Rust and Martin. True Detective season 1 spins a top-notch mystery story and allows the lead actors and other cast members to play their characters at different points in life, showcasing their development and evolution.

Even True Detective season 2, which is considered the weakest installment of the show, is still saved by the commitment of the actors, who take their roles and the ups and downs of the story seriously. However, it was seasons 3 and 4 that helped reestablish True Detective as a must-watch mystery series, with performers like Mahershala Ali and Jodie Foster joining the cast.

The Wire (2002–2008)

In many ways, The Wire is more of a study of a city and the ways its systems become corrupt rather than a crime drama or detective show. However, the criminal elements and mysteries play a significant role in the series, and this continues throughout each season, which introduces a new part of Baltimore, from the police department to the public school systems, bringing additional characters into the fold.

The Wire retains certain characters in multiple seasons, with some anchoring the cast for the duration of the show, and all of these actors are fully immersed in the world of The Wire. Some of the greatest actors of all time have graced The Wire, with Idris Elba, a young Michael B. Jordan, and Dominic West all playing notable roles throughout the series, capturing our attention from the start.

Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

Kyle MacLachlan and Sherilyn Fenn in Twin Peaks

The many collaborations between the filmmaker David Lynch and the actor Kyle MacLachlan made MacLachlan the perfect choice to portray Agent Dale Cooper, the protagonist of Twin Peaks. In all of Lynch’s work, an emphasis is placed on the surreal and leaving the story open to the audience’s interpretation, so actors have to perform without fully understanding the story in many cases.

Fortunately, it wasn’t just MacLachlan who was up to the challenge of embodying his character while remaining uncertain about the direction that Twin Peaks was going. While there are many otherworldly elements of the series, the heart of Twin Peaks is about grief and loss, and each actor has to grapple with serious, heavy themes that push them to their limits, making the story as emotionally real as possible.

Broadchurch (2013–2017)

Olivia Colman and David Tennant standing in Broadchurch

Olivia Colman and David Tennant make a striking duo as the leads in Broadchurch, one of the best British detective shows of the 21st century. In the wake of a young boy’s murder, their characters, Ellie and Alec, investigate the complex dynamics of the coastal town. Though Colman and Tennant are more closely associated with other roles, these performances are easily some of their best.

The dynamic between the two detectives is made more nuanced by Ellie and Alec’s opposing positions in the community. As Alec and Ellie zero in on the killer, the lives of everyone in town are put under a microscope, meaning the entire ensemble cast has to give their all to their performances. The weight of season 1’s shocking twist is made even more heartwrenching thanks to the acting.

Mare Of Easttown (2021)

Mare of Easttown is an HBO miniseries that’s a masterpiece, as the story is simultaneously a shocking thriller and a moving family drama anchored by Kate Winslet. While Winslet is always a highlight of every project she lends her talents to, she’s especially groundbreaking as Mare, the titular character and detective tasked with solving a murder, finding missing girls, and recovering from the death of her son.

However, Winslet is far from the only incredible actor in the series, as familiar faces like Jean Smart, Evan Peters, and Julianne Nicholson help build the texture of the world as members of the community and Mare’s life. When it comes to small-town mysteries like Mare of Easttown, it’s vital that every individual feels real and integral to the story, and the series achieves this with ease.

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