“Like Shetland but better”: 8 “hidden gem” TV shows to watch now on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more

If you're feeling like you've hit a wall when it comes to new TV shows to watch, we've worked our way through the back catalogues so you don't need to. If you think you've exhausted all the current options, we've unearthed 8 hidden-gems that have probably passed you by.

From a detective drama that's likeShetland but better to an irresistibly nostalgic 2000s drama and a Big Little Lies rival - we've got your evening viewing sorted. So, remotes at the ready for our pick of 8 of the best TV shows to watch now on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more.

Karen Pirie

This BAFTA-winning ITV detective series based on Val McDermid's popular series first aired in 2022, and introduces us to the titular Karen Pirie (Laurn Lyle), a young and fearless detective with a knack for solving cold cases. In series 1, she’s put in charge of reopening an historic murder investigation of a barmaid in St Andrews, Scotland, after it becomes the focus of a popular true-crime podcast. In series 2, she’s promoted to Detective Inspector, and is tasked with an infamous cold case - the kidnapping and disappearance of an oil heiress and her child. As we said, it’s got our favourite elements of Shetland, it’s brilliant Scottish drama with a stunning backdrop, and captivating plot lines. Available to watch now on ITVX.

The Chestnut Man

If you’re on the lookout for a new Nordic Noir, The Chestnut Man is a dark Danish series based on Søren Sveistrup’s novel, spanning two series. The first series, which aired in 2021, follows Detective Naia Thulin (Danica Curcic) and her partner Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) on the trail of a serial killer targeting mothers across Copenhagen, and, his sinister trademark? He leaves chestnut figurines at the crime scenes. The second series The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek sees the same duo reprise their roles for a whole new case - a sadistic killer taunting his victims into playing twisted versions of schoolyard games. Intrigued? Available to watch now on Netflix.

The Escape Artist

First airing on the BBC in 2013, this three-part legal thriller stars a youthful David Tennant as Will Burton, a talented criminal barrister, who earned the eponymous name 'The Escape Artist' for his unbeatable talent for exonerating his clients. With an unshakable winning streak, will his conscience finally be tested when he acquits the prime suspect in a chilling murder case, with horrific consequences? Available to watch now on Netflix and ITVX.

Imperfect Women

The THIS? 8-part psychological thriller, based on the novel by Araminta Hall, premiered on Apple TV earlier this year, and introduces us to a group of old girlfriends played by Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington and Kate Mara. But, when a crime is exposed, their decade-spanning friendship is rocked - with an investigation revealing shocking truths and betrayals, will their bond survive? Available to watch now on Apple TV.

Something Undone

In this 10-part series, we meet the ordinary Canadian couple Jo (Madison Walsh) and Farid (Michael Musi) who have become full-time investigators. The couple’s popular true-crime podcast takes them to the destitute town of Briddus, to investigate the gruesome 1980s slaughter of a family of five. Jo stays in her late mother’s home to make soundbites, but soon ends up facing dark family secrets of her own. Meanwhile, Farid is on the ground following a trail, and he’s forced to make a tough decision when his findings endanger both of their lives. Available to watch now on ITVX.

Best Interests

Sharon Hogan is mesmerising in the BBC’s heart-wrenching drama Best Interests, which IS written by Adolescence’s Jack Thorne and originally aired in 2023. The 4-part series follows married couple Nicci (Sharon) and Andrew (Michael Sheen) and their daughter, Marnie (Niamh Moriarty) who’s diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. When Marnie is hospitalised with a chest infection, her parents must make an impossible choice between following the doctor’s advice towards palliative, or follow their own intuition. A truly moving watch. Available to watch now on Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Apples Never Fall

Are you missing Big Little Lies? Well, Liane Moriarty, the author behind the acclaimed book adaptation has a lesser-known series called Apples Never Fall, which is well worth catching up on. The 7-part series introduces us to the Delaney family, and married former tennis coaches, Joy (Annette Bening) and Stan (Sam Neill), are about to embark on their golden years after selling their successful academy. Or are they? When a wounded young woman shows up on their doorstep, everything changes - Joy suddenly vanishes and their four grown-up children are forced to delve behind the façade of their parents’ seemingly perfect marriage to unearth dark secrets. Available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

Cutting it

This Noughties classic revolves around a dramatic Manchester hairdressing feud, which many will remember well. Allie Henshall (Sarah Parish) owns a salon with her partner, Gavin Ferraday (Jason Merrells) and they plan on buying a new venture over the road - only to find it's already been bought. But when she discovers the buyers are her ex, Finn (Ben Daniels) and his new wife Mia Bevan (Amanda Holden), it descends into full-blown war. Expect family dysfunction, romantic scandals, explosive rows and all the gossip we know and love from sitting in the salon stool. Available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.