“A Happy Valley rival”: 8 “5-star” crime dramas coming to ITV, Netflix, the BBC & more

Is there anything better than a brilliant crime drama? Whether it’s a dogged detective duo taking on cold cases or violent gangsters deceiving the law – it’s one of the most thrilling genres, and we can’t get enough of it. If you, like us, have completed the streaming services’ selection, we’ve previewed all the upcoming series to bring you the ones you should have on your radar.

From Sarah Lancashire’s new sinister role that will rival Happy Valley to a spot of sunny detective work (coming next week) and a Celebrity Traitors star’s latest gig – there’s something for everyone. So, get ready to take note, these are the eight 5-star crime dramas coming to ITV, Netflix, the BBC & more.

Witch Hunt

Ever since she played Sergeant Catherine Cawood in BBC’s Happy Valley, we’ve missed seeing Sarah Lancashire on our screen. Now she’s taking on her darkest role yet in Netflix’s new gothic thriller. She’ll play August Howell, a descendant of the so-called ‘Witch of Cambridge’, who’s released from prison after committing unspeakable crimes. Her neighbours are hardly hanging up the welcome banners for her arrival – but when a full-blown witch hunt unfolds, is it really such a clear-cut case of good and evil? In our humble opinion, Sarah’s performance is going to rival her turn in Happy Valley. Witch Hunt is coming to Netflix in 2028.

Karen Pirie

Our favourite straight-talking, Dr Martens-wearing detective is back for a third series. Based on Val McDermid’s book, The Skeleton Road, Karen is thrown straight back into action when a man’s remains are discovered in the roof of a derelict building in Edinburgh. She learns the victim fled the 1990s Balkans conflict and went on to marry a famous author. The revelation of their identity goes on to trigger a media firestorm. The investigation becomes increasingly fraught as she delves deeper to unearth more secrets. But can she stop the killer before they strike again? Karen Pirie series 3 is coming to ITV and ITVX in 2028.

Return To Paradise

In need of some sun-soaked escapism? Good news! The third series of our favourite Death In Paradise spin-off is coming to the BBC next week. Detective Sergeant Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson) is back to take on the impossible murder cases of Dolphin Cove, Australia. From an artist stabbed in full view of an audience to a wildlife worker killed in a locked cage – she’s got her work cut out. But the biggest mystery of all will relate to Mack’s own heart… Return To Paradise series 3 will air on Friday 6 November at 7.30pm on BBC One with a double bill.

An Impossible Way to Die

The Celebrity Traitors star Sharon Rooney is showing off her sleuthing skills again in Channel 5’s upcoming drama. As with all great detective dramas, we will meet two mismatched investigators. DI Katie Salter (played by Sharon) is happily solving everyday crimes until she’s dragged into a baffling dinner party murder mystery. She’s partnered with DI Niall Conway (Emmett J. Scanlan), whose all-consuming dogged attitude to cracking the case clashes with her more grounded approach. They’ll have to learn to work together as a tense race against the clock soon unfolds to unmask a killer before it’s too late. An Impossible Way to Die is coming to Channel 5 in 2027.

Unforgotten

It’s the third most-streamed drama in ITVX’s history for a reason. The formidable Sanjeev Bhaskar (DI Sunny Khan) and Sinéad Keenan (DCI Jess James) are back for a new investigation. The story will open chillingly, with the discovery of human remains in the crawl space of a house in Ladbroke Grove, London. Early forensic analysis suggests the body is that of a child and has been deliberately concealed for several years. But as they dig deeper, the case takes a deeply personal turn. Unforgotten series 7 is coming to ITV and ITVX in 2027. You can catch up on all the previous series now on ITVX.

Two Birds

Sheridan Smith and a mystery thriller, what a dream combination. The actor will play British police constable Izzie Cornwell, a recent widow who moves to Dugdale, a remote Australian mining town, in the hope of a fresh start. Lost and lonely, she wants to reconnect with her sister and rebuild trust with her 20-year-old daughter. Izzie is assigned a high-stakes murder case relating to a notorious local crime family. Before she joins the investigation, she enjoys one last hurrah – which ends disastrously. Izzie becomes wrapped up in a secret she’ll do anything to contain. Two Birds is coming to ITV in 2027.

The Wanted Man

The Night Manager’s Hugh Laurie is channelling his charismatic criminal persona again in Apple TV’s upcoming thriller. Gangster boss Felix Carmichael (played by Hugh Laurie) finds himself locked up in the notorious Staplehurst Prison after a bitter betrayal. The drama follows how Felix deals with life on the inside as he turns to violence to survive. With his life at risk, including his family, firm and fortune, he decides to escape, but it won’t be easy. The Wanted Man is arriving on Apple TV on Wednesday 6 January 2027.

Dept. Q

We love an underdog, and brash but brilliant detective Carl Mørck (Matthew Goode) is certainly that. His special cold case unit Department Q are back to work on another mysterious investigation in Edinburgh. Series 2 will see the band of misfits get to work on a crime hidden in Scotland’s high society, linked to a privileged boarding school. After the series one finale, one question remains. Will Mørck get any closer to solving the mystery behind the attack that left his partner paralysed and another officer dead? Series 2 of Dept. Q is coming to Netflix in 2027. You can catch up on the first series now on Netflix.