Top British Crime Shows to Stream in 2025: Mystery, Suspense, and Intrigue Await

As 2025 begins, many of us are setting resolutions to leave behind some bad habits—goodbye to greasy food, sugary sodas, and those tempting cookies. But here’s one resolution you shouldn’t break: Don’t give up watching excellent British crime shows! In a world that can sometimes feel cold and chaotic, these shows offer a comforting escape into thrilling mystery and suspense.

You might already be watching Missing You, the latest crime hit from Harlan Coben on Netflix, but I’m here to introduce you to three British mystery series that will keep you guessing until the very end. From police investigations to historical detective work, these shows will have you glued to your screen. Keep reading for the must-watch picks!

1. Vigil: Submarines, Secrets, and Suspense

From its very first scene, Vigil grabs your attention with a twist: the crime at the heart of the story happens aboard a submarine. The series begins when a crew member is found dead on the HMS Vigil, and detectives Amy Silva (Suranne Jones) and Kirsten Longacre (Rose Leslie) are tasked with investigating the mysterious death. However, things get even more complicated when they uncover a link to a long-missing fishing trawler that vanished years ago.

The investigation takes the detectives both on land and deep beneath the sea as they uncover clues, question suspects, and disrupt the order of the Royal Navy. Tensions rise as the Navy isn’t thrilled about the detectives poking around, and the stakes get higher with every passing minute. What secrets are hidden in the deep, and will the detectives uncover them before another life is lost?

Vigil stands out for its ability to create intense suspense without over-simplifying the mystery for its audience. The twists and turns keep you on edge, and the second season takes the stakes even higher. This time, the action moves from the submarine to a military base, where a hijacked drone leads to another shocking death. Season 2 continues to humanize its lead characters, with both detectives carrying secrets that only add to the complexity of their dynamic.

Vigil is available for streaming on Peacock, so make sure to catch it if you enjoy high-stakes, intense crime dramas.

2. Criminal Record: A Detective Drama With Depth

Apple TV+ has earned praise for its high-profile original programming, but one of its hidden gems is Criminal Record, a British detective series that premiered quietly but quickly earned a following. The show features two stellar performances by veteran actors Peter Capaldi (famous for his role in Doctor Who) and Cush Jumbo (known for The Good Fight), who bring their characters to life with intensity and nuance.

The series centers on two detectives, Daniel Hegarty (Capaldi) and June Lenker (Jumbo), who find themselves working together on a cold murder case. Daniel is a grizzled, disgruntled detective at the end of his career, while June is an up-and-coming investigator with a sharp mind and an eye on the future. The duo is tasked with solving a decades-old murder after receiving an anonymous tip claiming the convicted man was innocent. As they investigate, they find that the real killer may be planning another murder, and time is running out.

What makes Criminal Record stand out is how it balances the gripping central mystery with the deep personal and professional challenges faced by both detectives. Daniel and June don’t just solve crimes; they also wrestle with their own complicated lives and tensions within their partnership. The series delves into their generational, racial, and gender differences, creating an intriguing dynamic that makes the show compulsively watchable. With a second season already confirmed, it’s clear that Criminal Record will continue to deliver thrilling mysteries paired with complex character development.

You can stream Criminal Record on Apple TV+.

3. Miss Scarlet and the Duke: A Victorian Mystery with a Modern Twist

Not all British crime dramas are set in the present day, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke takes us back to Victorian London in 1882. The show introduces us to Eliza Scarlet, a woman who is thrust into a difficult situation after the death of her father. Left penniless, Eliza refuses to marry for money and instead takes up her father’s detective agency to solve mysteries in a world where women had limited freedom.

Eliza’s new career path proves to be a challenge, not just because of the dangers she faces, but also because of the rigid societal norms of the time. To navigate the male-dominated world of detective work, Eliza partners with William Wellington, a tough Scotland Yard detective who was mentored by her father. With William’s help, Eliza dives into a series of investigations, including a case involving a death photographer receiving messages from beyond the grave and another involving a mysterious empty building that may be the hideout for a dangerous gang of criminals.

The series offers a delightful mix of historical intrigue and detective work, with a touch of Bridgerton-like romance. Eliza’s struggles with societal expectations and her determination to make a name for herself as a detective make Miss Scarlet and the Duke both empowering and entertaining. If you’re a fan of period dramas with a sharp mind at the center, this show will quickly become your new favorite.

Miss Scarlet and the Duke is available to stream on PBS.

Final Thoughts

While crime shows are a dime a dozen, British mysteries offer something truly special. Whether it’s the high-tech espionage of Vigil, the personal drama of Criminal Record, or the historical charm of Miss Scarlet and the Duke, each of these shows offers a unique take on the genre, keeping you engaged and guessing at every turn.

As we enter 2025, don’t let your resolutions interfere with your love for a good mystery. These British crime shows are the perfect way to kick back, relax, and escape into a world full of intrigue, secrets, and shocking revelations. Happy watching!