When it comes to television shows, most of what I watch is no longer creating new episodes. That being said, it doesn't stop me from re-watching them again and again, or to have them playing in the background whilst I work. Without further ado, here are a few of my recommendations, should you be in the mood to watch some murderous story lines. And...they are not listed in any particular order.
The Chelsea Detective (An Acorn TV Original)
Image from The Chelsea Detective, Season 2 (IMDB.com)
If you have not heard of Acorn TV, they deal in Canadian and British television and this series is one of my absolute favorites. The show centers on Max, portrayed by actor Adrian Scarborough, a Detective Inspector and his Detective Sargent, as they solve crimes committed in the Chelsea area of England. The first season was released in 2022 with actress Sonita Henry, as D.S. Priya Shamsie, and in the second season, actress Vanessa Emme comes in as her replacement, D.S. Layla Walsh. From murders, to art thefts, book scandals, and everything in between, this show has the feel of a traditional/cozy vibe while being on the police procedural side of the investigation. Imagine if Jessica Fletcher had went to the police academy!
Each season is only four episodes long, because their episodes run the length of a movie rather than a half-hour show. If you are interested in giving it a try, Acorn TV offers a streaming subscription that can play on all your favorite devices for at home and on the go entertainment. I do hope that they continue to make new releases of this show and film more seasons to come.
Blue Bloods (CBS)
Image from Blue Bloods (IMDB.com)
Like the entire fan base for Blue Bloods, I was shocked to hear that this beloved show was cancelled after being one of the most watched television shows for a number of years. The series began in 2010, and will be sadly ending on its 14th season. Frank Reagan, head of the New York City Police Department, and his family, all have tough lives through their public service careers. His father, portrayed by Len Cariou, used to have his job, his daughter Erin, Bridget Moynahan, works in the DA office while his sons Jamie and Danny, Will Estes and Donnie Wahlberg respectively, work in the police department. I like the fact that most of the episodes revolve around three different storylines, so that the pace is fast moving and keeps the show interesting. The plots are great, the characters are well-developed and its feels as though you are eating with them at their family dinner every Sunday. This show will be sorely missed, along with the star-studded cast members that were relatable on so many levels.
If you would like to start at the beginning as a new watcher, or you are just in the mood to binge watch like popping candy, you can find this show on Paramount Plus as well as running continuously on some free television streaming apps on your Smart TV. This show is also available on DVD.
Perry Mason (CBS)
Image from Perry Mason (IMDB.com)
No, I am not talking about the remake that HBO is streaming. I'm referring to the popular television show that ran from 1957-1966, and concluded with a total of 271 episodes, according to IMDB.com. This show starred Raymond Burr, as the clever lawyer named Perry Mason, Barbara Hale as his beautiful and witty secretary, and William Hopper who portrayed the handsome and resourceful private detective. There were a number of actors who appeared in the show and then went on to become stars in movies afterwards, which adds to the fun of watching these episodes. Some of the scripts are actually based on Erle Stanley Gardner's books, who's mysteries were "selling at the rate of twenty thousand copies a day" in the mid 1950s, according to Penzler Publishers.
Want to watch this show? Check it out on Paramount Plus or you can stream them on numerous free entertainment apps via a Smart TV. This show is also available on DVD.
Murder, She Wrote (CBS)
Image from Murder, She Wrote (IMDB.com)
An iconic mystery show, this television series features actress Angela Lansbury, who played a lovable busy-body that everyone wanted to have as a friend when the going got tough. This show was, and still is, one of the most successful mystery shows to have ever aired on our home televisions. It is available to stream through different apps and even has a 24/7 live channel dedicated to Mrs. Fletcher! As the sleepy town of Cabot Cove, Maine became inundated with murders and crime, fans of the show saw our favorite amateur sleuth head off to destinations like New York City, Hawaii, and California among others. Wherever Jessica Fletcher visited, death followed...even in Russia.
Check out the show on Peacock TV or you can go to many free television platforms to be able to watch a select number of episodes. And it is also available on DVD.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the lake used for Jaws was the same set used for Cabot Cove?
If you are into all things Jessica Fletcher, and other mysteries from this time era, you might want to check out murdershewatched.com.
Murdoch Mysteries (Canadian)
Image from Murdoch Mysteries (IMDB.com)
At the turn of the century in Toronto, Detective William Murdoch, played by actor Yannick Bisson, is ahead of his time with the inventions he creates to help him solve crimes happening in Station House Four's jurisdiction. Together with Dr. Julia Ogden and Inspector Thomas Brackenreid, portrayed by Helene Joy and Thomas Craig respectively, Detective Murdoch closes cases with some pretty elaborate twists woven into their script. During an age when some of our most common items of pizza and cars were just being developed, this show is for anyone how likes historical settings and good mysteries.
The Brokenwood Mysteries (New Zealand)
Image from The Brokenwood Mysteries (IMDB.com)
If you are looking for a current show that reminds you of Murder, She Wrote, then this might just be the answer to your search! With the classic cozy feel that Jessica Fletcher was all about, Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd, played by Neill Rea, arrives in a town called Brokenwood, and decides to stay after a position opens up at the local precinct. Along with the investigators under his watch, Mike solves mysteries where the bodies normally come in batches of two or three before the case is solved.
This old-school detective, with a vintage car sporting a cassette tape player, has a relatable personality and a fondness for country music. Not only do the cast of characters investigating the murders have great camaraderie between them, but the supporting cast is both humorous and fun to watch!
There are plenty of good storylines in this show, and I highly recommend it for a feel-good mystery night.
Have a favorite TV show that you would like share? Feel free to list in the comments section below. Thanks for visiting my website and I'll see you soon! #tvshows #mysteryshows #whodunit #murdersheswrote #bingewatch
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