Best detective performances in television series

This British Netflix series features multiple detectives in different timelines investigating the same corpse. The performances by Kyle Soller and Amaka Okafor are crucial to the intricate plot, keeping the series a recent and much-discussed option.

Brenda Blethyn portrays Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, a woman obsessed with her work, sharp-witted and astute. Her character is known for her disheveled appearance and brilliant mind, solving crimes in northeast England.

Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is a masterpiece and a refreshing update to the iconic detective. His Holmes is brilliant, eccentric, and socially inept, but with unparalleled deductive ability.

Kate Winslet won an Emmy for her portrayal of Mare Sheehan, a police detective investigating a murder while dealing with her own personal demons. Her performance is acclaimed for its realism, vulnerability, and the complexity she brings to an imperfect but deeply human character.

Idris Elba embodies John Luther, a brilliant but tormented homicide detective in London. His character is known for his intensity, intellect, and complex relationship with crime and morality, often pursuing justice through ambiguous paths.

Pihla Viitala plays Sofia Karppi, a Helsinki homicide detective who returns to work after her husband's death. The series is an excellent example of 'nordic noir,' with a dark atmosphere and intricate plots that keep it relevant.

Sofia Helin portrays Saga Norén, a Swedish detective with a possible autism spectrum disorder, whose relentless logic and lack of empathy make her exceptionally effective. She is an iconic 'nordic noir' character due to her uniqueness.

Sarah Lancashire delivers a powerful performance as Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant who fights crime and her own personal demons. The series is acclaimed for its realism, intense scripts, and the depth of its characters.

Tom Burke embodies Cormoran Strike, a limping former military private detective who solves complex cases in London. The series, based on J.K. Rowling's novels, stands out for the complexity and charisma of Burke's character.

Rosalind Eleazar plays Kat Donovan, a detective who reconnects with her old love, leading her to reopen personal mysteries. As a miniseries premiering in early 2025, it is one of the most current and notable performances in the detective genre.

Kaitlin Olson plays Morgan Gillan, a single mother with exceptional intellect who becomes a police consultant. With its premiere in 2024 and renewal for a third season in 2026, it is one of the most current and ongoing detective series.

Mark Ruffalo stars in this new 2025 series as an FBI detective investigating home invasions. As a very recent premiere, Ruffalo's performance in 'Task' is one of the most current and relevant in the television landscape, promising a profound acting.

David Mitchell plays John 'Ludwig' Taylor, a puzzle creator who impersonates his twin brother, a police DCI, to solve cases. It's a very recent British series, highlighted in 2025 lists for its originality and Mitchell's performance.

This trio of neighbors, true-crime podcast enthusiasts, become amateur detectives to solve murders. With new seasons confirmed for 2026, the series remains one of the most popular and acclaimed, offering a fresh and humorous take on the genre.

Alan Ritchson plays Jack Reacher, an ex-military man who travels across the United States solving crimes and unraveling conspiracies. The series is a current success, with a third season in 2025 and a fourth confirmed, keeping Ritchson in a relevant and popular role.