Ten Crime Shows to Watch Again and Again
by Karen A. Romanko
The TV shows listed below, featuring female crimefighters, are my recommendations for outstandingly “rewatchable” television series. The list is biased in favor of British mysteries and American detective series with a healthy dose of humor, so viewers with a preference for grit and gore probably won’t find their favorites selected. Entries are listed in alphabetical order.
Agatha Christie’s Marple (2004-2013, 23 episodes, UK)
Main Cast: Geraldine McEwan, Julia McKenzie
Not the most faithful of the TV Marple adaptations, but certainly the most lavish. All six seasons are good, but this show hits its stride when the wonderful Julia McKenzie comes on board as the famed amateur sleuth in season four, replacing Geraldine McEwan’s less traditional Miss Marple. Time and again murderers underestimate the keen intelligence of this unassuming old lady, with delicious results.
The Bletchley Circle (2012-2014, 7 episodes, UK)
Main Cast: Anna Maxwell Martin, Rachael Stirling, Sophie Rundle, Julie Graham, Hattie Morahan
Four brilliant women who worked as codebreakers at Bletchley Park during World War II (Anna Maxwell Martin, Rachael Stirling, Sophie Rundle, and Julie Graham) become amateur sleuths in this dark, riveting series, which combines history and mystery. When not taken seriously by the police, the friends set off on their own to stop a serial killer, placing their lives in jeopardy. With its intricate plotting and fine performances, The Bletchley Circle is a treasure. Too bad the series was so short-lived, but its early demise should not be taken as a comment on its quality. Don't confuse it with The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco, which is a pale imitation.
McMillan & Wife (1971-1977, 40 episodes, USA)
Main Cast: Rock Hudson, Susan Saint James, John Schuck, Nancy Walker
If you like your mysteries with a generous helping of wit and charm, you’ll love this classic series about a police commissioner (Rock Hudson) and his kooky, but perceptive wife (Susan Saint James) who solve crimes together, while engaging in various 70s fashion excesses. Always snappy dialogue here, and a great supporting performance from Nancy Walker as the couple’s faithful housekeeper, who has a love/hate relationship with “the commish.” Don’t miss it.
The Mentalist (2008-2015, 151 episodes, USA)
Main Cast: Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda Righetti
Engaging, but occasionally dark series about a former “psychic” (Simon Baker), who uses his keen skills of observation to help the police. Keeping this con man in line is a petite, but formidable California Bureau of Investigation agent (Robin Tunney), and the interplay between the blond bad boy and the brunette spitfire keeps this series fresh year after year, even when the Red John (serial killer) arc grows stale.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012-2015, 34 episodes, Australia)
Main Cast: Essie Davis, Nathan Page, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Ashleigh Cummings, Richard Bligh, Travis McMahon, Anthony Sharpe
A beautiful, free-spirited detective (Essie Davis) sashays her way through 20s Melbourne in this intelligent and lavish Australian production. There’s a bit of everything here: mystery, history, social commentary (with a left-leaning slant), romance, humor, and plenty of good-looking people, including a handsome police inspector (Nathan Page) and an adorable maid/companion (Ashleigh Cummings). A sumptuous treat.
New Tricks (2003-2015, 107 episodes, UK)
Main Cast: Alun Armstrong, James Bolam, Amanda Redman, Dennis Waterman, Denis Lawson, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tamzin Outhwaite, Larry Lamb, Susan Jameson, Anthony Calf
Long-running British police procedural, starring Amanda Redman as a Detective Superintendent who must assemble a squad from amongst retired detectives to solve open cases. The retirees, as portrayed by Alun Armstrong, James Bolam, and Dennis Waterman, are a complete handful, but they get the job done, as they learn about technological innovations and complain a lot. Laugh-out-loud-funny at times, even while presenting taut, believable mysteries.
Remington Steele (1982-1987, 94 episodes, USA)
Main Cast: Stephanie Zimbalist, Pierce Brosnan, Doris Roberts, James Read, Janet DeMay
A private detective (Stephanie Zimbalist) invents a male superior to conform to clients’ expectations, but things get deliciously complicated when a charming con man (Pierce Brosnan) stands in for the imaginary boss. The two strangers form a partnership that leads to mystery, adventure, and romance in this wise and well-written series, that benefits from the addition of Doris Roberts as a mature gal Friday in season two. Still fresh 35 years later.
Rizzoli & Isles (2010-2016, 105 episodes, USA)
Main Cast: Angie Harmon, Sasha Alexander, Lorraine Bracco, Jordan Bridges, Bruce McGill, Lee Thompson Young
A Cagney & Lacey for the new century, but with the twist that one-half of the female crime-fighting duo is a coroner, the procedural flavor of the month (or decade). Angie Harmon is outstanding as the beautiful working-class cop and Sasha Alexander ably assists as the brainy, but glamorous medical examiner. Colleagues and best friends, these two constantly deal with death, but find humor in their conflicting styles, intuitive vs. scientific, impatient vs. plodding. With Lorraine Bracco and the city of Boston in supporting roles, this one’s a winner.
Rosemary & Thyme (2003-2007, 22 episodes, UK)
Main Cast: Felicity Kendal, Pam Ferris
Two women (Felicity Kendal and Pam Ferris) join forces in a professional gardening business, but stumble upon murder wherever they go. Not the most believable premise, but it works with these two fine actresses, crisp writing, and stunning gardens across both England and Europe. A modern spin on the British cozy mystery.
Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983-1987, 88 episodes, USA)
Main Cast: Kate Jackson, Bruce Boxleitner, Beverly Garland, Mel Stewart, Martha Smith, Greg Morton, Paul Stout
A divorced housewife (Kate Jackson) is handed a mysterious package by a handsome spy (Bruce Boxleitner) and begins a wild ride of adventure, intrigue, and romance in this classic 80s series. Placing a homespun newcomer among the worldly spies was a comic masterstroke, and the crackling chemistry between the leads transitions beautifully from humorous exasperation to something deeper. With a stellar supporting cast, including Beverly Garland, who sparkles in the domestic scenes, this one never grows old.
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Which crime shows do you watch again and again? Let us know in the comments below.
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