18 (Mostly) British Mysteries to Binge-Watch This Winter

Watch if you're into: Great television? Kidding, sort of. If you're not watching Sherlock, you need to be. This modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's notorious detective is insanely well done, and as someone who watches anything and everything Sherlock Holmes-related, I can say that this is, simply, the best.

How many seasons? Three so far, with the fourth airing in January.

Where to watch: Watch Sherlock on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: Something gritter than Sherlock, sexual tension, and impressive acting. Ruth Wilson's wickedly delightful portrayal of possible psychopath Alice Morgan will give you chills. Also, if you don't have a crush on Idris Elba yet, you will after watching this series.

How many seasons? Three so far, with the fourth airing this month.

Where to watch: Watch Luther on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: An emotional small-town murder mystery with lots of twists and turns that's more about the psychological examination of the characters than the conclusion. A fascinating look into guilt, grief, relationships, and the secrets we all carry with us. It's a heavy series, but so worth it.

How many seasons? Two so far.

Where to watch: Watch Broadchurch on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: Grumpy old detectives that are suprisingly smooth with the ladies, long and slow episodes that allow for multitasking (hey, sometimes you need something to watch while you fold laundry, catch up on work, etc.), and '80s and '90s British fashion. I'd also recommend watching this first before the spinoff starring Inspector Morse's partner, Inspector Lewis, and the 2013 prequel series, Endeavour, that follows Morse at the beginning of his career.

How many seasons? Seven plus five special episodes.

Where to watch: Watch Inspector Morse on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: All things Oxford, as this spinoff — along with its predecessor, Inspector Morse — is set in the prestigious university's city. But what really sets this series apart from the rest is the genuine chemistry between Inspector Lewis and Sergeant Hathaway, whose relationship grows and evolves as the seasons progress and makes the show much more than just a whodunit. Their banter and bond make them one of the most enjoyable detective duos to watch.

How many seasons? Nine.

Where to watch: Watch Inspector Lewis on Amazon Prime.

Watch if you're into: As it's the prequel to Inspector Morse, if you want to learn more about that character this is the show to watch, but it's by no means necessary. You might be more likely to watch this new show, which is still in its early seasons, before watching the '80s show that inspired it. It's a beautifully shot, riveting series, and Shaun Evans is perfect as the young detective. Plus the British '60s fashion is to die for.

How many seasons? Two so far. A third has been confirmed but there's no air date yet.

Where to watch: Watch Endeavour on Amazon Prime.

Watch if you're into: A dark and creepy series — this one's not for the faint of heart. Also helps if you're weirdly attracted to Jamie Dornan as a psychopath (sorry not sorry).

How many seasons? Two so far, with a third on the way.

Where to watch: Watch The Fall on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: Agatha Christie, period pieces, predictable plots, and cheesy dialogue. This is a classic series that's practically made for binge-watching with a whopping 13 seasons.

How many seasons? 13.

Where to watch: Watch Poirot on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: Crime shows that are a little hokey, random celebrity guest stars from before they were famous (Henry Cavill, Orlando Bloom, and Colin Farrell, to name a few), neverending series (17 seasons and counting!), and the classic "old cop, young cop" partner dynamic. This show has gone through some casting changes since it began in the mid-'90s, but there's always a likable detective duo at the heart of it, plenty of charming British scenery, and SO many murders it's a wonder anyone is still alive in Midsomer (I had to).

How many seasons? 17 so far, with 18th set to air in 2016.

Where to watch: Watch Midsomer Murders on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: Helen Mirren as a badass detective chief inspector dealing with sexist male coworkers and her own personal demons while solving murder cases. Did I mention it's Helen freaking Mirren?

How many seasons? Seven.

Where to watch: Watch Prime Suspect on Acorn TV.

Watch if you're into: Dark and heavy dramas, a gorgeous New Zealand setting, and strong female characters. Elisabeth Moss gives a riveting performance as a detective investigating the pregnancy and disappearance of a young girl while struggling with a number of personal life setbacks.

How many seasons? One so far, with the second set to start filming this month.

Where to watch: Watch Top of the Lake on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: An ill-tempered but witty, driven female detective chief inspector who's very good at her job, but less than tactful in dealing with her co-workers and personal life. Set in North East England, it's a dark, gloomy series with a psychological look at the killers.

How many seasons? Five so far.

Where to watch: Watch Vera on Acorn TV.

Watch if you're into: A very silly crime show about an uptight British inspector who is transferred from London to the Caribbean and is the definition of a fish out of water. The show takes a slight change in tone when the starring role changed from Ben Miller to Kris Marshall in the third season just because the characters are so different from each other.

How many seasons? Four so far, with the fifth to air in 2016.

Where to watch: Watch Death in Paradise on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: An adult-oriented comedy that follows a bickering male-female detective duo. Personally, I think the second season has a better dynamic when Miranda Raison replaces Lucy Punch, as her Type A character is a better foil to Toby Stephens's lazy ladies man, Jack Armstrong. As with Death in Paradise, don't watch this if you're looking for intellectually stimulating television with supurb acting. Use it to cleanse your palate in between the heavy stuff.

How many seasons? Two.

Where to watch: Watch Vexed on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: Period pieces, Agatha Christie, and the witty banter between a married couple who are also solving crimes together. This is a cute series that only lasted one season, but it's worth watching if you're looking for a show with a lighthearted Hitchcock-esque vibe.

How many seasons? One.

Where to watch: Watch Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime on Acorn TV.

Watch if you're into: Learning about the history of forensics and don't mind a high-cheese factor. Set in Toronto in 1895 (to start), this Canadian period drama isn't exactly riveting, but the characters are likable and it's a great show for multitasking.

How many seasons? It's currently on its ninth season.

Where to watch: Watch Murdoch Mysteries on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: Gorgeous 1920s flapper fashion, lighthearted crime shows with a retro vibe, and a sassy, sex-positive private detective who isn't afraid to bust some balls. Bonus: the sexual tension between Miss Fisher and Detective Inspector Jack Robinson is positively scintillating.

How many seasons? Currently on its third season.

Where to watch: Watch Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries on Netflix.

Watch if you're into: Dark and moody mysteries with troubled detectives. OK, this one isn't technically British, but I'm including it for a few reasons. First, it's really well done (British TV caliber). Second, it's based on a Danish television series. Third, it's set in Seattle so the gloomy and rainy weather has a London feel to it. And lastly, it stars a (superhot) European actor, Swede Joel Kinnaman. It's a stretch, I know, but such a great series that I had to include it!

How many seasons? Four.

Where to watch: Watch on Netflix.