The ‘Unbeatable’ Crime Drama Fans Say Rivals Line of Duty
When crime fans say a series is “unbeatable” and “better than Line of Duty”, you pay attention. That show is Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame), a dual‑language thriller that first aired on BBC Two before landing on Netflix, where it quietly built cult status. Created by Joe Barton, it follows Tokyo detective Kenzo Mori as he travels to London’s criminal underworld searching for his supposedly dead brother, Yuto, whose alleged murder of a yakuza nephew threatens to spark gang war. Set between neon Tokyo and shadowy London streets, it blends family drama, gangland tension and moral ambiguity, supported by an international ensemble cast including Takehiro Hira and Kelly Macdonald. With a reported flawless 100% critical score and just one tightly told season, Giri/Haji is one of the most genuinely underrated British crime dramas on Netflix – ideal if you want a crime drama like Line of Duty but with a more stylish, cross‑cultural edge.
Van der Valk: Stylish, Street‑Smart Sleuthing in Amsterdam
If you love character‑driven police work and cityscapes that feel like characters themselves, add Van der Valk to your list. A reboot of a 70s favourite, the modern series stars Marc Warren as Piet van der Valk, a street‑smart, unapologetic detective taking on major crimes in Amsterdam. Working with his colleagues in the National Police Force’s major crimes division, he tackles challenging cases that escalate from personal tragedies to political flashpoints, making each feature‑length episode feel like a standalone film. It’s the kind of best British detective series entry that often flies under the radar internationally, yet it’s consistently described as hard to switch off. Sleek canals, galleries and glassy offices contrast with corruption and extremism, giving the show a contemporary, European‑noir feel. Stream it on ITVX if you’re a Broadchurch or Line of Duty fan who wants intricate investigations plus the escapism of a beautiful city under permanent cloud.
McDonald & Dodds and The Bay: Clever, Character‑Led ITV Gems
Two standouts from the ITV detective drama list are McDonald & Dodds and The Bay, both perfect if you like strong character dynamics with your murder puzzles. McDonald & Dodds pairs ambitious, big‑city DCI McDonald with shy but quietly brilliant DS Dodds in Bath. Their odd‑couple chemistry powers cases ranging from a hot‑air balloon death to a body in a railway tunnel, making it ideal for viewers who enjoy humour and heart amid the mystery. Over in coastal Morecambe, The Bay plays like a mash‑up of Broadchurch and Shetland. Against sweeping bay panoramas, DS Jenn Townsend investigates everything from the murder of a university student to the death of a young boxer, uncovering secrets in a tight‑knit community. Both series are available on ITVX and exemplify underrated British crime dramas that balance emotional storytelling with twist‑packed plots – perfect for those who crave community‑based, ensemble detective stories.
The Loch and Criminal Record: For Fans of Dark, Political Thrills
For darker, more intense viewing, try The Loch and Criminal Record. Set on the shores of Loch Ness, The Loch stars Siobhan Finneran as DCI Lauren Quigley, called in to work alongside local officer Annie Redford when a serial killer tears through a once tight‑knit community. It’s twisty, atmospheric and driven by suspicion that falls on almost everyone – a strong pick if Happy Valley is your benchmark. On Apple TV, Criminal Record delivers a different kind of tension. Created by Paul Rutman, it follows veteran DCI Daniel Hegarty and DS June Lenker as they clash ideologically while tackling a cold case and, later, a terror plot linked to a far‑right group. Across an eight‑episode season, it explores corruption, media manipulation and the limitations faced by modern officers. This is the crime drama like Line of Duty you queue up when you want politics, conspiracies and moral grey zones as much as whodunnit thrills.
Why Short British Series Hit Hard – And How to Pick Your Next Watch
One reason the best British detective series linger in the mind is their compact length. Instead of 20‑plus‑episode seasons, many run three to eight instalments, forcing tightly plotted scripts, minimal filler and emotional arcs that actually resolve. Shows like Giri/Haji and Criminal Record build pressure episode by episode, while limited‑run mysteries such as The Loch and early series of The Bay can devote screen time to character depth and atmosphere without losing momentum. It’s an ideal format if you’re tired of sprawling procedurals. To pick your next binge from these British crime shows on Netflix, ITVX and Apple TV, use a simple mood checklist: moody coastal mystery (The Bay, The Loch); stylish city noir (Van der Valk, Giri/Haji); gritty urban and political thriller (Criminal Record, Giri/Haji); comfortingly character‑led detective duo (McDonald & Dodds, Van der Valk). Whichever you choose, you’re in for a sharp, bingeable ride.