There’s something irresistible about a good whodunnit. Sure, detective shows have been around for a long time, with some more captivating than others. As for Netflix, the streamer appears to be a huge fan of the genre based on all the whodunnit stories it has explored so far.
Sure, Netflix wasn’t working on detective shows at first, opting to release eventual hits such as the political thriller House of Cards and the prison drama Orange is the New Black. But eventually, the streamer came around. And since then, detective shows have been a staple in Netflix's crime series lineup.
As far as shows go, some have been more successful than others. And while familiar faces sometimes factor into the success of a Netflix detective show, it eventually comes down to the story and those plot twists everyone has come to expect. Here are some of those Netflix detective series that got everyone talking.
The Residence
For those who enjoy humor with their whodunnit, this Netflix will leave you in fits of laughter while wondering who committed the murder in the first place. In The Residence, Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba plays Detective Cordelia Cupp, who is tasked with solving the shocking murder of a senior staff member at the White House.
Making the case more challenging is the fact that the murder occurred while the White House is hosting a big event, leaving Detective Cordelia with 157 possible suspects. Aside from Aduba, the show boasts a star-studded cast that includes Giancarlo Esposito, Randall Park, Molly Griggs, and Ken Marino.
Bodies
The title might be odd considering there is only one murder victim in this sci-fi whodunnit. In Bodies, the same victim is discovered by detectives in 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053.
The concept is certainly unique and genre-bending as it explores crime-solving with time travel. That said, grounded performances by stars like veteran actor Stephen Graham and Andor star Kyle Soller make this case feel less bizarre than it is.
Murderville
Fans of The Residence might also enjoy binge-watching Murderville, a hilarious whodunnit where comedian Will Arnett plays the eager Detective Terry Seattle. What makes Murderville different is that there’s always some improv going on onscreen, and it’s up to Arnett and his guest stars to keep each episode going.
Watch the show to see the likes of Sharon Stone, Kumail Nanjiani, Ken Jeong, Conan O'Brien, and Erinn Hayes get caught up in the world of TV crime. The entire series is on Netflix.
The Perfect Couple
Yes, nothing is as it seems in this scandalously delicious Netflix miniseries. But it’s far from predictable, and the plot twist truly pays off in the end. In The Perfect Couple, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber play exactly what the title suggests: an ultra-wealthy and prominent couple for whom nothing ever seems to go wrong.
But then, a murder throws a wrench into their plans just as Kidman, Schreiber, and their fabulous family prepare for a big wedding. Aside from Kidman and Schreiber, the cast also includes Dakota Fanning, Jack Reynor, and Isabelle Adjani.
Dear Child
In this German Netflix series, the kidnapping is just the beginning of a very harrowing tale. In Dear Child, investigators try to uncover the story behind a woman, a young girl, and a 13-year-old missing persons case.
Unlike other detective shows on this list, this one takes a seriously dark turn. And you’ll be left guessing who’s behind the crime until the very end.
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