“The best detective drama out there”: Case Histories is the “superb” series every Shetland fan should watch

A compelling setting, emotional mysteries and a troubled but compassionate detective… no, we’re not about talking about Shetland, but an equally superb series that every fan of the show should watch. The series, which viewers have called the best detective drama out there (for good reason, we should add), enters us into the world of Jackson Brodie (Jason Isaacs) who’s drawn into the lives those who want to understand mysteries from the past – and thanks to our friends at U, you can watch it right now.

Originally released on the BBC more than a decade ago, the series is still up there in the detective drama hall of fame largely thanks to its perfect blend of intriguing cases and complex but likeable characters. While private investigator Jackson is haunted by a past loss, he can’t help but come to the rescue of those around him, which makes him a hero you continually want to know more about.

With the two full series available to binge now, here's everything you need to know about Case Histories, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.

What is Case Histories about?

Adapted from Kate Atkinson’s popular novels, the series introduces us to Jackson Brodie (Jason Isaacs), a complex and compulsive private investigator in modern-day Edinburgh. A former soldier and policeman, Jackson has a traumatic past, yet he often comes to the rescue of those around him.

The first six-part series, which premiered on BBC One in 2011, sees Jackson take on the case of a girl who went missing 30 years ago, help a mysteries seductress find her niece, a crime novelist caught in a road rage incident – and that’s just a taster. Fortunately, Jackson isn’t alone and relies on the help of Detective Inspector Louise Munroe (Amanda Abbington).

We learn throughout the series that Jackson is haunted by the loss of his sister, Niamh, to murder when they were both teenagers. We also meet his ex-wife, Josie (Kirsty Mitchell) and his young daughter (Millie Innes), with the former often criticising his parenting skills.

In 2013, a second three-part series was released, which kicks off with the case of a woman searching for her birth parents. When she approaches Jackson for help, his search takes him into the dark heart of 1979 police corruption and murder - and a secret that’s remained buried for nearly 35 years. We also meets a woman who’s convinced that her daughter’s riding accident was murder and a teenage boy who has grown up in the shadow of his murdered mother and wants to understand how she really died.

Jason Isaacs explained in a BBC interview that there’s nothing straightforward about his character, Jackson. “He's a very interesting guy, he almost never does things the way you expect him to,” he said.

“Let’s be clear, I'm not describing myself here but he's very tough and resolved and smart and sensitive, empathetic, ethical and driven… and kind of damaged.

"The most extraordinary characters come into his life and they ask him for help and he really ought to be saying no, he ought to have learnt his lesson. But he finds it really very hard not to help people out."

Who’s in the cast of Case Histories?

The main cast of Case Histories includes:

• Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus) as Jackson Brodie
• Amanda Abbington (Sherlock) as DI Louise Munroe
• Millie Innes (Single Father) as Marlee Brodie
• Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat) as Deborah Arnold
• Natasha Little (Thirteen) as Julia Land
• Kirsty Mitchell (Casualty)as Josie Brodie
• Edward Corrie (The Good Neighbour) as Marcus Stewart
• Martin Stevenson (Waterloo Road)as Archie Munroe
• Victoria Wood (Loving Miss Hatto, Eric & Ernie) as Tracey Waterhouse (series 2)
• James Cosmo (Braveheart) as Len Lomax (series 2)
• Gary Lewis (Billy Elliot) as Barry (series 2)
• Maurice Roëves (The Damned United) as Ray Strickland (series 2)

Is Case Histories any good?

Yes – firstly, the setting is glorious, but the mysteries themselves are equally compelling. The fact that each episodes centres around a new case means it feels pacy and fresh, unlike some detective dramas that are too long and drawn out. Whether you’re a Shetland fan or are simply looking for a series you can get lost in for several hours, we’d highly recommend it.

How can I watch Case Histories?

Case Histories series one and two are available to watch now on U.

What other detective dramas can I watch now?

Another exceptionally good BBC detective drama is Scrublands. The series puts investigative journalist Martin Scarsden (Luke Arnold) in the spotlight. Martin is writing a story about a dedicated young priest who, seemingly out of nowhere, killed five parishioners and soon finds himself unravelling the mystery behind hit. You can watch Scrublands now on BBC iPlayer. If you fancy something a little cosier, we’d recommend Recipes for Love and Murder. At the centre of it is crime-solving cook and agony aunt Tannie Maria and her escapades take us on quite the rollercoaster ride. Recipes for Love and Murder is available to watch now on U.