10 Quirky Crime Shows Like Australian Hit Deadloch

Many TV crime shows stick to predictable patterns, but Deadloch breaks the mold. This Australian series, available on Prime Video, centers around the discovery of a man’s body on a Tasmanian beach. The investigation brings together two detectives with very different approaches, who must collaborate to crack the case.

At first glance, Deadloch seems like a typical small-town murder mystery. However, the show quickly becomes much more than that. Starring Kate Box as Sergeant Dulcie Collins and Madeleine Sami as detective Eddie Redcliffe, the series uses the characters’ conflicting personalities to create humor while also building suspense. Deadloch starts as a funny parody but unexpectedly turns into a truly captivating drama.

Created by comedic duo Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan, Deadloch blends a murder mystery with dark humor and biting satire. This unique combination creates a tone that’s both suspenseful and funny, playfully poking fun at traditional crime shows while still keeping viewers guessing with genuine twists and turns.

The series Deadloch has received significant acclaim for its unique blend of humor and suspense. It earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly became a hit on Prime Video after its 2023 debut, reaching the Top 10 in over 150 countries. Its success shows that audiences worldwide connected with the show’s combination of satire, mystery, and compelling characters.

It’s rare to find shows like Deadloch that successfully combine comedy, crime, and the atmosphere of a small town. Balancing those elements feels natural in this series, but it’s a tricky feat. Luckily, Deadloch isn’t the only quirky crime show available, and season two is coming to Prime Video on March 20th.

10. Dexter

Dexter, a popular crime drama that aired on Showtime and starred Michael C. Hall, is considered one of the network’s biggest hits. The show, which ran from 2006 to 2013, follows Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst who secretly leads a double life as a serial killer with a unique sense of justice.

Dexter is a complex character – he targets criminals who’ve escaped justice and delivers his own form of punishment. But what truly makes the show stand out is its overall tone. Though it’s mainly a drama, Dexter skillfully combines intense, suspenseful moments with relatable human experiences, resulting in a well-rounded and compelling series.

9. Killing Eve

Killing Eve, a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between MI5 analyst Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) and assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer), has become a hugely popular and important crime drama. The show developed a complicated and personal connection between the two leads, guided by four different female showrunners, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Emerald Fennell, working alongside the stars.

Despite its generally dark and serious themes, the TV show Killing Eve – which aired for four seasons from 2018 to 2022 – truly excelled thanks to its comedic scenes. The show frequently found humor even in awkward or unbelievable situations.

8. Broadchurch

Patrick Redmond / © ITV/BBC America / Courtesy: Everett Collection

The creators of Deadloch initially described it as a comedic take on the crime drama Broadchurch, so it’s natural to compare the two shows. Broadchurch is a classic detective series starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman as detectives investigating challenging cases in the made-up English town of Broadchurch. Tennant plays Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, and Colman is Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller.

Although Broadchurch is generally darker in tone than many other crime shows, its strong acting really makes it memorable. Each season centers around one main case, and the show consistently brings together talented British actors for gripping and often surprising scenes.

7. Frayed

Sarah Kendall’s show, Frayed, which she wrote, created, and starred in, was a great two-season series. While it’s not a crime show, it shares a similar energy to Deadloch. The series follows Sammy, an Australian woman whose life is turned upside down when her husband dies unexpectedly and leaves them with financial troubles. She returns to Australia with her two teenage sons to live with her mother, marking a huge change in her life.

While a serious crime does occur, Frayed focuses more on the quirky relationships and atmosphere of a small town—similar to what you see in Deadloch—than on typical dramatic storylines. Even with some dark events, the show realistically captures the feeling of life in a close-knit community.

6. Prodigal Son

The series Prodigal Son centers around Malcolm Bright (Tom Payne) and blends intense family drama with thrilling crime investigations. Malcolm is haunted by his father, Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen), a notorious serial killer whom Malcolm turned in as a child. He’s been trying to escape his father’s dark legacy ever since.

Okay, so “Prodigal Son” throws us right into the life of Malcolm, a guy who’s desperately tried to escape his father’s dark legacy – he’s even changed his name! But when a killer starts mimicking his dad’s crimes, Malcolm is forced to confront everything he’s been running from. The show really digs into the conflict of him working as a detective while simultaneously battling the shadow of his father’s notorious reputation. Let’s just say, despite his best efforts, Malcolm quickly learns that he can’t truly outrun his family history.

5. Bad Sisters

Apple TV+’s Bad Sisters is an Irish series created by Sharon Horgan, known for Catastrophe. Horgan also stars as Eva Garvey, the oldest of five sisters living in Dublin. The story follows Eva and her siblings – Grace, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka – as they become suspects in an insurance fraud investigation after the death of Eva’s controlling husband.

Though the show jumps between events before and after a death, its darkly funny storytelling is what really stands out. Bad Sisters isn’t a typical crime drama, but it explores all the compelling themes you’d expect from one.

4. Orphan Black

Running from 2013 to 2017, Orphan Black is a highly acclaimed science fiction series. The show stars Tatiana Maslany, who brilliantly plays multiple clones of the same woman. It centers on Sarah Manning and her discovery of a hidden conspiracy connected to her own life. Orphan Black combines the suspense of a crime thriller with surprisingly dark humor.

3. The Afterparty

Apple TV+’s The Afterparty is a funny crime show starring Tiffany Haddish as Detective Danner. Each of its two seasons features a new murder mystery, with Sam Richardson’s character, Aniq Adjaye, appearing in both. While the show’s unique format wasn’t for everyone, it delivered a lighthearted and enjoyable experience.

2. Poker Face

Natasha Lyonne starred in Poker Face, a show that ran for two seasons on Peacock. She played Charlie Cale, a woman who can always spot a lie. The series followed Charlie as she traveled around the US, stumbling into murder mysteries and solving them with a darkly funny twist. Though its unique premise didn’t appeal to all viewers, Poker Face delivered a consistently funny and engaging blend of comedy and crime drama during its brief run.

1. Only Murders In The Building

Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, is a standout crime show. It brilliantly uses New York City as its setting, mixing a classic mystery vibe with modern humor and suspenseful storytelling.

2026-03-10 01:40