There's something deeply satisfying about watching an amateur sleuth piece together clues while you're curled up on the sofa. The best 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.
Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996)
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 feature film reboot starring Jamie Lee Curtis is coming to theaters in February 2028.
If you like Murder, She Wrote: also try Father Brown and Sister Boniface Mysteries for similarly gentle, puzzle-of-the-week storytelling.
Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)
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.
If you like Only Murders in the Building: also try Elsbeth and Psych for the same blend of comedy and cleverly-plotted mysteries.
Father Brown (2013–present)
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 well over 100 episodes, this is pure comfort viewing — each mystery wraps up neatly in 45 minutes with minimal violence and maximum coziness.
If you like Father Brown: also try Sister Boniface Mysteries (the official spinoff) and Midsomer Murders for more British village charm.
Midsomer Murders (1997–present)
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. Now past its 25th season, it's the longest-running cozy mystery on television — with more episodes than Poirot, Vera, or Columbo — and perfect for binge-watching on a rainy afternoon.
If you like Midsomer Murders: also try The Brokenwood Mysteries and Father Brown for more atmospheric small-town whodunits.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012–2015)
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.
If you like Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: also try The Marlow Murder Club and Shakespeare & Hathaway for more bold female-led whodunits.
The Marlow Murder Club (2024–present)
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.
If you like The Marlow Murder Club: also try Beyond Paradise and Rosemary & Thyme for similarly charming British amateur sleuth ensembles.
Death in Paradise (2011–present)
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.
If you like Death in Paradise: also try Beyond Paradise (the direct Devon-set spinoff) and Midsomer Murders for more British detective comfort viewing.
Elsbeth (2024–present)
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.
If you like Elsbeth: also try Monk and Psych for similarly quirky, character-driven detectives.
Psych (2006–2014)
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 reunion movies that followed the series.
If you like Psych: also try Monk (same network, same buddy-comedy vibe) and Elsbeth for clever crime-solving with humor.
Monk (2002–2009)
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 brought Monk back in 2023, proving this character is timeless.
If you like Monk: also try Psych and Elsbeth for more quirky-detective character studies.
Honorable Mentions
These shows also deserve a spot on your watchlist: Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators (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 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.
Want more cozy mystery reading? Our companion guides cover the best cozy mystery movies, British cozy mysteries, cozy mysteries with women sleuths, and how cozy mysteries differ from thrillers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest-running cozy mystery TV show?
Midsomer Murders holds the title. The English village whodunit has aired since 1997 and is now past its 25th season. That's nearly three decades of fictional murder in the seemingly peaceful county of Midsomer — more episodes than Poirot, Vera, or even Columbo.
What's the best cozy mystery TV show to start with?
It depends on what you're in the mood for. For something modern, witty, and bingeable, start with Only Murders in the Building. For classic British charm with a religious twist, try Father Brown. For the original comfort classic that defined the genre, nothing beats Murder, She Wrote — Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher is still the gold standard.
Where can I watch cozy mystery TV shows?
The biggest streaming homes for cozy mysteries are BritBox and Acorn TV, which together cover the bulk of British-made cozies including Father Brown, Midsomer Murders, Sister Boniface, and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. PBS Masterpiece carries premium British imports like The Marlow Murder Club. Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Hulu, and Apple TV+ round out the major libraries with shows like Only Murders in the Building, Psych, Monk, and Murder, She Wrote. Most major cozies are spread across multiple platforms — check each show's individual page for current streaming availability.
What's the difference between a cozy mystery and a regular crime drama?
Cozy mysteries focus on amateur sleuths in close-knit communities, with minimal graphic violence and an emphasis on character, atmosphere, and the puzzle itself. Murders typically happen off-screen, the protagonist isn't a hard-boiled professional, and the tone is comforting rather than dark. Regular crime dramas usually feature police or FBI procedurals, on-screen violence, gritty realism, and serial-killer or thriller storylines. We've written a longer guide to the distinction — see cozy mystery vs thriller for the full breakdown.