Romance and mystery have always been a fun combination. From the heart-thumping suspense mixed with the intense romantic moments, we can’t get enough of it. And who does mystery better than British television? So, we decided to round up some of the best romantic British mystery series (miniseries and TV shows) to currently watch – many of which are available on Britbox and other current streaming services.
We also included a few romantic mystery series from the British Commonwealth (Canada, Australia) because we felt it was close enough! And what kind of romantic mystery series list would it be without Miss Fisher?
Some of the series are full-blown romances with mystery, while others are mysteries with some romance on the side.
RELATED: 100+ of the Best British Period Dramas of All Time to Watch
Now, some of our choices may seem a little unconventional. From period dramas with a mystery to slow-build crime-fighting duos and even a few fantasy/supernatural series with elements of the mystery format, however, everything we selected has enough mystery to keep you entertained and trying to connect the dots!
Of course, we also selected many traditional favorites. We hope all the mystery and romance lovers out there will enjoy our recommendations.
NOTE: The “where to watch” sections are for U.S. availability and can change at any time. Availability was last updated on November 17, 2023.
35 ROMANTIC BRITISH MYSTERY SERIES TO WATCH
#1 Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime (1983)/Partners in Crime (2015)
Are you in the mood for something light and entertaining? Watch both adaptations of Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime.
Both versions follow the married couple, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, who solve mysteries and crimes together. With mystery, adventure, and romance, you can’t go wrong with these crime romance series.
Start with the 1983 adaptation The Secret Adversary, watch the rest of the 1983 series (starring the always fabulous Francesca Annis), and then check out the newer adaptation starring Call the Midwife’s Jessica Raine.
While the ’80s series is better, both are worth your time if you love British mysteries and Agatha Christie. If you love Agatha Christie, I also recommend checking out her books’ numerous adaptations (like Miss Marple, Poirot, etc.). There is often romance in them.
Where to Watch (1983) adaptation: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital and DVD.
Where to Watch (2015) adaptation: Acorn TV, Hoopla. Buy on Digital and DVD.
Content Note: The 1983 version is TV-PG, and the new one is NR, but it varies between TV-PG and TV-14.
#2 Agatha Raisin (2014)
Agatha Raisin (based on M.C. Beaton’s books) stars Ugly Betty’s Ashley Jensen as a PR expert who leaves her profession behind to move to a small town and become an amateur sleuth while pursuing romance. The series is a charming cozy mystery with romantic comedy elements.
If you love shows like Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, you should enjoy Agatha Raisin. It is hilarious and delightful.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, Acorn TV Amazon Channel, Hoopla. Buy on Digital and DVD.
Content Note: TV-14 for mild violence and innuendo.
#3 Ashes to Ashes (2008)
Ashes to Ashes is the sequel to Life on Mars and follows Alex Drake (Keeley Hawes), a police officer who travels back in time from 2008 to 1981 after being shot. She then solves crimes in the past when men didn’t treat women as equals.
This one is all about the chemistry between Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) and Alex Drake. It is unexpected and perfect! Time-travel fans should watch this one. Just expect some twists.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel. Buy on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#4 Being Human (2009)
Being Human is an urban fantasy dramedy series about a ghost, a vampire, and a werewolf living together. And it’s much better than it sounds. The writing is brilliant, the romances epic, and the acting excellent.
Poldark fans will love seeing Aidan Turner play the Byronic vampire, Mitchell, who falls in love with the lovable ghost, Annie (Lenora Crichlow).
But what does this show have to do with the mystery genre? Well, it is an urban fantasy series with elements of mystery. For example, how did Annie die? Season one explores this mystery. Other mysteries appear throughout the series.
For more Being Human, see the American remake starring Sam Witwer and Meaghan Rath.
Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox or buy digitally (on Google Play) or DVD.
Content Note: The series ranges between TV-14 and TV-MA, depending on the episode. There is a moderate amount of explicit sensuality, violence, and profanity. Season two especially has strong language.
#5 Bleak House (2005)
Bleak House is the Primetime Emmy-winning period drama series based on the book by Charles Dickens. It’s full of mystery and romance, focusing on 19th-century legal injustices.
If you haven’t seen this excellent series, you won’t want to miss Gillian Anderson’s award-worthy performance as the mysterious Lady Dedlock.
Other period drama favorites include Carey Mulligan, Anna Maxwell Martin, Charles Dance, Hugh Speer, Anne Reid, Nathaniel Parker, and more!
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, Hulu, and Roku. Buy on Digital and DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
#6 C.B. Strike (2017)
Based on the bestselling crime novels by J.K. Rowling, C.B. Strike follows Cormoran Strike, a war veteran private detective in London, and his assistant, Robin Ellacott, as they solve crimes together.
Besides the compelling mysteries, the slow-building romance between Strike and Robin is electric! Here’s to hoping we get more seasons of the series soon.
Altogether, the perfect casting of Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger, mixed with the fabulous writing, make this romantic detective series a top choice for any romance mystery fans out there.
Where to Watch: Max. Buy on Digital and DVD.
Content Note: TV-MA for mild sensuality/innuendo, moderate violence, and moderate profanity (some F-words – although it’s not constant). The series is not vulgar or overly explicit.
#7 Death Comes to Pemberley (2013)
This Pride and Prejudice continuation combines Jane Austen with mystery in this miniseries about a murder with Mr. Wickham as the primary suspect!
The all-star cast, including Matthew Rhys, Anna Maxwell Martin, Jenna Coleman, Matthew Goode, Eleanor Tomlinson, and James Norton, make this Jane Austen mystery miniseries a much-watch!
And yes, there is plenty of romance. Death Comes to Pemberley is about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, after all.
Where to Watch: Stream on PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel and Hoopla or buy it on Digital or DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#8 The Doctor Blake Mysteries (2013)
A war veteran and a doctor, Lucien Blake begins solving crimes as the town’s police surgeon while also running a medical practice and dealing with his war memories.
This Australian series is excellent and romantic, with a slow-build romance between Doctor Blake and his housekeeper, Jean. The quality of the series is first-class, and romance fans shouldn’t miss it.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel. Buy on Digital and DVD.
Content Note: TV-14 (mild).
#9 Doctor Who (2005)
Doctor Who is a fantasy/sci-fi series about the Doctor, an alien, who goes on adventures with their companions. The show premiered in 1963, but I recommend starting with the 2005 reboot for romance and mystery fans. The writing and acting are excellent.
With the reboot, the show further explored other genres on top of adventure and sci-fi, such as urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Doctor Who also often follows a mystery format as the Doctor and their companions jump into an adventure and solve mysteries together.
RELATED: The 35 Best BritBox Shows with Romance to Stream Right Now
However, the most romantic part of the show follows the epic love story between the Doctor and Rose in seasons one through four! But romance fans will also enjoy the other love stories, including Amy and Rory, the Doctor and River Song, and more.
It’s a fun show that continues to capture the hearts of fans around the world.
Where to Watch: You can watch the new Doctor Who (2005-2022) on Max or buy it digitally and on DVD. You can watch the classic series on BritBox. The “New New” Doctor Who (starting with the 60th anniversary) will air on Disney+ starting in November 2023.
Content Note: TV-PG
#10 Emma (2009)
How can an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma be a mystery? Besides the romance and familiar social commentary, ultimately, if you look closely, Emma is a mystery. Some even consider it one of the earliest mystery novels full of red herrings and suspense.
Just think of it as a whodunit without a crime! You’ll enjoy Emma in an entirely new way.
The 2009 adaptation is, in my opinion, the best adaptation with plenty of time to explore the story since it’s a miniseries: Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller star.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, and Roku. Buy on Digital and DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
#11 Endeavour (2013)
Fans of British mystery series and romance will want to check out Endeavour, a 1960s period mystery series about PC Endeavour Morse as he solves crimes around Oxford.
If you enjoy intellectual love stories, you’ll enjoy the romance between Joan Thursday and Endeavour, an on-again, off-again relationship that will keep you watching.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, and PBS Passport. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#12 Foyle’s War (2002)
Foyle’s War follows DCS Foyle from WWII to the Cold War as he investigates crimes in England. While the series is not a romance, Samantha, Foyle’s driver/assistant, has a few intriguing romances throughout the series.
The best romance is between her and Foyle’s son, Andrew, played by Downton Abbey’s Julian Ovenden! It’s a brilliant series, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, Acorn TV Amazon Channel, Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14 (mild).
#13 Frankie Drake Mysteries (2017)
Fans of female private detective shows will enjoy Frankie Drake Mysteries, a Canadian series reminiscent of Murdoch Mysteries and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries.
While not as good, it’s a fun, entertaining series with crimes to solve, adventure, and some romance.
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
#14 Grantchester (2014)
A vicar and a cop solve crimes together in a 1950s English village. Sidney, the vicar, is a tortured soul who is still in love with his former sweetheart, Amanda.
Their back-and-forth romance is central to the series, as are the mysteries and his friendship with the cop, Geordie Keating.
Grantchester is a great British mystery series with James Norton in the lead role (for the first few seasons, anyway).
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#15 The Hour (2011)
The Hour is a brilliant espionage thriller full of mystery, fabulous writing, terrific performances, and an epic slow-building love story between Bel (Romola Garai) and Freddie (Ben Whishaw) as they work together in an investigative newsroom.
While it ends on a cliffhanger, the series is so brilliant it’s worth watching anyway. The underrated period drama is one of the best I’ve seen.
Watch this if you love shows like Mad Men but want more likable characters. Dominic West, Anna Chancellor, Oona Chaplin, Peter Capaldi, and Tom Burke also star.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, Acorn TV Amazon Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14 and earns it.
#16 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2001)
This British crime show follows the aristocratic Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his assistant from the working class, Sergeant Barbara Havers solving crimes together.
There is an implication of romance between them, but it is left unspoken. Overall, it’s a great mystery series to check out!
Where to Watch: Britbox. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#17 Jane Eyre (1983 & 2006)
The famous story of Jane Eyre follows a young orphan governess who falls in love with her brooding master. But he’s hiding a secret that threatens their entire relationship.
The gothic bildungsroman novel is a mystery, an epic love story, and one of the greatest books ever written.
RELATED: 15 Of The Best Jane Eyre Movies And Adaptations, Ranked
The 1983 and 2006 versions are the two best miniseries adaptations of the book to watch!
Where to Watch (1983): BritBox, Crackle, and Pluto TV. You can also buy it on DVD.
Where to Watch (2006): Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, and Hulu. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG, although the 2006 one has more steam.
#18 Jonathan Creek (1997)
In Jonathan Creek, a magician solves mysteries. He also shares a will-they-won’t-they romantic relationship with Maddy, an investigative journalist.
It’s a charming British mystery series with lots of great guest stars, too.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel. You can also buy it on DVD.
Content Note: TV-MA for a moderate amount of sensuality, violence, and profanity.
#19 Life on Mars (2006)
DCI Sam Tyler (John Simm) wakes up in 1973 after a car accident in 2006 and begins doing police work in the past.
Life on Mars is an excellent cop/mystery series with a fun sci-fi twist. Not to mention, Sam has an absorbing love interest with Annie Cartwright, a kind-hearted and thoughtful young WPC.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel. You can also buy it on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#20 Luther (2010)
DCI John Luther (Idris Elba) is a genius detective with a tortured soul. He often finds himself attracted to (and perhaps in love with) the sociopathic and brilliant Alice (played by Ruth Wilson).
With fantastic acting, writing, and chemistry between Elba and Wilson, this is one must-watch series. It’s also won numerous awards.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Hoopla. You can also buy it on DVD and digitally.
Content Note: TV-MA for violence and brief, strong language.
#21 The Mallorca Files (2019)
A German and British detective solve crimes together in Mallorca, a Spanish island. It’s a lighthearted mystery show with a will-they-won’t-they romance.
It’s all very Moonlighting! So, if you love shows like Bones or Castle, you’ll probably like this one.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, and Freevee. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
#22 MI-5/Spooks (2002)
MI-5 (also known as Spooks) is a spy mystery drama that follows the missions of MI-5 agents.
On top of the entertainment factor, good acting, and writing, the series also has numerous love stories. Just don’t expect lots of HEAs.
Some of the show’s stars include Peter Firth, Nicola Walker, Rupert Penry-Jones, Hermione Norris, David Oyelowo, Richard Armitage, Keeley Hawes, Matthew Macfadyen, and more!
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel. You can also buy the series on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#23 Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012)
A female private detective solves mysteries in the 1920s with style and lots of witticisms. Out of all the detective series on this list, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is my absolute favorite.
The romance between Miss Fisher and Detective Jack Robinson is perfect. Plus, you won’t want to miss the gorgeous costumes!
All in all, this is the best detective romance TV series.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, Acorn TV Amazon Channel, Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: Mostly TV-PG, but a few episodes are TV-14.
#24 Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2020)
Miss Scarlet and the Duke is a new detective romance series about Eliza Scarlet, a female private detective in Victorian London.
The show has compelling mysteries and an electrifying will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Eliza and The Duke, a Scotland Yard Inspector.
I haven’t seen chemistry this good in a long time!
Where to Watch: PBS app, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: Ranges between TV-PG and TV-14.
#25 The Moonstone (2016)
The Moonstone is a romantic period mystery based on the novel by Wilkie Collins – often nicknamed the first detective novel. Everyone becomes a suspect when a diamond goes missing at an English estate.
It’s a lovely adaptation of the book with a fine cast.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, and Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
#26 Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (2019)
Can’t get enough of Miss Fisher? Watch the quirky Australian spinoff series about her niece set in the 1960s. She solves crimes while developing a romance with her own detective.
And yes, the costumes are fabulous.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, Acorn TV Amazon Channel, Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#27 Murdoch Mysteries (2008)
Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian series full of fun crimes to solve and a flirty (and satisfying) romance between Detective William Murdoch and Dr. Julia Ogden, a suffragist psychiatrist!
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, Acorn TV Amazon Channel, Hulu, Freevee, and Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
#28 Queens of Mystery (2019)
Pushing Daisies fans need to watch the underrated mystery show Queens of Mystery! The clever and witty narration will draw you into the story of a young woman and her three eccentric aunts (and crime writers) who solve mysteries together in a small English village.
There’s a cute romance building throughout the first season, too.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, Acorn TV Amazon Channel, Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#29 Rebecca (1997)
Perhaps the least known of the Rebecca adaptations, this 1997 version is a period romantic thriller series starring Charles Dance, Emilia Fox, and Diana Rigg.
The miniseries is full of mystery, suspense, and romance! Overall, this is a very romantic version of Daphne Du Maurier’s gothic romance mystery novel.
Where to Watch: PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-MA for brief nudity/love scene.
#30 Republic of Doyle (2010)
Republic of Doyle is a charming Canadian series about a father and son running a private investigations company together in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
There are many good mysteries, plus a fabulous romance between Jake Doyle (the roguish son) and Leslie Bennett, a Sergeant who helps him on cases.
The series also has some exciting and surprising guest stars like Russell Crowe.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV, Freevee, The Roku Channel, and Shout TV. You can also buy it digitally on Amazon or DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#31 The Sally Lockhart Mysteries (2006)
The Sally Lockhart Mysteries consists of two parts: The Ruby in the Smoke and Shadow in the North, and both are excellent. This period miniseries follows Sally Lockhart, a brave, young, and intelligent orphan who uncovers a few intriguing mysteries after her father dies.
She falls in love with JJ Feild along the way, too. So, there’s that!
Plus, Doctor Who fans won’t want to miss Billie Piper and Matt Smith (who plays a significant role) onscreen together.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, and Roku. You can also buy it on DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
#32 Shakespeare & Hathaway (2018)
Shakespeare & Hathaway is a fantastic example of unlikely crime-fighting duos coming together entertainingly.
The eccentric pairing is Frank Hathaway and Luella Shakespeare, a pair of private detectives investigating crimes in Stratford-upon-Avon with lots of amusing Shakespeare references.
While they act like a married couple, the romance angle develops in season three.
The mystery romance series is a fun, lighthearted watch.
Where to Watch: Britbox, Britbox Amazon Channel, Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-14
#33 Torchwood (2006)
Torchwood is a Doctor Who spinoff about the time-traveling agent, Captain Jack Harkness, and his team protecting the Earth from aliens and other supernatural/mythological threats.
While Doctor Who dabbles in mystery and urban fantasy, Torchwood is smack dab in the center of the urban fantasy genre with numerous mysteries, crimes to solve, and a deeper romance focus with the pansexual Captain Jack unambiguously falling in love with two of his coworkers: Gwen Cooper and Ianto Jones. There are numerous other romances as well.
Now, warning: this show is much darker with mature content and is not family-friendly, but seasons two and three are some of the best of British TV.
Where to Watch: Max. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-MA for strong language (although not throughout), occasional explicit sensuality, violence, and adult themes.
#34 The Woman in White (2018)
The latest adaptation of Wilkie Collin’s gothic mystery novel, The Woman in White, is the perfect romantic period drama to watch for mystery fans.
The miniseries follows sisters Laura and Marian in the 19th century. The story takes a dark turn when Laura is forced into an arranged marriage (despite already being in love with a painter named Walter).
The story plays out like a detective novel unraveling a hidden secret. It’s a suspenseful, sensational, and romantic version with a fabulous cast including Jessie Buckley, Olivia Vinall, Dougray Scott, Ben Hardy, and Charles Dance.
Note: You can also watch the 1982 adaptation on Britbox. There is also a shorter TV movie adaptation starring Justine Waddell, Tara Fitzgerald, and Andrew Lincoln.
Where to Watch: PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel, Hoopla. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
#35 WPC 56 (2013)
WPC 56 is a British crime series following the struggles of the first Woman Police Constable in a 1950s West Midlands police force. She faces sexism, misogyny, and more as she tries to find herself as a WPC and a person.
Besides the week’s mysteries, romance is part of the imperfect but entertaining and highly watchable show.
Where to Watch: Acorn TV and Freevee. You can also buy it on DVD.
Content Note: TV-PG
Update: After publishing this list, I discovered even more British romance series (with mystery): Hope Street, Magpie Murders, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, and Why Didn’t They Ask Evans, all of which I highly recommend.
What romantic British mystery series do you recommend? Do you have a favorite? Any we left off the list? Discuss in the comments below.
Featured image credit: Romantic British Mystery Series: Billie Piper as Sally Lockhart – Courtesy of Britbox, Francesca Annis (Tuppence Beresford) and James Warwick (Tommy Beresford) in Partners in Crime – Courtesy of Britbox, Miss Scarlet and the Duke – Alibi, C.B. Strike – BBC, Ruth Wilson (Alice Morgan) and Idris Elba (DCI John Luther) – Courtesy of Britbox, Agatha Raisin – Acorn TV.
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This list was so marvelous! Loved the selections and really liked finding out about the ones I didn’t know much or knew about. Spot on regarding Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries and Scarlet and the Duke are my new favorite!! Bravo!
Thank you! I’m glad you found the list helpful. 🙂 We love shows like this and are always looking for new ones to enjoy!
I totally recommend Silent Witness. The romance in there between Jack and Nikki is the best!
I haven’t seen that one! I’ll add it to my list.