3 Highest-Rated British TV Crime Shows to Stream in January 2024

Ah, January! When all the hype fades away and you're left with the realisation that life goes on as normal. But don't get downhearted. Because 'normal' means getting your teeth into a great drama.

Here, we take a look at the three best UK crime shows to stream right now.

3. Dublin Murders (2019)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%

1 Season, 8 Episodes

Based on the novels In the Woods (2007) and The Likeness (2008) by Tana French, this psychological thriller follows two cops on Dublin's crime squad. When they are sent to investigate the murder of a young girl, they have no idea that it will lead them to confront their own inner demons.

Killian Scott and Sarah Greene star as detectives Reilly and Maddox, whose friendship is tested to the limits in a perfectly paced masterpiece. he story is gripping, the writing is superb, but ultimately it's the chemistry between the two leads that makes this show a must-see.

Beyond the personal issues, there are two serious crimes to be solved – and the writers do a wonderful job of weaving them together. There have been several rumours of a second series, but no confirmation as yet. Once you've watched it, you'll agree that it would be criminal not to commission another series.

It's currently streaming on BBC iPlayer, Starz, Prime, Apple TV, Roku and Vudu.

2. Collateral (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%

1 Season, 4 Episodes

You only have to look at the cast list to know this show is going to make compelling viewing. Carey Mulligan, John Simm and Nicola Walker star alongside Nick Mohamed and Billie Piper in a series about widespread corruption.

When a pizza delivery driver is shot dead in London, the incident doesn't immediately grab the attention of the top brass. But as DI Glaspie (Mulligan) delves deeper into the investigation, it becomes clear that there is a widespread network behind the murder, involving politicians, police and the clergy.

This is British crime drama at its finest. It has intrigue, deception, twists and a storyline that will make your blood boil at times. But at the end of the day, taking your eyes off it won't feel like an option as it's scarily realistic and, arguably, even more relevant today than it was when it was first aired.

Collateral is currently available to stream on Netflix, Prime and Apple TV.

Collateral is streaming on Netflix.

1. Happy Valley (2014 – 2023)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

3 Seasons, 18 Episodes

A few eyebrows were raised when Coronation Street's Sarah Lancashire was cast to play the lead role in a gritty police drama. But Sgt Catherine Cawood is quite simply one of the best, most rounded characters ever to appear on British TV.

Still mourning the death of her 18-year-old daughter, who took her own life after suffering an abusive relationship, Catherine's home life is chaotic. But as a Neighbourhood Police Sergeant, she's a no-nonsense copper with a heart of gold.

The show offers an authentic view of neighbourhood policing in the UK with sufficient drama to ramp it up and get hearts pumping. Tragedy and comedy come together to provide an intense police drama with occasional lighter moments that demonstrate what life on the beat is really like.

Underpinning it all is the tension between Catherine and her daughter's abuser, who, as she learns at the start of the first season, has just been released from prison.

Happy Valley is streaming on BBC iPlayer, Prime and Apple TV.