10 Best Cozy Crime Shows Of All Time

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Crime dramas are usually known for being dark and intense, but some of the most enjoyable ones offer a more relaxed and comforting viewing experience – this has led to the rise of “cozy crime” as a popular genre. With so many high-quality, intense crime shows available, it can be overwhelming to keep up. However, cozy mysteries are a little harder to find. Though they’ve always been around, they don’t always fit neatly into genre categories, as they often require viewers to accept a less realistic premise compared to more serious, gritty crime shows.

Cozy crime shows on TV aren’t known for being complicated, but they’re good at providing a comforting experience. Viewers often tune in knowing the mystery will be solved within each episode. These shows offer a relaxing challenge, whether it’s the charming setting, the likable characters, or both, making them perfect for those who enjoy a satisfying resolution.

10. The Afterparty

Apple TV+’s comedy mystery series, The Afterparty, won’t be returning for a third season. The show centered around a different murder each season, investigated by Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) and often involving Aniq (Sam Richardson) as a suspect. The Afterparty was known for being a funny, fast-paced show that cleverly subverted typical mystery tropes. It managed to create compelling mysteries without becoming dark or overly serious, keeping the tone light and the twists surprising. While its humor was a major strength, the show also succeeded in keeping viewers actively involved, making its two seasons particularly memorable.

9. Deadloch

The Prime Video series Deadloch is a funny, Australian detective show about two investigators looking into a strange death in a small town. Though there’s a real mystery to solve, the show is at its best when it’s making you laugh. With a talented cast and two seasons available, Deadloch offers a comforting and humorous experience, particularly through the developing relationship between detectives Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami).

8. Castle

Running for eight seasons on ABC, Castle follows mystery writer Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) as he teams up with NYPD detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) for research. While each episode features a new case, the show is more than just a typical crime drama. Castle’s unique perspective as an outsider, combined with his humor and charisma, allows a captivating romance to develop between him and Beckett over time. Castle is considered a defining show for the modern cozy crime genre.

7. Wild Cards

Wild Cards follows Cole Ellis, a detective trying to rebuild his career, and Max Mitchell, a charming con artist. It’s a show focused on its characters, offering a light and enjoyable procedural experience with engaging storylines. Currently airing on The CW, Wild Cards avoids dark or violent themes, opting for clever dialogue between the leads and self-contained cases each week. It’s a fast-paced, escapist series that also takes its time developing the characters and their relationships.

6. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

Set in 1920s Australia, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries originally aired in the 2010s and ran for three seasons. The show follows the glamorous and independent private detective, Phryne Fisher (played by Essie Davis), as she solves crimes with style. It successfully blends the detail of a historical period drama with the structure of a classic detective show. Each episode feels like an exciting adventure, thanks to beautiful costumes, strong acting, and a dedication to creating a world you can truly escape into. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is a warm, clever, and consistently delightful show that stands out from the rest.

5. Only Murders In The Building

Hulu’s hit series, Only Murders in the Building, has quickly gained a dedicated following thanks to its charming trio of amateur detectives. When a murder occurs in their New York City apartment building, Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short), and Charles Hayden-Savage (Steve Martin) team up to investigate and share their findings through a podcast. However, their investigation soon leads them into a much larger and more complex conspiracy than they anticipated. Despite the mystery, Only Murders has a surprisingly heartwarming quality, making it a comforting and enjoyable show.

4. Murdoch Mysteries

As a big fan of detective shows, I’ve been watching Murdoch Mysteries for years – it’s been on since 2008, which is amazing! It’s set back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and follows Detective William Murdoch, played by Yannick Bisson, as he cracks cases using really cutting-edge forensic science for that era. What I especially love is the show’s beautiful period setting – it just feels so elegant and cozy. It’s a classic procedural, meaning you can usually expect each episode to wrap up a complete case, and it really focuses on the detective work itself, rather than relying on a lot of violence.

3. Monk

Starring Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, the series Monk centers on a private investigator with obsessive-compulsive disorder who consults with the San Francisco police. He uses his incredible attention to detail to solve crimes, acting as a hidden asset to the department. While dealing with personal anxieties and loss, Monk stands out as a particularly funny and heartwarming crime procedural. The show is consistently lighthearted and sincere, thanks to Shalhoub’s skillful portrayal of Monk, balancing comedic moments with genuine vulnerability.

2. Columbo

I’ve been a huge fan of Columbo for years, and what always struck me about the show is how cleverly it was put together. You always knew who did it right from the start – the episode would open with the crime and the killer revealed! But the real fun was watching Columbo, this seemingly bumbling detective, slowly but surely piece everything together. It’s such a comforting format, and surprisingly, it kept things fresh. It didn’t need a ton of twists and turns, it was just… cozy. It was always a pleasure to watch him work.

1. Murder, She Wrote

Considered a classic crime show, Murder, She Wrote is a comforting and reliable series. It follows mystery author Jessica Fletcher (played by Angela Lansbury) as she investigates crimes in her hometown of Cabot Cove, Maine, and beyond. Angela Lansbury’s warm presence immediately makes the show inviting. Unlike many crime dramas, Murder, She Wrote focused on clever deduction and understanding people’s motivations rather than graphic violence, making it a standout example of cozy crime television.

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2026-05-27 01:19