There's something deeply satisfying about watching an amateur sleuth piece together clues while you're curled up on the sofa. Cozy mystery TV shows deliver clever puzzles, charming characters, and picturesque settings — without the graphic violence or gritty realism that can make other crime dramas hard to watch before bed.
Whether you prefer quaint English villages, sun-drenched islands, or quirky New York apartments, there's a cozy mystery show waiting for you. Here are the ten best.
1. Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996)
Where to watch: Peacock, Tubi, Apple TV+
The original and arguably the greatest cozy mystery TV show of all time. Angela Lansbury plays Jessica Fletcher, a mystery novelist and amateur detective in the small town of Cabot Cove, Maine, where an improbable number of murders occur. Jessica is warm, witty, and unflappable — the kind of detective you'd want to have tea with. With 264 episodes across 12 seasons, this is the ultimate comfort binge. A reboot starring Jamie Lee Curtis is on the way.
2. Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)
Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+
The modern gold standard for cozy mysteries on TV. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez play three strangers in a New York apartment building who bond over their love of true crime podcasts — and then have to solve an actual murder. Each season brings a new mystery, a new celebrity guest cast, and the same irresistible chemistry between the three leads. It's funny, clever, and surprisingly moving.
3. Father Brown (2013–present)
Where to watch: BritBox, PBS, Amazon Prime Video
Based on G.K. Chesterton's stories, Father Brown is a Catholic priest in the fictional Cotswolds village of Kembleford who has an uncanny talent for solving murders. Mark Williams brings a gentle warmth to the role, and the 1950s setting provides gorgeous period charm. With over 120 episodes, this is pure comfort viewing — each mystery wraps up neatly in 45 minutes with minimal violence and maximum coziness.
4. Midsomer Murders (1997–present)
Where to watch: BritBox, Amazon Prime Video, Acorn TV
The English countryside has never been more beautiful — or more deadly. Midsomer Murders follows detectives investigating crimes in the seemingly idyllic county of Midsomer, where quaint villages harbor dark secrets. The show is famous for its creative murder methods and eccentric characters. With over 25 seasons, it's the longest-running cozy mystery on television and perfect for binge-watching on a rainy afternoon.
5. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012–2015)
Where to watch: Acorn TV, Amazon Prime Video, BritBox
Set in 1920s Melbourne, this Australian gem follows the glamorous Phryne Fisher — a wealthy, independent private detective who solves murders while wearing fabulous outfits. Essie Davis is magnetic in the lead role, bringing intelligence, humor, and fearlessness to every case. The Art Deco aesthetics, jazz soundtrack, and feminist sensibility make this a standout in the genre.
6. The Marlow Murder Club (2024–present)
Where to watch: PBS Masterpiece, BritBox
Based on Robert Thorogood's bestselling novel, this series follows retired archaeologist Judith Potts, dog-walker Suzie Harris, and vicar's wife Becks Starling as they investigate murders in the quiet town of Marlow. Samantha Bond leads a wonderful ensemble cast, and the show perfectly captures the cozy mystery spirit — ordinary people with extraordinary curiosity solving crimes the police can't crack.
7. Death in Paradise (2011–present)
Where to watch: BritBox, Amazon Prime Video
A fish-out-of-water British detective on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie investigates murders in paradise. The show's genius is its format: a locked-room mystery on a sun-drenched island, solved by a quintessentially British detective who would rather be anywhere cooler. Multiple actors have played the lead detective over the years, each bringing their own charm. It's light, fun, and endlessly entertaining.
8. Elsbeth (2024–present)
Where to watch: CBS, Paramount+
A spinoff from The Good Wife, Elsbeth follows the wonderfully eccentric attorney Elsbeth Tascioni as she helps the NYPD solve crimes in New York. Carrie Preston is delightful in the lead — her unconventional observations and quirky personality make her one of TV's most lovable detectives. The show uses a "howcatchem" format where you see the crime committed and then watch Elsbeth unravel the truth.
9. Psych (2006–2014)
Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
Shawn Spencer convinces the Santa Barbara police department that he's psychic, and along with his reluctant best friend Gus, becomes a consultant who helps solve cases using his hyperobservant skills. It's one of the funniest mystery shows ever made — packed with pop culture references, buddy comedy gold, and genuinely clever mysteries. Don't miss the two reunion movies that followed the series.
10. Monk (2002–2009)
Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video
Adrian Monk is a brilliant former San Francisco detective whose obsessive-compulsive disorder makes everyday life a challenge — but also makes him an extraordinary detective. Tony Shalhoub won three Emmys for the role, bringing both comedy and genuine pathos to a character who sees what everyone else misses. A revival movie recently brought Monk back, proving this character is timeless.
Honorable Mentions
These shows also deserve a spot on your watchlist: Shakespeare & Hathaway (quirky PI duo in Stratford-upon-Avon), The Brokenwood Mysteries (New Zealand's answer to Midsomer Murders), Sister Boniface Mysteries (a wine-making, moped-riding nun who solves crimes in 1960s England), Rosemary & Thyme (two gardeners who stumble onto murders), and Murder in Paradise / Beyond Paradise (the charming Devon-set spinoff of Death in Paradise).
Where to Start?
If you're new to cozy mystery TV: start with Only Murders in the Building for something modern and sharp, Father Brown for classic British charm, or Murder, She Wrote if you want the original comfort classic. Browse our Movies & TV page for more cozy mystery recommendations and streaming links.