Hasitha Fernando with ten essential whodunnit TV shows to get you in the mood for Glass Onion…
A whodunnit is a complex plot-driven detective fiction in which the puzzle regarding who committed the crime is the main focus. Popularized by the literary works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie and G. K Chesterton and the iconic characters spawned by them, the whodunnit still remains a favorite amongst fans of the genre. With the release of Rian Johnson’s Knives Out sequel Glass Onion due for Christmas here are a list of TV shows and miniseries that stray away from more well-known affairs, to whet your appetite.
Luther (2010 – present)
If you need a reason to watch this utterly compelling crime thriller TV series from BBC One, I’ll give you two words – Idris Elba. The man is a force-of-nature here as the titular character and things only get better as the series progresses. Luther is a tough-as-nails detective who must make cases against hardened criminals whilst having a complicated relationship with the murderer Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson). Elba’s performance as John Luther has been awarded a Screen Actor’s Guild award, Golden Globe Award and a Critic’s Choice Award, and it’s easy to why. A police procedural with rare dramatic and emotional heft Luther comes highly recommended. Oh, and don’t forget the feature film bankrolled by Netflix, which is scheduled to be released in March 2023. My man Luther isn’t done, just yet.
True Detective (2014 – present)
An anthology crime drama set in the harsh suburban wilderness of the Americas; True Detective was the original creation of writer Nic Pizzolatto which became HBO’s highest rated series premier when its pilot debuted in 2014. By the time season one wrapped up critics have already pegged it as one that year’s best television shows, singling out Mathew McConaughey’s mesmerizing performance and Pizzolatto’s thought-provoking story. Although later seasons loses some of the original’s steam, the series as a whole still remains a thoroughly engrossing watch, from start to finish. With True Detective: Night Country eyeing a late 2023/early 2024 release, now would be a good time to play catch-up.
Only Murders in the Building (2021 – present)
This mystery comedy-drama created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman premiered on Hulu in August 2021, to unanimous critical and audience acclaim. So much so, a second season was green lit soon after and third is due in 2023. The show follows the amateur sleuthing adventures of Charles Haden-Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), who all reside at an affluent Upper Westside building and share a passion for true crime podcasts. What makes this show work is the excellent chemistry between the leads and the well-structured narrative, which is chock full of twists and turns. A must see.
Broadchurch (2013- 2017)
A gritty British crime-drama conceived by Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall, Broadchurch takes its name from the fictional coastal town of Dorset, where the story is set. The gripping narrative revolves around Inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Coleman), as the duo try to unravel the mysterious death of a local 11-year-old boy. The show focuses on the tragic aftermath of the incident as the people involved grapple with grief, suspect one another and lock horns with the ever-scrutinizing eyes of the media. A poignant and unforgettable drama, composed of three seasons, that is definitely worth your time.
Mare of Easttown (2021)
This critically lauded, award-winning HBO mini-series headlined by none other than Kate Winslet is another small-town murder mystery drama that should be included in your must-see list for this holiday season. But be warned, this is a bleak character driven affair that might dampen your jovial Christmas spirit and we don’t want that to happen right? Regardless, the fact that Mare of Easttown features Winslet at her A game is reason enough to seek this gem out. Coupled with a riveting story, captivating performances and exemplary production values Mare of Easttown is not to be missed.
Father Brown (2013- present)
If you are in the mood for some good old-fashioned Poirot or Miss Maple type period setting for your whodunnit then look no further than ABC’s Father Brown. The creation of celebrated author G.K Chesterton, the show’s recent most incarnation is brought to life exquisitely by none other than Harry Potter alum Mark Williams. Set in the heart of the 1950s countryside England Father Brown is an unassuming cleric with a knack for solving crimes, and with mysteries and murders lurking around every corner of the quiet township there’s plenty of work that requires the astute clergyman’s criminal expertise.
The Afterparty (2022 – present)
For lack of a better description Apple TV’s The Afterparty can best be described as “the Millennial Whodunnit” and well, that’s pretty much what it is. Created and directed by Christopher Miller of LEGO Movie fame, the murder-mystery-comedy possesses many of his trademark manic energy and visual storytelling techniques which keeps things interesting and works in the context of the contemporary setting. The show centers on a murder that takes place during a high-school reunion and the crime scene investigation that follows after. Hilarious, inventive and fresh The Afterparty definitely ought to keep you entertained and then some.
Unforgotten (2015 – present)
Unforgotten follows a team of London detectives led by DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar), as they solve cold cases of murders and disappearances. Each season is kicked-off with a new case, introducing seemingly random characters who, in the end, are revealed to have some connection with the victim under investigation. Walker and Bhaskar are simply electrifying as the leads, and help us navigate this bleak journey into the heart of darkness. A superb procedural drama elevated by empathetic and poignant storytelling.
The Killing (2011 – 2014)
The Killing is the American remake of the Danish television series Forbrydelsen (The Crime) which premiered on AMC back in 2011. Developed by Veena Cabreros-Sud the series centers on the different crime scene investigations conducted by homicide investigators Sarah Lindon (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman). Absorbingly dark and undeniably engaging, comparisons with David Lynch’s Twin Peaks will be inevitable, and yet, The Killing still stands on its own and packs one helluva punch.
How to Get Away with Murder (2014 – 2020)
When you get hold of an uber-talented actor like Viola Davis, you know you are in for a real treat. Which is exactly what How to Get Away with Murder really is. A legal thriller that pivots upon Davis’ sublime gift as a performer and the strong writing that ably assist her to reach the zenith of her capabilities. A damningly addictive, incendiary concoction that will hold you down and overwhelm you with its visceral power. Awe inspiring stuff.
Hasitha Fernando is a part-time medical practitioner and full-time cinephile. Follow him on Twitter via @DoctorCinephile for regular updates on the world of entertainment.
