12 Darkest and Grittiest British Crime Dramas for All Broadchurch Fans

Anyone who enjoys a bit of mind-bending crime drama after a long day at work knows that nobody beats British TV shows when it comes to this genre. Extremely clever, set in the darkest and most gritty of locations, these shows draw viewers in and keep them hooked until all the mysteries are solved.

If you are looking for something new to entertain your mind, here are 12 of the best, darkest and most twisted British crime dramas out there.

The Shadow Line (2011)

If you loved Cristopher Eccleston as the 9th Doctor in the Doctor Who revival, you'll surely enjoy his performance as Joseph Bede in this miniseries. The show follows the investigation of a murder by both the police and the criminal organization itself. Their methods are vastly different, but they are motivated by the same hunger for truth.

DCI Banks (2010-2016)

Based on Peter Robinson's Inspector Alan Banks novels, the show follows the titular character through all of his investigations. The unique part of the show is that all episodes are filmed in two 45-minute parts, which makes it a 90-minute episode in all reruns and re-watches. However, every minute is worth the viewer's attention.

Durham County (2007-2010)

If you enjoy looking at Britain from an outsider's point of view, this show would be a perfect choice for you as it follows the character who moves from Toronto to Durham County. After losing his wife, Mike Sweeney hopes to make a new start in England, but his past continues to haunt him. And it may be more dangerous than he bargained for.

Kidnap and Ransom (2011-2012)

Another great miniseries to watch if you don't want to invest in a longer show. Consisting of only 6 episodes split into 2 seasons, Kidnap and Ransom follows British hostage negotiator Dominic King and all the different cases he has to work on to get people back to the comfort of their homes, alive and well.

Wallander (2008-2016)

The only people who can compete with Brits when it comes to the gritty nature of their crime stories are the Swedes. Wallander is one of the testaments to this, as the show is adapted from a Swedish series based on the Kurt Wallander novels by Swedish author Henning Mankell. The adventures of the titular police inspector will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Fixer (2008-2009)

Unfortunately, in some cases the law is helpless, but that doesn't mean evil should win. Released from his prison cell earlier than expected, ex-Special Forces soldier John Mercer puts his anger to good use by eliminating the criminals who can't simply be dealt with by the mechanics of the justice system.

Above Suspicion (2009-2012)

Many people know Kelly Reilly for her portrayal of Beth Dutton on the Paramount Network's neo-western drama series Yellowstone, but long before that, the actress was catching criminals and bringing them to justice as Above Suspicion's rookie Detective Anna Travis. Determined to prove herself in the field, Anna takes on the case of a brutal serial killer.

Wire in the Blood (2002-2008)

There is a dark side to every human being. While some let the darkness win and turn to the path of crime, others, like psychologist Dr. Tony Valentine Hill, only turn to it when they need to think like criminals. With this special ability, Dr. Hill makes sure that no serial killer can strike again, because they are all stopped immediately.

Murphy’s Law (2003-2007)

There's probably no character with a darker backstory than Tommy Murphy, who was forced to make an impossible choice: kill his own daughter or hundreds of other people. The decision he made still haunts him as he works as an uncompromising and straightforward Detective Sergeant.

Case Sensitive (2011-2012)

Both seasons of this drama are based on Sophie Hannah's bestselling books, The Point of Rescue and The Other Half Lives. Suspenseful, twisty, and packed with guest stars, the show is perfect for those who enjoy slow-moving investigations and shows that take their time building suspense over several episodes.

Line of Duty (2012-2021)

To punish DS Steve Arnott for not covering up an unauthorized shooting that happened under his watch, he's transferred to Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12). While the tasks he's assigned don't seem the most exciting at first, it turns out that the corruption schemes go deeper than he ever thought.

Mad Dogs (2011-2013)

When a group of 4 long-time middle-aged friends gather in sunny Majorka to celebrate their friend Alvo's early retirement, none of them has any reason to fear that something will go wrong. But when Alvo is murdered, they are forced to confront the dark reality of a corrupt justice system.