15 TV Shows To Watch If You Like True Detective

For those who enjoy the gritty, atmospheric crime dramas of True Detective, here are 15 shows to explore that capture a similar vibe. Start with Twin Peaks, the surrealistic whodunit created by David Lynch, which features FBI agent Dale Cooper's investigation into the murder of teenager Laura Palmer. While Twin Peaks leans more toward the fantastical, its influence on detective storytelling is undeniable.

True Detective's cousin in style is Criminal Minds, the long-running FBI crime-solving series. With 19 seasons running since 2005, Criminal Minds treats audiences to a revolving cast of characters, creating an even more anthology-like experience compared to the single-season structure of True Detective.

If you're a fan of literary detective tales, Sherlock is a must-watch. The BBC adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the brilliant but enigmatic Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock maintains the literary roots of its source material while delving into the modern-day psychological complexities of its protagonist.

Justified brings the Southern crime drama aesthetic of True Detective to life through the eyes of U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, played by Timothy Olyphant. Set primarily in Kentucky, Justified offers a gritty, western-influenced take on law enforcement, with Olyphant's charismatic performance anchoring the series.

For a show with DNA similar to True Detective, The Killing stands out. Created by Nic Pizzolatto, the HBO anthology series follows Seattle detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they investigate a series of local homicides. With its focus on dark, psychological crime storytelling, The Killing delivers a compelling narrative experience akin to True Detective.