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Murder. Arson. Domestic violence. Alcoholism. These are just some of the things TV detectives have to deal with every episode of their fictional lives.
But what if you’ve not only got to solve a mysterious case, but also vampires exist? Maybe your key witness has been abducted by aliens? What if everything else is normal, but the detective themselves is a zombie? Or a wizard? Or trapped in a dream?
Wouldn’t that be even more difficult? Wouldn’t that be even more … entertaining?
Yes, I say! Regular detecting can be left at the door, because here we’re talking about some of the best sci-fi detective TV series that you could hope to find.
Almost every facet of reality has been examined in wonderfully creative and imaginative shows such as these, and this list alone covers everything from superheroes and parallel universes to nightmarish creatures, maniacal science, time travel and beyond.
So suspend your disbelief, and dive in!
PS: Because streaming services vary greatly from country to country, and we probably don’t live where you do, we have only listed buying options for the following TV shows. The exception being where a show is a platform original and ONLY available to watch on that streaming service. However, we 100% recommending checking if the show is available on Netflix or Amazon Prime or whatever you use where you live, as well.
iZOMBiE (2015)
Olivia Moore is unluckily turned into a zombie when a boat party goes completely sideways. In order to avoid degrading into your stereotypical shuffling monster, she takes a job in a morgue where she can get regular access to delicious brains.
But eating the dead grey matter causes her to take on personality traits and skills of the person she is consuming – for a time, at least. She also gets flashes of memories of that person, which could come in quite useful if that person happened to have been murdered …
Based on the horror comic book series of the same name on DC Comics’ darker outlet Vertigo, iZOMBiE puts an interesting twist on the “braaaaaaiiiiinnnsss” trope of the shambling undead.
It’s also an interesting acting challenge for New Zealand actress Rose McIver (who plays Olivia) as she half-becomes new people every episode, on top of her already having to provide a (very) convincing American accent.
SPOILER ALERT! Fair warning: towards the end of the run, the show does lose a lot of its detecting and becomes something of your regular run-of-the-mill zombie apocalypse show, with sealed-off cities and the military coming in and so forth.
But if you’ve watched it all up to that point, I assume you’re invested. So enjoy!
RELATED: World-Ending (Post) Apocalyptic TV Series
The X-Files (1993)
Of course The X-Files is on this list!
Deep in the basement of the FBI headquarters are the X-Files: a series of unsolved cases featuring supposedly supernatural phenomena. Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are the ones working through them, regularly bringing them into contact with situations and people that are often much more than they seem.
Scully, the medical expert, is cynical and grounded in the face of the seemingly impossible, whereas Mulder, who believes his long-missing sister was abducted by aliens, is much more keen to investigate.
The truth is out there, after all.
At 218 episodes plus two movies, The X-Files is one of the longest running sci-fi detective TV series ever, and almost certainly the most widely known (you probably know the theme tune – it even showed up on The Simpsons).
The X-Files has been around for so long, they’ve covered a huge swathe of creepy and creative subjects, with episode plots covering ghosts, parallel universes, time travel, vampires, super powers and even insect mind control, in addition to the overarching extraterrestrial beings storyline that runs throughout the show’s entire run.
There’s even a story about a man who eats people’s livers, and who can stretch super long in order to crawl through air vents to get into your house – it’s one of my favourites.
If you enjoy all the outlandish creatures that Mulder and Scully have to deal with, you’ll probably also find something you like on our list of totally unexpected B-movie monsters!
The Lost Room (2006)
A detective working on a murder case finds a key that can open seemingly any door, and also leads him to a motel room that exists outside of regular time and space. Unfortunately, his young daughter finds her way into the room, and disappears.
Now he has to find out how to get her back, and discover the secrets of … The Lost Room.
This is a big idea, wrapped up in a small package – just 6 hours and you’re done! And it’s very much worth it.
This is the kind of science fiction that hooks me; a simple premise, that gradually unspools more and more (as we learn along with the protagonist), and which covers some big philosophical ideas.
Easily binge-watchable in a day, The Lost Room blends sci-fi, fantasy, horror and crime drama into a thoroughly enjoyable show.
Awake (2012)
Police detective Michael Britten, his wife and their son are involved in a serious car accident. When he comes to, he learns that his son died in the crash. But when he goes to sleep, he wakes to find that instead it was his wife who died, not his son.
As he constantly switches between “realities” with each sleep, he must continue solving crimes whilst trying to work out which one is real.
Or are they both dreams?
This is the kind of sci-fi detective TV series that constantly keeps you guessing. To make things more complicated, an excellent twist on this already intriguing premise is that Detective Britten often uses clues he finds in one “waking world” to solve crimes in the other.
The supporting characters also help add to the surreality of his situation; when he takes counselling following the accident and describes his two-realities situation, each psychiatrist confidently assures him that of course the other one is fake, which adds a nice Kafka-esque futility to the proceedings.
Fringe (2008)
Following a string of unexplained events that leave FBI agent Olivia Dunham out of options, she enlists the help of an institutionalised scientist and his genius son in order to make sense of things. As part of the FBI’s Fringe Division, they use unorthodox “fringe” science to help solve a mounting series of mysteries.
Fringe could be considered to be The X-Files’ eccentric cousin. I know there are those who could take some offence at that statement, but there are some broad similarities, perhaps mainly because The X-Files has covered so many things.
Both shows revolve around the investigation of the supernatural, but whereas Mulder and Scully are on the up-and-up, that can’t be said for all the members of the Fringe Division, which creates an added layer of tension.
Co-creator J. J. Abrams, having confused but not yet annoyed the world with Lost, really puts his best storytelling skills to work here. There are several layers at work most of the time, and with such a program, a good way to experience it is to go in mostly blind – so I suggest you do!
Black [Beulraek] (2017)
She can foresee the deaths of others. He is possessed by the Grim Reaper. Together, they try to save innocent lives … in a direct contradiction of Heaven’s rules.
This may well be the most operatic of concepts for this list. It’s also, despite its dark premise, incredibly romantic. Combine this with some good character development and a series of enticing plot revelations and you’ve got yourself one of the best sci-fi detective TV shows to come out of South Korea.
Black also has a lot of rewatchability – there are plenty of small details for viewers to pick up on, meaning lots of little rewards on second viewing.
A small caution: there are those who find the show difficult to get into based on the first couple of episodes. But, if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded handsomely for your trust.
Tru Calling (2003)
Medical student Tru takes a job in the city morgue when her hospital internship falls through. When one of the corpses “wakes up” and asks her for help, Tru learns that she can relive the previous day over and over in order to prevent deaths from occurring.
Now, with the help of her boss/mentor, she must try and use her power effectively … and secretively.
Following on from her excellent supporting turns in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel (which we’ll get to in a moment) Eliza Dushku went on to star as the lead in this mortician-with-a-twist sci-fi detective TV series, in a similar vein to iZOMBiE (though markedly different). The show was even written with Dushku in mind.
Unfortunately, while many other series that are less good get long, long lives, alas Tru Calling was from its network untimely cancelled, thanks to 20th Century Fox (surprise, surprise), who were unhappy with its low ratings at the time. But what there is is well worth watching.
RELATED: The Best Time Loop Movies
Angel (1999)
Dark, brooding vampire-with-a-soul Angel has left behind the love of his (un)life and relocated to Los Angeles. Here, with the help of some unlikely companions, he sets up a detective agency in order to better help those clients with their supernatural problems, with whom he is all too familiar.
A spinoff from the pop-culture giant that is Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel is different enough to make it not just a worse version of its predecessor, which it very much isn’t.
This is due in large part to the cast of colourful (sometimes literally) supporting characters, some of whom migrated over from Buffy… once their story arcs were finished (the two shows ran during the same period, with a couple of stories taking place in both shows simultaneously, so make sure you watch the episodes in the correct order or there will be some confusion!).
Angel has the rare and excellent distinction of getting better and better during its five season run. The final season is definitely the best of them, in my opinion, with plenty of satisfying character development, story arc investment and stand-out episodes (puppets, anyone?).
It goes without saying, of course, that Angel would be a perfect companion piece to any of these underrated vampire movies!
Jessica Jones (2015)
Lots of people love a hard-boiled detective, right?
Sadly, none of them live near Jessica Jones – cynical former-superhero turned private investigator – as she encounters endless negativity from both clients and perps alike while solving cases in New York City.
But when an old enemy comes to town, the very one who caused the tragic end of Jessica’s superhero career, it’s only a matter of time before she must face them.
This is one of the two best television shows that cinema powerhouse Marvel’s TV division have produced. Jessica is played brilliantly by Krysten Ritter, who delivers each sarcastic barb with the right level of irreverence, whilst still showing that deep down she does care really.
Fortunately, an interesting hero needs a good foil, and in season one this is balanced very effectively by David Tennant’s chilling nemesis, Kilgrave. The first season alone, as they play cat and mouse with increasing levels of fallout, is great television. Fortunately, there are two more as well!
Honourable Mention: Daredevil (2015)
Blind (yet not so blind) lawyer Matt Murdoc fights for the little guy in court by day and patrols the streets of Hell’s Kitchen as vigilante Daredevil by night. Frankly, it’s an exhausting schedule.
The other half of Marvel TV’s one-two punch of excellent productions, Daredevil is, it can be argued, on the whole even better than Jessica Jones, though its protagonist spends a lot less time doing actual detecting, hence its position as Honourable Mention on this list.
However, in order to put together some airtight cases, Matt must frequently use his investigative skills in order to get the information he needs. And he’s not above beating the crap out of bad guys to do so either. Dark, dramatic, well-choreographed, well worth your time.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984)
In nineteenth century London, veteran detective Sherlock Holmes solves cases with the most mysterious of circumstances along with his colleague Dr John Watson. They operate out of Holmes’ house at 221B Baker Street, and regularly assist the police with their enquiries, much to the chagrin of Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard.
But you probably knew all this.
Arguably the best portrayal of the Baker Street sleuth committed to screen (and that includes the more recent Sherlock, thank you), Jeremy Brett’s Sherlock Holmes stories go very dark very frequently. During his turn as the world’s greatest non-Batman detective, Brett’s Holmes ran into many a macabre creature or practice, including occult rituals, vampires, ancient curses, some genuinely grisly deaths and, perhaps most famously of all, the Hound of the Baskervilles.
The Brett … of Sherlock Holmes series, which includes The Adventures/Return/Case-Book/Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, was also made at a time when there weren’t as many restrictions on filming scenes that might be considered shocking to younger viewers who may have expected a Sherlock Holmes adaptation to be more tame. As it is, this version has some surprisingly intense and/or graphic sequences which give it an added punch.
Buy The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes collection
Possessed [Bing-ui] (2019)
A foul-mouthed and bullish detective meets a psychic medium while working on a case. She has the ability to see ghosts, and leads a lonely life away from other people.
However, when the detective also begins to see ghosts, they join forces in order to solve crimes connected to a murderer who was executed 20 years ago.
By turns gritty and heartwarming, and with a tendency for the surreal, Possessed has the ability to split the crowd somewhat. There’s a little something for everyone, as the series begins much more lightheartedly than it becomes, as continued events cause more and more tragedies for the characters, and the show gets much darker.
But if you’re in the mood for a gamble, this could be your new favourite sci-fi detective TV series!
The Dresden Files (2007)
If you’ve got a problem, and the cops can’t help you, go to Harry Dresden: Chicago’s wizard PI for hire. Based on The Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher, we follow Harry as he works cases with his frequent collaborator, the sceptical police lieutenant Connie Murphy.
Ex-superheroes, vampires, and now wizards – they all eventually become detectives apparently. I’m certainly not complaining!
This urban fantasy show has fun banter, interesting stories, good characters … what’s not to like? Plus, pre-existing Dresden fans get an all-new experience as well, as the show covers different events to those shown in the books, which is an intentional choice according to the author.
Again, though – only one season. Why do they keep doing this?
Detective Anna [Aнна-Детективв] (2016)
In late nineteenth century Russia, 19-year-old Anna Nikiforova leads a free-spirited life. However, she harbours a dark secret: she can commune with the dead, and has been having “visions” since a young age.
When the new and highly experienced detective comes to town, he and Anna team up in order to solve themselves some crime!
If you love period drama, but wish that they could make one that mixes in horror, macabre spiritualism and gruesome murders as well, then this is the series for you.
It’s immediately evident that this particular sci-fi detective TV show looks great. The costumes and sets really help bring the viewer back in time to the era of Chekhov and Tolstoy.
On top of that, the acting is on point, with performances that carry the right balance of serious and enjoyable. In other hands, the proceedings run the risk of turning into ridiculous melodrama – fortunately, that is not the case here.
Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) (1969)
Private detectives Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk specialise in divorce cases. During one investigation, Marty is killed in a hit-and-run incident by criminals unknown.
But, with the killers still at large, Marty comes back as a ghost, with Jeff as his sole Earthly contact, to try and solve his own murder.
From then on, having neglected his deathly duties by leaving his grave, Marty remains by Jeff’s side, solving cases and watching over his widow, Jean, who also works at their agency.
Fortunately for everyone, following the death of Hopkirk, our protagonists begin to deal with much more than just marital strife in their caseload, with episodes featuring secret agents, bank robberies, theatrical whodunnits and even other, less law-abiding ghosts.
This particular British sci-fi detective TV series was given the much more on-the-nose title My Partner the Ghost for American audiences.
The show was also remade in 2000 with the unusual casting of British comedians Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves in the respective title roles. Obviously for a remake made some thirty years after the original aired, the show was noticeably updated – there are many more special effects – but the overall vibe is markedly different, with (funnily enough, haha) more emphasis on humour and slapstick than before.
Buy Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (2016)
Depressed bellhop Todd is unwittingly (and unwillingly) swept up into the antics of Dirk Gently – a private detective who solves unusual cases and who believes that everything and everyone is connected on a grand, cosmic level. As such, instead of looking for clues, he allows fate to lead the way to the solution.
Because everything means something, doesn’t it?
Loosely based on the novel of the same name by renowned British writer Douglas Adams (of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fame), this could be the most surreal and off-the-wall sci-fi detective TV show on this list, which is not surprising if you are familiar with Adams’ work.
This show is weird, but good weird. It’s also funny, sharp and – in spite of the bizarre events taking place before you – relatable, with each character showing depth and flaws that help ground what might otherwise be impenetrably strange.
Watch Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency
Doctor Who (1963)
That’s right, Doctor Who purist over here – we’re focussing on the stories from the original 26 year run of this British cultural phenomenon, as we follow time-travelling alien The Doctor (real name unknown) as he takes an ever-changing group of companions on adventures throughout space and time in his trusty phone-box-shaped vehicle, the TARDIS.
On the way, he encounters a kaleidoscope of strange worlds, unusual civilisations and “terrifying” monsters (for the 1960’s at least).
Ever heard of a dalek? Those pepper pot psychopaths and many more highly imaginative monsters originated here and caused no end of children’s nightmares, mine included.
Doctor Who is one of, if not the longest running sci-fi detective TV shows. I say detective, because the vast bulk of the storylines involve our beloved Doctor arriving in a situation, getting in trouble, and having to do a lot of investigation in order to find out who or what is causing problems wherever they are.
This applies to the more recent revival as well, but in my opinion, the original shows – with their four episode storylines (with cliffhangers, thank you very much) – have much more suspense, atmosphere and drama than the 21st century version, which wraps everything up in a neat (some would say rushed) 45 minutes (apart from that one story with the Weeping Angels – that one was epic).
Plus if you’re a fan of the updated show, you get to see where it all started!
Often goofy, often dramatic, and sometimes involving some heavy morality and ethical dilemmas, Doctor Who is worthy of being called a national treasure.
Honourable mention: Torchwood (2006)
A spin-off sci-fi detective TV series from the Doctor Who revival, Torchwood follows the antics of immortal conman Captain Jack Harness and his team at the covert Torchwood Institute – founded by Queen Victoria and funded by the Crown – as they defend Earth from alien and unnatural threats.
While not as good as the show it branches off from, Torchwood has some fun moments and characters, and it speaks as always to the completionist in us all.
Sapphire & Steel (1979)
Unbeknownst to humanity, the world is constantly being bombarded by temporal anomalies, which threaten to break through into reality and cause chaos. Wherever one of these anomalies presents itself, there you’re also likely to find Sapphire and Steel – temporal investigators – using their supernatural powers to thwart evil.
The level of unexplained weird in this sci-fi detective TV show is almost off the charts. But in a good way!
I can only imagine what people watching at home thought when this show came on, seeing as they would have known nothing about it. Seriously, the intro alone is bonkers.
The show doesn’t spell anything out, leaving the viewer almost as much in the dark as the characters that cool, mysterious Sapphire and blunt, tough-guy Steel are sent to protect. This can make the show feel insular to some audiences, but the universe beyond what little is spelled out for you feels a lot deeper than most because of it.
There are only six stories in this series, each around four episodes long, but the writers managed to pack in a huge amount, and the storylines are an excellent kind of unsettling: a brother and sister are left abandoned after their parents disappear in a house of clocks, a railway platform is haunted by ghosts of the First World War, a faceless man who steals children and hides them in photographs …
It’s quite a ride.