Originally by Ranker TVList RulesVote up the best TV shows that focus on solving mysteries.
The best mystery shows on TV make trying to solve a great mystery exciting for both the fans and characters. Nothing beats the feeling of a great reveal after experiencing several plot twists and forks in the road. Popular mystery TV shows and movies have been a staple of entertainment for years. This list ranks very best mystery series of all time.
What constitutes a mystery TV show? Well, it could mean shows with new mysteries to solve each episode or series with longer story arcs centered around a mystery. There could be a detective (or two), like Sherlock or Monk, doing the mystery-solving, or things could be more mysterious than a simple crime. This list also includes classic, old murder mystery shows, mystery dramas, crime TV shows, and even funny who done it shows. Don't let your favorite mystery television programs in history get to the bottom of the list - be sure to vote them up so they have the chance to reach the top!
Want to know more about the top mystery shows on the list below? You can click on the show names for details such as top billed actors and a quick overview of the show. So if you've never heard of the shows Longmire or Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, then you can read up on them before diving into a week-long marathon session. Wonder no more about what are the best mystery shows of all time, as fans definitively answer that question below, thanks to their votes.
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2,0031,059House of Anubis
Alex Sawyer, Eugene SimonPremiered: 2011
Network: Nickelodeon
2
1,808987Sherlock
Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin FreemanPremiered: 2010
Network: BBC One
3
804714Criminal Minds
Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray GublerPremiered: 2005
Network: A&E, CBS
4
950868Supernatural
Jared Padalecki, Jensen AcklesPremiered: 2005
Network: The WB Television Network, The CW Television Network
5
380276Midsomer Murders
Suzi Quatro, John NettlesPremiered: 1997
Network: ITV, UTV, STV, ITV, Sveriges Television
6
1,080254Lucifer
Tom Ellis, Lauren GermanPremiered: 2015
Network: Netflix, Fox
7
290254Magnum, P.I.
Tom Selleck, John HillermanPremiered: 1980
Network: CBS
8
472449Stranger Things
Winona Ryder, David HarbourPremiered: 2016
Network: Netflix
9
322277Murdoch Mysteries
Lisa Ray, Paul RhysPremiered: 2008
Network: City, CBC Television
10
354311Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries
Essie Davis, Nathan PagePremiered: 2012
Network: ABS, ABC1
11
141111Longmire
Robert Taylor, Katee SackhoffPremiered: 2012
Network: A&E
12
362294Broadchurch
David Tennant, Olivia ColmanPremiered: 2013
Network: ITV
13
256177Perry Mason
Raymond Burr, Barbara HalePremiered: 1957
Network: CBS
14
262205The Rockford Files
James Garner, Noah Beery Jr.Premiered: 1974
Network: NBC
15
735721Psych
James Roday, Dulé HillPremiered: 2006
Network: USA Network, ION Television
16
744756The X-Files
David Duchovny, Gillian AndersonPremiered: 1993
Network: Fox Broadcasting Company
17
310285Agatha Christie's Marple
Geraldine McEwan, Julia McKenziePremiered: 2004
Network: ITV
18
746755Agatha Christie's Poirot
David Suchet, Hugh FraserPremiered: 1989
Network: ITV, UTV, STV, ITV
19
7548Remington Steele
Stephanie Zimbalist, Pierce BrosnanPremiered: 1982
Network: NBC
20
498459Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!
Don Messick, Casey KasemPremiered: 1969
Network: Cartoon Network, CBS, American Broadcasting Company
21
234194Inspector Lewis
Kevin Whately, Laurence FoxPremiered: 2006
Network: ITV Granada, ITV, UTV, STV, ITV
22
849894Monk
Tony Shalhoub, Bitty SchramPremiered: 2002
Network: USA Network
23
863904The Mentalist
Simon Baker, Robin TunneyPremiered: 2008
Network: CBS
24
683714Columbo
Peter Falk, Mike LallyPremiered: 1968
Network: American Broadcasting Company, NBC
25
149106Quincy, M.E.
Jack Klugman, John S. RaginPremiered: 1976
Network: NBC
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