Twin Peaks (1990-1991; 2017-)

This recently-revived drama is perhaps the most mind-bending show on television. In its first iteration, the focus of the show is unraveling the mystery of who killed homecoming queen Laura Palmer. The series follows FBI agent Dale Cooper who arrives in Twin Peaks, Washington to investigate. As the show unfolds over three seasons, we learn about the extremely strange town and its residents, and that there is more to it all than meets the eye.

The Killing (2011-2014)

Detective Sarah Linden is on her way out on the last day of her job at the Seattle police department when a missing persons case lands in her lap. Rosie Larson has vanished. Linden can’t get the case out of her head and postpones her move in order to solve the mystery. This dark and gritty drama has a completely heart wrenching first episode that will keep you hooked for the entire series.

Slasher (2016)

Slasher follows a young woman who moves back to her hometown where her parents were brutally murdered while she was still in the womb. When a series of copycat murders begin, Sarah and her husband Ben find a renewed need to figure out why her parents were targeted and by whom. The murder mystery unravels with lots of gore in this (as its title suggests) slasher-style horror series.

Veronica Mars (2004-2007)

High school student Veronica Mars helps out with her dad’s private investigation business, so she sees a lot of villain-of-the-week-style mysteries. On top of these mini-mysteries, each season has its own extended mystery to investigate that slowly unfolds until the finales. The first season focuses on the murder of her best friend and fuels her desire to become an investigator. Veronica’s snarky wit enhances the charm of this brilliant show full of exciting twists.

Life (2007-2009)

Life takes a refreshing twist on the typical detective drama by putting an ex-con at the forefront. Charlie Crews spent twelve years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit and was exonerated and given enough money to never need to work again. However, as a detective in his former life, Crews decides to get back in the grind and solve crimes for the LAPD. His new zen outlook on life affects the way he investigates and makes for an interesting detective persona.

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