The genre of murder mystery has become one of the most booming and popular genres amongst all media platforms. This is mainly because trying to uncover who committed the crime is such a thrilling experience. With fall soon approaching, what better time to cozy up on the couch and put on a suspenseful murder mystery series? Get ready to put your detective skills to the test. Here are five murder mystery shows that are well worth the watch:
1. “Poker Face”
Whodunit-style murder mysteries are always a joy to watch, and “Poker Face” creator Rian Johnson brings a refreshing take on that storytelling style. Inspired by “Columbo,” this mystery-of-the-week series centers around Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne) a casino cocktail waitress who has an innate ability to call someone’s bluff correctly. Her unique ability leads her to discover that her powerful casino boss was involved in a suspicious murder. However, her knowledge of the death causes her to flee Las Vegas after her boss discovers she knows too much. During Charlie’s travel across the United States, she encounters eccentric characters that steer her to uncover many different homicides in various settings. As a result of the stellar performance from Lyonne and the innovative storyline, this whodunit series is quirky yet charming and will keep you hooked through each episode.
“Poker Face” is available to stream on Peacock.
2. “Only Murders in The Building”
When it comes to a murder mystery, it’s always fun seeing a group of amateurs trying to solve the case and “Only Murders in The Building” has one of the best sets of amateurs. The series follows Arconia residents Mabel (Selena Gomez), Oliver (Martin Short) and Charles (Steve Martin), who start a true crime podcast together after discovering they are all obsessed with listening to the same murder-mystery podcast, “All is Not OK in Oklahoma.” Surprisingly, their love for true crime becomes real life when mysterious murders occur in their building. The trio, without hesitation, start solving these cases and record their discoveries on their podcast, “Only Murders in the Building.” With the amazing ensemble consisting of Gomez, Martin and Short, you can’t help but fall in love with this cozy murder mystery series and its characters.
All three seasons of “Only Murders in the Building” are available to watch on Hulu.
3. “Mare of Easttown”
Unlike the previous series listed above which are more light-hearted, “Mare of Easttown” is a much heavier murder mystery. The show revolves around a police detective named Mare (Kate Winslet) who is assigned to investigate the recent murder of a teenage mother in Philadelphia. However, the community doubts Mare’s detective skills as she was unable to solve another murder case that occurred a year before. Trying to prove her town wrong, Mare takes on both cases. This series has many plot twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting to discover who committed both crimes up until the very end.
“Mare of Easttown” is available to watch on Max.
4. “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sins”
If you are looking for more of a frightening murder mystery series, “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sins” is the perfect show for you. Inspired by the beloved teen drama “Pretty Little Liars,” this spin-off series follows a group of teenage girls who receive cryptic messages from an ominous person called “A” for a tragic event that occurred with their mothers 22 years ago. The girls are forced to team up to uncover who “A” is and what happened in 1999 that led to “A’s” revenge. With the show combining genres of slasher and mystery, each episode is full of suspense and thrill that will leave you binge-watching the entire series.
“Pretty Little Liars: Original Sins” is available to stream on Max.
5. “Defending Jacob”
Based on the 2012 eponymous novel, “Defending Jacob” centers around an assistant district attorney Andy Barber (Chris Evans) and his wife Laurie (Michelle Dockery) who deal with the accusation that their 14-year-old son Jacob (Jaeden Martell) committed a murder. To prove their son is innocent, Andy takes on the case to reveal the true suspect. However, Andy’s connection to Jacob results in him battling between protecting his son and staying true to his profession. A stellar mix of astounding performances from the cast and a gripping storyline will have you on an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you speechless by the end of the program.
“Defending Jacob” is available to watch on Apple TV+.