Murder mysteries constitute some of the most edible genres, from their eccentric casts of characters to complex plots full of shocking twists. In fact, many of the most successful modern TV shows are complete murder mysteries or contain murder mystery elements in their plot. After all, mysteries like the one on Hulu Only murders in the building, Netflix The perfect couple, and Hulu Under the bridgeall released new seasons this year alone.
But the genius of the murder mystery existed long before these modern versions, starting with several classics that continue to impress viewers with their intelligence and well-developed characters. Jessica Fletcher from Murder, she wrote and Poirot from Agatha Christie: Poirot, are beloved detectives who have appeared in several adaptations and sequels over the years. Along with these strong main characters, classic murder mysteries were also surprisingly ahead of their time.
10
Drag (1949-1970)
Created by Jack Webb
There are few iconic murder mysteries that came before Jack Webb, dragnet, which started as a murder mystery program in 1949 as a radio show. The series, which was created, produced and starred actor Jack Webb, followed LAPD detective Joe Fry as he investigated murders across the city. Over the years, the show adapted to changing times and gradually lost its film noir feel.
|
Drag project |
Active year(s) |
|---|---|
|
Fishnet radio program (NBC) |
1949-57 |
|
Fishnet Original TV Show (Universal TV) |
1951-59 |
|
Fishnet TV Show Revival (Universal TV) |
1967-70 |
Although the series’ black and white appearance gives it a dated feel much of the work in Fishnet is based on a more realistic type of acting than was popular during his time on television. Heartfelt and emotional performances raise the show’s emotional stakes for the audience as they watch the victims’ struggles in each episode.
Much of his realistic style can be attributed to the fact that many of his stories are based on real-life police cases. At the end, Dragnet the depiction of the harsh realities of policing and crime is still impactful and shocking to observers.
9
Perry Mason (1957-1966)
Created by Erle Stanley Gardner
Perry Mason is a legal drama series starring Raymond Burr as the titular character, a defense attorney who solves complex criminal cases. Airing from 1957 to 1966, the show features Barbara Hale as Mason’s secretary Della Street and William Hopper as private investigator Paul Drake. The series focuses on Mason’s ability to expose the truth in court, often leading the true culprit to confess to the crime.
- Cast
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Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper, Ray Collins, William Talman, Don Anderson, Lee Miller, Wesley Lau
- Release date
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September 21, 1957
- Seasons
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9
- Creator(s)
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Erle Stanley Gardner
Perry Mason is the epitome of the film noir genre popular in the 40s and 50s, equipped with suspenseful music and elusive characters, all against a black and white backdrop. Although it is a clear product of its time, Perry Mason was smart in its approach to the murder mystery by focusing on its connection to the law and the justice system.
The show follows a criminal defense attorney, Perry Mason (Raymond Burr), as he helps his clients escape unfair prosecution in several murder cases in Los Angeles. In addition to nostalgia for its highly stylized appearance, Perry Mason has complex and well-developed stories based on the law and its interactions with crime fighting.
Mason may not be a rogue detective operating on the fringes of society, but his ability to exonerate his clients and investigate within the system is equally compelling to observers. Today, the show is cemented as a classicand was recently adapted into a successful remake starring Matthew Rhys as Perry Mason in 2020 on HBO.
8
Colombo (1971-1978)
Created by Richard Levinson and William Link
Columbo is a crime drama series that features Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo, a cunning but unassuming LAPD homicide detective. Known for his disheveled appearance and seemingly scatterbrained behavior, Columbo uses his sharp wit and tireless questioning to solve complex cases. The series stands out for its unique format, where the audience follows the unfolding of the crime and watches Columbo put together the clues to capture the culprit.
- Cast
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Peter Falk, Mike Lally, John Finnegan, Bruce Kirby, Dianne Travis, Shera Danese, Vito Scotti, Ed McCready
- Release date
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September 15, 1971
- Seasons
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10
- Creator(s)
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Richard Levinson, William Link
Columbus is one of the first hits of its kind. The show, starring Peter Falk as Detective Columbo, was unique in its portrayal of the bumbling detective. Columbo is not the model of the polished, well-mannered detectives who came before him. Instead, Falk’s take on the detective is that of a working-class man who is sometimes rude.
The show’s unique structure also adds suspense to each episode, as Columbo begins at the beginning with the reveal of the killer.
The result not only makes him an endearing character, but also someone who is continually underestimated by the villains in each episode. In the end, this makes your triumphs all the more rewarding. The show’s unique structure also adds suspense to each episode as Columbus begins with the reveal of the killer, meaning the audience knows the identity of the killer before Columbus he does.
For audiences today and in the past, this is a smart way to engage your audience on the show as an active witness, thus raising the stakes each time Columbo gets closer to or fails to discover the criminal. The surprise comes from the “will he or won’t he” factor, not the revelation itself.
7
Cannon (1971-1976)
Created by Edward Hume
In the same year, another popular murder mystery Cannon, also premiered its first season. This lead detective was similar to Columbus: a tough and bad-tempered private investigator. However, Frank Cannon (William Conrad) has a dark story and backstory as a former police officer who lost his family in the tragedy.
Throughout the rest of the series, Cannon operates with a personal chip on his shoulder… he’s not solving crimes because of his occupation, but because he has a personal vendetta. Despite the darkness that lurks behind Cannon’s character and past, the series also has several moments of surprising levity sprinkled throughout each episode.
Part of this can once again be attributed to Cannon’s almost comical character, the grumpy and unapproachable detective. However, the show is more about Cannon and his journey than the crimes themselves. Today, the show is still a compelling and surprising character study about its complicated lead detective on a journey in search of answers.
6
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
Created by Peter S. Fischer, Richard Levinson and William Link
Murder, She Wrote was a long-running crime drama television series created by Richard Levinson, Peter S. Fischer, and William Link. Starring Angela Lansbury, the series chronicled a mystery writer who became involved in solving many of the murders that occurred in her fictional hometown of Cabot Cove.
- Cast
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Angela Lansbury
- Release date
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January 1, 1984
- Seasons
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12
Murder, she wrote is one of the most distinct and unique series of its kind. Unlike the traditional detective of many murder mysteries, Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), the show’s protagonist, is not involved in the criminal justice system. Instead, she is a crime and mystery writer who hilariously finds herself in the middle of a series of crimes in their quiet town in Maine.
Lansbury’s performance as Jessica Fletcher makes the series’ premise all the more surprising for viewers, who aren’t necessarily used to seeing a prim and proper elderly lady as the lead detective on a crime case.
In fact, the series broke boundaries not only because of its comedic spin on the murder mystery, but also its decision to center around a main character who is an older woman. For today’s viewers, Lansbury’s fiercely intelligent and elegant Jessica Fletcher is still an inspiring example of a strong female protagonist. The show has been adapted into a series of popular films and is now being considered for a new remake directed by Amy Pascal.
5
Remington Steele (1982-1987)
Created by Robert Butler and Michael Gleason
Another protagonist in the world of murder mysteries is Laura Holt (Stephanie Zimbalist) in Remington Steele. This series follows a private investigator who creates a company under the alias “Remington Steele” in hopes of getting more clients. Of course, his plan worked.
While the premise of this murder mystery may be light-hearted and comedic, the series makes a statement about the very real and sad reality of sexism that women have faced and still face in the workplace today as they struggle to be taken seriously. AgainRemington Steele focused more on the character than the crimes themselves.
The show portrayed a modern woman for the time: passionate about her work, but also in tune with her emotions. Although Laura Holt is fiercely protective of her career (as evidenced by her undercover plans), she is able to enjoy romantic adventures with various characters. The premise of Remingron Steele is sure to keep audiences on their feet and contains themes and stories that still resonate today.
4
Cagney and Lacey (1981-1988)
Created by Barbara Avedon and Barbara Corday
Cagney and Lacey is another famous murder mystery that is still a thrilling and shocking series to follow. Once again, the series brought female protagonists into the spotlight in the murder mystery genre, making the show ahead of its time. The main stars of Cagney and LaceyThe cast of Chris Cagney (Sharon Gless) and Mary Beth Lacey (Tyle Daly) work as police officers in New York City, fighting crime and sexism in the workplace.
Each episode follows the aftermath of a different crime, and Cagney and Lacey work together to make an arrest. In addition to their dangerous work in the field, the two women’s risks are much greater due to their gender.
When gender-related issues arise in the cases they work on, both women also advocate for greater protection of female victims, raising awareness of issues that are still present today. This gives the show a a surprisingly modern twist, thematically and contextually, that would play well with audiences today.
3
Miami Vice (1984-1989)
Created by Anthony Yerkovich
Miami Vice is a groundbreaking 1984 television series starring Don Johnson as Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo Tubbs, two undercover detectives in the Vice unit of the Miami-Dade Police Department. Set against the backdrop of Miami’s vibrant nightlife, the show is known for its stylish visuals, contemporary music, and exploration of drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
- Cast
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Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown, Michael Talbott, Edward James Olmos, John Diehl, Rico Paisley
- Release date
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September 16, 1984
- Seasons
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5
- Creator(s)
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Anthony Yerkovich
Few shows capture the essence of the 1980s better than Vice Miami. Set in the neon, colorful world of Miami, two undercover detectives (Detective James Crockett and Detective Ricardo Tubbs) fight crime and solve murders in the “Magic City.” The show is known for Fast-paced, action-packed style that mimics the festive scene of the city in which it takes place.
This distinct setting and aesthetic still appeals to today’s audiences, who would likely be swept away by the heady world of 1980s Miami, paired perfectly with the 1980s pop music that made up its soundtrack. THE series’ ability to encapsulate the time period In addition to producing gripping plots, it’s what makes the original series stand out against other murder mysteries and procedural dramas of its time. The series is still so popular that it was adapted into a film remake in 2006 and Vice Miami is being considered for a new remake.
2
Agatha Christie: Poirot (1989-2013)
Created by Agatha Christie
Poirot is a British television drama series centered on Agatha Christie’s famous detective Hercule Poirot, played by David Suchet. From 1989 to 2013, the series follows Poirot’s meticulous and methodical investigations into various criminal cases, showcasing his unparalleled deductive skills and brilliance.
- Cast
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David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson, Pauline Moran, David Yelland, Zoe Wanamaker, Richard Bebb, George Little
- Release date
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January 8, 1989
- Seasons
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13
Inspired by the famous detective stories written by Agatha Christie, Poirot it ran on the BBC for an impressive 13 seasons. Christie’s portrayal of the Belgian detective, with his perfectly slicked-back hair, stylish mustache and sharp suits, was first introduced in this murder mystery series. Each episode is heavily structured around a crime that Poirot solves. with apparent ease.
Although Poirot is a return to the traditional stereotype of the proper detective, the series itself is a quirky and eccentric take on the murder mystery. Poirot’s stereotypical appearance and personality fit perfectly with the period drama set in old London.
Additionally, each episode features Clever twists that keep the viewer on their toeswhile Poirot elaborates the facts of the crime in real time. Today, Poirot is still a popular figure, played by Kenneth Branagh in films such as Murder on the Orient Express or A Haunting in Venice.
1
Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost
Conceived by Mark Frost and David Lynch in 1990, Twin Peaks is a supernatural mystery drama series that takes FBI agent Dale Cooper to the sleepy town of Twin Peaks to investigate the murder of a young woman named Laura Palmer. As Dale continues his investigation into her death, he discovers that Laura’s life was not as she advertised, and that the town itself hides many more secrets than it lets on. The show received a revival for a third and final season two decades later to resolve the cliffhanger left at the end of the second season.
- Release date
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May 23, 1990
- Seasons
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2
- Directors
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Marcos Frost
It’s hard to find a murder mystery as unique and strange as David Lynch and Mark Frost’s, Twin Peaks. The show, now a cult classic, It only lasted two seasons but gained a loyal fan base. In the series, audiences follow Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) as he investigates the murder of hometown sweetheart Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee).
For modern audiences, the shockingly abrupt ending is sure to catch them by surprise, equally surprising and distressing for its lack of closure, something most murder mysteries have.
The series is known for its surrealist style, which only evolves further in its final season. Horror and supernatural elements are featured prominently in its second season, warning viewers that Laura’s death is more nefarious than simple murder.
The series finale is famous for its cliffhanger and twist: Dale Cooper is caught in a mysterious place called “The Black Lodge” and the tragedy of who killed Laura Palmer is never fully explained until its later prequel, Fire walk with me. For modern audiences, the shockingly abrupt ending is sure to catch them by surpriseequally surprising and harrowing for its lack of conclusion, something most murder mysteries have.