8 Must Watch Detective Shows on Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime Video has a big library of detective shows, giving fans a diverse selection of criminal puzzles to pick from. While Prime Video’s original series may be limited compared to other streaming services, the site compensates with an excellent archive of television shows and movies, including intriguing investigative stories. From American remakes to British crime dramas to Hindi-language crime series, Amazon Prime Video has something for every detective series fan, with riveting plots and exceptional performances.

As the battle for streaming services heats up, Amazon Prime Video remains a standout. Though Amazon Prime Video’s selection of original series isn’t as extensive as some of its competitors, it more than compensates with a massive library of TV episodes and movies, including mysteries.

Here are the top 08 detective programs streaming on Amazon Prime Video right now.

08. Hunters (2020)

IMDb rating: 7.2/10 (based on over 52,000 user ratings)

Hunters, created by David Weil and starring the legendary Al Pacino, is a show that grabs your attention from the very first episode and doesn’t let go. Set in 1970s New York City, it follows Jonah Heidelbaum, a young Jewish man whose grandmother’s murder leads him to discover a group of Nazi war criminals living undercover in America. Jonah joins forces with this ragtag group of vigilante Nazi hunters, led by the mysterious and captivating Meyer Offerman (Pacino), to take down these hidden enemies.

The show’s central concept of Nazi hunters operating in secret is inherently fascinating, and the writers keep the suspense high throughout the season. The mystery of Offerman’s past and the motivations of the other hunters are slowly unraveled, adding another layer of intrigue to the story. As the enigmatic Offerman, Pacino delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, bringing depth and complexity to the character. His chemistry with Logan Lerman, who plays Jonah, is one of the show’s highlights.

07. The ABC Murders (2018)

IMDb rating: 7.8/10 (based on over 48,000 user ratings)

The ABC Murders is a British miniseries based on Agatha Christie’s classic novel of the same name. It stars John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot, the eccentric Belgian detective with a penchant for order and a talent for deduction. The series follows Poirot as he investigates the murders of three people whose names all begin with the letter “A.”

Malkovich brings a unique and quirky interpretation to the role of Poirot, making the character his own. His performance is both funny and charming, and he perfectly captures Poirot’s eccentricities and brilliance. The series is set in the 1930s and features a beautifully recreated period setting, from the costumes and sets to the music and dialogue. The atmosphere is both elegant and suspenseful, perfectly capturing the world of Agatha Christie’s novels.

Overall, The ABC Murders is a stylish and witty adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic novel. It’s a well-made and entertaining series that will appeal to fans of mysteries, period dramas, and John Malkovich’s unique brand of charm.

06. Bosch (2014-2021)

IMDb rating: 8.4/10 (based on over 311,000 user ratings)

Bosch, spanning seven seasons from 2014 to 2021, is a detective drama that takes you on a dark and gritty journey through the underbelly of Los Angeles. It follows Harry Bosch, a jaded and relentless homicide detective haunted by the ghosts of his past, as he navigates the complex and often morally ambiguous world of crime and justice.

Welliver embodies the essence of Bosch, bringing depth and nuance to the character’s cynicism, vulnerability, and unwavering dedication to justice. His portrayal is raw and powerful, making you feel Bosch’s every internal struggle and emotional weight. The series doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the city, showcasing the gang violence, drug trafficking, and social injustices that plague its streets. This authenticity adds a layer of rawness and complexity to the narrative, making it feel grounded and believable.

05. The Afterparty (2022-present)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10 (based on over 21,000 user ratings)

The Afterparty is a comedic murder mystery series that premiered in 2022 and instantly captivated audiences with its unique and hilarious storytelling approach. Each episode unfolds the same high school reunion after-party from a different character’s perspective, with its own distinct genre and filmmaking style. This innovative format keeps you guessing, laughing, and piecing together the puzzle of who killed Xavier, the arrogant pop star guest of honor.

Each episode is like a mini-movie, adopting a different genre like rom-com, noir thriller, musical, and even animation. This constant shift keeps the show fresh, surprising, and endlessly entertaining. You’ll be treated to quirky dance numbers, dramatic monologues, and even claymation puppets, all within the context of the same murder investigation.

The series boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Ben Schwartz, and Ilana Glazer. Their comedic timing and chemistry are spot-on, making even the most dramatic moments laugh-out-loud funny. While the show is undeniably funny, it also tackles deeper themes like grief, betrayal, and second chances. These emotional layers add a surprising depth to the characters and make you care about their motivations beyond just solving the mystery.

04. I Am the Night (2018)

IMDb rating: 7.2/10 (based on over 52,000 user ratings)

I Am the Night is a 2018 miniseries that takes you on a dark and atmospheric journey through 1960s Los Angeles. It follows Fauna Hodel, a young woman searching for her birth mother while uncovering a web of disturbing secrets and conspiracy that connect her to the infamous Dr. George Hodel, a suspected murderer tied to the infamous Black Dahlia case.

The series weaves a captivating mystery that unfolds alongside the real-life backdrop of the Black Dahlia case and the social and political turbulence of 1960s Los Angeles. This adds a layer of authenticity and intrigue to the fictional narrative. I Am the Night deals with mature themes like violence, abuse, and conspiracy. Be prepared for some unsettling moments and morally ambiguous characters. The conclusion of the series is left somewhat open-ended, which may leave some viewers unsatisfied. However, it also allows for interpretation and further contemplation of the story’s themes.

03. Fleabag (2016-2019)

IMDb rating: 8.7/10 (based on over 368,000 user ratings)

Fleabag, a two-season British show that ran from 2016 to 2019, is a unique and unforgettable experience. Created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, it follows the titular Fleabag, a dry-witted and deeply flawed young woman navigating grief, family drama, and her messy personal life in contemporary London.

Fleabag is fueled by Waller-Bridge’s captivating performance. She imbues the character with a sharp wit, vulnerability, and a touch of darkness that makes her utterly relatable and endlessly watchable. Her constant breaking of the fourth wall creates a sense of intimacy and draws the audience deeper into Fleabag’s chaotic world. Fleabag is packed with razor-sharp dialogue and witty observations about life, love, and loss. The humor is often dark and absurd, but it perfectly complements the show’s poignant exploration of grief and emotional turmoil.

Despite the comedic tone, the characters in Fleabag are richly developed and nuanced. From the dysfunctional yet loving family to the quirky supporting cast, each character feels real and contributes to the show’s emotional depth.

02. Luther (2010-2019)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10 (based on over 165,000 user ratings)

Luther is a British psychological crime drama that ran for five seasons from 2010 to 2019. It follows John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective inspector with a knack for getting inside the minds of criminals. The show delves into the dark underbelly of London, exploring the complexities of human psychology and the blurred lines between good and evil.

Elba delivers a tour-de-force performance as Luther, capturing the character’s intensity, vulnerability, and intelligence with equal skill. He makes Luther both a compelling protagonist and a morally ambiguous figure, keeping you constantly engaged and questioning his choices. Each season of Luther features intricate and morally complex cases that will keep you guessing until the very end. The show doesn’t shy away from violence and darkness, but it also explores the emotional and psychological impact of crime on both the victims and the investigators.

01. Harlan Coben’s Shelter (2022):

Based on the novel of the same name by Harlan Coben, Shelter follows Mickey Bolitar, a teenager grappling with his mother’s recent stint in rehab and the death of his father. After moving in with his aunt in New Jersey, Mickey gets drawn into a local mystery involving hidden secrets and a missing classmate.

The series boasts a talented cast, including Jaden Michael as Mickey, Constance Zimmer as his aunt Diane, and Adrian Greensmith as the enigmatic classmate, Frankie. Fans of Harlan Coben’s other TV adaptations like “The Stranger” and “Safe” can expect a suspenseful thriller with twists and turns, psychological intrigue, and coming-of-age themes.

Unfortunately, the show “Harlan Coben’s Shelter” hasn’t premiered yet! While it was originally planned for a 2022 release, the latest available information indicates it was pushed back to August 2023.

Check out Rotten Tomatoes scores for specific seasons or episodes to see if they particularly resonate with your taste. Remember, this is just a starting point, and there are many other fantastic detective shows waiting to be discovered on Prime Video. Happy watching!