10 Mystery Shows Better Than Only Murders in the Building

by

I’m so excited for season six of Only Murders in the Building! Everyone I know is really craving a good mystery right now. Season five definitely had what makes the show so great, but honestly, it started to feel a little same-y after a while. And the wait for the new season? It’s killing me!

If you’re enjoying the mix of comedy and mystery in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ but find the storylines a little predictable, it might be time to explore other shows. Here are 10 mystery series that offer more compelling stories to keep you entertained while you wait for the next season.

A Man on the Inside

While A Man on the Inside shares some similarities with Only Murders in the Building – both center around a retired character finding new meaning by investigating a mystery – it more effectively and compassionately depicts the challenges faced by seniors. The show centers on Charles Nieuwendyk (played by Ted Danson), who goes undercover as a resident in a nursing home.

Charles is investigating a robbery, and along the way, he gets to know—and even befriends—the people who live there as he searches for the thief. What makes A Man on the Inside so compelling is how relatable and human the characters are, making it a show that’s both funny, heartwarming, and easy to enjoy.

High Potential

Disney

Fans who enjoy strong female leads in shows like Only Murders in the Building will likely appreciate High Potential. Its main character, Morgan Gillory, is an even more dynamic and effective crime-solver than Selena Gomez’s Mabel Mora. The series follows Morgan’s journey from cleaning professional to amateur detective, eventually becoming a police consultant thanks to her exceptional intelligence.

I’m totally hooked on this show! Morgan is just magnetic – she’s so funny and smart, and uses her quick wit to crack every case. It looks like a standard detective show, but it feels so much lighter and more fun, almost cozy. Plus, there’s this big mystery running in the background that slowly unfolds, and it all just mixes together to make High Potential feel really unique and exciting. It’s a surprisingly great combination!

Deadloch

Deadloch is a mystery series centered around a body discovered on a beach in a tight-knit town. Heavily influenced by the show Broadchurch, it’s full of surprising turns. However, what really sets Deadloch apart – especially with its short eight-episode run – is its unique take on the crime drama genre, often feeling like a clever send-up of typical tropes.

Deadloch playfully satirizes our fascination with true crime. The show’s success on Prime Video also comes down to its darkly funny tone, consistently tense atmosphere, and strong performances from the entire cast.

The Afterparty

The series The Afterparty kicks off with the murder of a famous singer. It uses a unique storytelling approach, similar to the film Rashomon, where Detective Danner (played by Tiffany Haddish) interviews a group of suspects. Each suspect tells the story from their own perspective, and Danner tries to piece together the truth. The show is funny and feels like a modern take on a classic Agatha Christie whodunit.

As a film buff, what really grabbed me about this show isn’t the ‘who done it’ itself, but how completely our perspective changes depending on who’s telling the story. It’s brilliantly done, switching between different characters and even genres! Honestly, it’s even more mind-bending than Only Murders in the Building, and it totally keeps you hooked, desperate to figure out the truth.

Castle

Before starring in The Rookie, Nathan Fillion gained popularity with the show Castle, a unique take on the police procedural. The series centers on Richard Castle, a witty writer who begins assisting the police in solving crimes, hoping to find inspiration for his next book.

Okay, so Castle might feel a little dated compared to something like Only Murders in the Building – it doesn’t quite have that podcast-driven vibe. But trust me, it’s packed with fun references for anyone into geek culture. What really grabbed me, though, was the chemistry between the leads. They’re constantly playfully fighting, delivering incredibly witty dialogue, and sparking a hilarious, will-they-won’t-they romance that kept me completely hooked. Seriously, you’ll be begging for more of their back-and-forth!

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries

Set in the glamorous 1920s, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries features a bold and independent woman who challenges the rules of her time, much like the characters in Only Murders in the Building. Essie Davis stars as Phryne Fisher, a stylish and determined private detective who confidently navigates a profession dominated by men in Melbourne.

The show captures the stylish and luxurious atmosphere of the Arconia building, alongside entertaining and twisty mysteries. But the cases in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries are particularly captivating because they blend the suspense of classic detective stories with the exciting, adventurous spirit of a female James Bond – full of wit, romance, and progressive ideas.

Ludwig

In the novel Ludwig, John Taylor steps in for his twin brother, a police inspector who has mysteriously vanished. However, Ludwig‘s strength isn’t sharp intelligence—it’s his complete disregard for social niceties.

Despite the main characters in Only Murders in the Building often being silly and a bit clueless, John’s character, Ludwig, undergoes a real transformation. He becomes more relatable and finds acceptance among his new friends and coworkers.

Psych

MovieStillsDB

In the show Psych, Shawn uses his sharp observational skills and cleverness to convince people he’s psychic. He enlists his best friend to help him solve crimes, relying on his confidence, playful attitude, and a bit of trickery to fool both the police and his private clients.

Shawn and Gus consistently deliver hilarious and feel-good adventures as they tackle bizarre mysteries. Over its 120+ episodes, Psych has remained unique by avoiding common crime show clichés, which is why it continues to be beloved by fans even years later.

Monk

Adrian Monk was a truly unique detective. He was riddled with phobias, obsessions, and quirks that often frustrated those around him, but he possessed a brilliant mind for solving crimes. The show Monk expertly balances humor and drama, even more so than Only Murders in the Building, though it generally maintains a lighthearted feel.

The show Monk was full of humor thanks to the detective’s 312 phobias, but it also featured a compelling long-term mystery: solving his wife’s murder. Viewers kept watching for both the funny moments and to see if Monk could finally crack the one case that haunted him.

Murder, She Wrote

Murder, She Wrote features Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), a clever and determined mystery writer, who consistently finds herself investigating crimes and dangerous situations. She’s a strong, yet polite, woman with the wisdom and resourcefulness to solve the mystery and protect herself in the process.

Even now, Murder, She Wrote is often considered one of the greatest mystery series of all time and holds a special place in television history.

Read More

2026-02-14 07:40