With the FIFA World Cup dominating TV schedules over the next few weeks, there’s little new crime drama arriving on our screens. In fact, the only major launch is a new Harlan Coben adaptation on Netflix. So if football isn’t your thing, this is the perfect time to catch up on some of the very best crime dramas released since the last World Cup. Keep scrolling for my must-watch list.

I Will Find You (Netflix, 18 June 2026)

The only major crime drama premiere during the tournament comes from Harlan Coben. I Will Find You stars Sam Worthington as David Burroughs, a man serving a life sentence for the murder of his young son — a crime he insists he did not commit. When evidence emerges suggesting the boy may still be alive, David stages a daring prison escape to uncover the truth. Also starring Severance’s Britt Lower, and Milo Ventimiglia and Chi McBride, the eight-part thriller promises family secrets, conspiracy and plenty of twists.

The Best Crime Dramas Since the Last World Cup

Black Bird (Apple TV+, 2022)

One of the finest true-crime dramas of recent years, Black Bird stars Taron Egerton as a convicted drug dealer offered freedom if he can befriend a suspected serial killer behind bars and secure a confession. Paul Walter Hauser delivers a chilling performance opposite Egerton, while the late Ray Liotta is outstanding in one of his final roles.

Happy Valley Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (BBC One, 2023)

Many critics and viewers regard groundbreaking Happy Valley as one of the greatest British crime dramas ever made — up there with Broadchurch. Sarah Lancashireis extraordinary as Sergeant Catherine Cawood, whose final confrontation with James Norton’s Tommy Lee Royce provided a fitting end to Sally Wainwright’s acclaimed Yorkshire saga.

Vigil Seasons 1 and 2 (BBC One, 2023)

After its submarine-set first season became a huge hit, Vigil returned with another tense conspiracy thriller. Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie investigate a murder linked to military drone testing, uncovering secrets that stretch deep into the heart of the British establishment.

The Responder (BBC One, 2024)

Martin Freeman delivers one of the performances of his career as Liverpool response officer Chris Carson, a police officer trying to survive relentless night shifts while battling his own personal demons. Gritty, realistic and emotionally powerful, it remains one of the BBC’s strongest recent dramas.

Criminal Record Season 2 (Apple TV+, 2024)

An anonymous phone call reopens an old murder case and puts two detectives on a collision course. Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo are perfectly superb together in this intelligent London-set thriller, which examines power, prejudice and the difficulty of uncovering the truth.

Get Millie Black (Channel 4 / HBO, 2024)

Created by Booker Prize winner Marlon James, Get Millie Black follows a former Scotland Yard detective who returns to Jamaica and becomes entangled in a complex missing persons case. Tamara Lawrance is exceptional in a series that combines crime investigation with family drama and social commentary.

Sherwood Seasons 1 and 2 (BBC One, 2024)

What begins as a murder investigation evolves into a compelling exploration of community, politics and long-buried secrets. Featuring an outstanding ensemble cast led by David Morrissey and Lesley Manville, Sherwood continues to be one of the most distinctive crime dramas on British television.

Blue Lights Seasons 1, 2, and 3 (BBC One, 2025)

The Belfast-set police drama has quietly become one of the UK’s most acclaimed crime series. Combining tense policing with authentic character drama, Siân Brooke, Nathan Braniff and Katherine Devlin lead a cast that brings remarkable realism to life on the front line.

Smoke (Apple TV+, 2025)

Created by Dennis Lehane, Smoke stars the brilliant duo of Taron Egerton as an arson investigator hunting serial fire-setters alongside Jurnee Smollett’s trouble detective. Dark, atmospheric and packed with suspense, it quickly established itself as one of Apple TV+’s standout thrillers.

Untamed (Netflix, 2025)

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Yosemite National Park, Untamed stars Eric Bana as an investigator probing a suspicious death that uncovers secrets buried deep within the wilderness. With support from Sam Neill and Lily Santiago, it combines mystery, character drama and breathtaking scenery

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