The detective genre has gained many fans due to its versatility. It spans from high-tech police procedurals like Criminal Minds to teenage private investigator series like Veronica Mars. The cases enthrall and engage the audience as they try to solve the mysteries alongside the investigators. While notable titles continue to dominate the genre, there are less popular series that are worthy of attention.
These underrated shows may include police involvement, but they shift the focus onto the detectives and their adventures. Each series puts a different spin on the genre, sometimes implementing fantasy and supernatural elements or borrowing aspects of other genres like comedies and dramas.
10 Magnum P.I. Keeps The Classic Alive
The reboot of the '80s series, Magnum P.I. follows Thomas Magnum as he solves cases in Hawaii. After being a Navy SEAL, Magnum moves to the estate of a famous writer where he becomes a private investigator. He is often assisted by his dynamic group of friends, each of whom bring a new perspective to the table.
Magnum P.I. is an action-packed crime show that draws on the nostalgia of Tom Selleck's Magnum, P.I. while putting a modern spin on the series. The show is an easy watch with many lighthearted moments to give viewers a break from intense subject matters.
9 Monk Tries To Explore The Dimensionality Of Mental Health
Award-winning actor Tony Shalhoub starred in Monk as an ex-police officer who currently works as a police consultant and private detective. The procedural blurs the line between drama and comedy, providing intriguing cases and following Monk as he tries to readjust to life after his wife's death.
Monk has obsessive-compulsive disorder and many phobias that interrupt his work and social interactions. Unlike other shows that romanticize mental health struggles, Monk explores its many layers. However, this should be approached with caution as Monk's portrayal of OCD is still superficial and inconsistent.
8 Carter Acknowledges The Formulaic Nature Of Detective Shows
It is always amusing when shows make light of themselves. Carter recognizes the tropes and formulaic nature of the genre and use them to its advantage. Carter revolves around Harley Carter, an actor who starred in a fictional popular series as Detective Charlie Carter.
When Harley returns to his hometown in Canada after leaving Hollywood, he has difficulty keeping his fictional persona separate from his reality. Harley often intrudes on his friend's cases as he tries to solve them, just like he did when he was working on the show.
7 Elementary Modernizes Sherlock Holmes
Elementary is a different take on the famous stories of Detective Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Elementary follows Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller), a former Scotland Yard consultant, and Joan Watson (Lucy Liu), an ex-surgeon. Initially there to help Holmes stay sober, the two eventually team up to solve cases and occasionally work with other agencies.
Fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic will enjoy the way Elementary modernized the characters, giving the long-running series an element of realism. Elementary also explores the conflicts that they face, fleshing out the characters and not just treating them as tools to solve the case.
6 Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Mixes The Glamor Of The '20s With Exciting Mysteries
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is a witty series for mystery fans who enjoy period dramas. Based on Kerry Greenwood's novels, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries follows Private Detective Phryne Fisher during the 1920s. The investigations are only one part of the show's focus. From luxurious parties to exciting adventures, viewers are intrigued by Fisher's glamorous personal life.
Fans are also invested in the detective's love life, giving romance enthusiasts something to enjoy. The show does not overlook its setting and often discusses the issues pertinent to Melbourne's society during that time. Although more notable detective shows have overshadowed Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, it has a loyal following that led to the spin-off, Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries.
5 Nancy Drew Gives Veronica Mars Fans Something New To Watch
Nancy Drew brings a new perspective on the popular mystery novel series. Stuck in her hometown, Nancy becomes involved in a high-profile murder investigation with her co-workers and love interest. As the investigation progresses, Nancy uncovers secrets about her town and the people around her.
Unlike most mystery series, Nancy Drew also has supernatural elements and jump scares for horror lovers. Fans of Veronica Mars will enjoy the investigations of this intuitive 18-year-old. The CW show's structure, including the protagonist's narrations, reflects that of earlier teen shows and give audiences a hint of nostalgia.
4 Frankie Drake Mysteries Fights Crime And The Patriarchy
Frankie Drake Mysteries is another hidden gem that's set in the 1920s. The series revolves around Private Detective Frankie Drake, her partner Trudy Clarke, a morgue attendant named Flo Chakowitz, and a morality officer named Mary Shaw. The four women solve mysteries in Toronto as they push the restrictions invoked on their gender.
Frankie is the first female private detective and Trudy rejects the idea of domestic life. Likewise, Flo hopes to become a doctor and Mary tries to follow in her father's footsteps and become a police officer. While fighting crime, Frankie Drake Mysteries tactfully comments on privilege, race, and power dynamics. Each episode pulls back a layer of the characters, revealing their resourcefulness, expertise, aspirations, and conflicts.
3 Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency Is An Underrated Genre Medley
The dark comedy Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency follows Todd Brotzman, who's dragged into the world of fantasy by Dirk Gently. Audiences who enjoy eclectic and absurd premises will enjoy the storyline and vibrant protagonists. Dirk is a "holistic detective" who investigates strange cases by viewing all events as interrelated.
Inspired by Douglas Adams' book series, Dirk Gently stands out for its unconventional investigative methods combined and character dynamics. As Dirk and Todd try to uncover information regarding a covert CIA project, they encounter different powers and intertwined secrets.
2 Private Eyes Keeps The Familiar Formula Alive And Engaging
Fans of Castle and The Mentalist will enjoy the familiar formula portrayed in Private Eyes. Like many hit detective shows, Private Eyes centers on an unconventional partnership between an inexperienced crime enthusiast and an accomplished female detective. Inspired by G.B. Joyce's novel, the series follows Angie Everett, a private investigator who partners with a retired hockey player.
The chemistry between the leads makes Private Eyes stand out as clever and refreshing. While the two solve cases with the police department, the detective show explores their past and how it impacts their relationships. As Private Eyes delves into the protagonists' personal lives, it introduces many charismatic supporting characters.
1 Psych Is A Hilarious And Feel Good Show
Psych is a must-watch for mystery fans who enjoy comedy dramas. Shawn Spencer passes his keen observation skills as psychic ability, which helps him close cases for the police department. Realizing that he can make a successful career out of this lie, he opens a detective agency with his cautious best friend, Burton "Gus" Guster.
The mystery-solving duo hilariously solve mysteries in their hometown and occasionally follow international criminals across borders. After eight seasons of clever quips and pop culture references, Psych started a film series to continue the adventures.