If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a steaming cup of tea, snuggling under a soft blanket, and indulging in a good old-fashioned whodunit. Cozy mysteries are not just for books—some of the best sleuthing takes place on our TV screens, complete with charming small towns, quirky characters, and clever puzzles that keep us guessing. In the spirit of all things cozy, here are four delightful cozy mystery TV shows that will leave you eagerly returning for more.
Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)
Where to watch: Peacock, Amazon Prime, DVD collections
There’s no denying that Angela Lansbury’s Jessica Fletcher reigns as the queen of modern cozy mysteries. This retired schoolteacher-turned-mystery novelist somehow finds herself embroiled in murders wherever she goes, including her quaint hometown of Cabot Cove.
What I love:
- Small-town charm
- Clever plots that avoid excessive violence
- Jessica’s sharp wit combined with her kind heart
Agatha Christie’s Marple (2004-2013)
Where to watch: BritBox, Amazon Prime
Every time I watch this show, I can’t help but wonder if beloved Miss Marple inspired the character of Jessica Fletcher. Equal parts sweet-looking and razor-sharp, Miss Marple is an amateur sleuth who quietly solves baffling mysteries that leave the police stumped. English villages. Secrets. Scandals. Who could ask for anything more?
What I love:
- Beautiful English countryside settings
- The clever unraveling of each case
- A reminder that “nothing is what it seems”
Agatha Christie’s Poirot (1989-2013)
Where to watch: BritBox, Amazon Prime
Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, is hard at work solving crimes that have stumped the authorities. David Suchet’s performance as the detective is top-notch.
What I love:
- 1930s settings
- Solid mysteries that keep you guessing
- Poirot’s charming quirks and, of course, his signature mustache
Father Brown (2013-Present)
Where to watch: BritBox, Amazon Prime
Gentle and thoughtful, Father Brown solves crimes in a quaint 1950s English village using his intuition, compassion, and profound understanding of human nature.
What I love:
- The quaint village atmosphere
- A detective with a kind, gentle heart
- An abundance of heartwarming moments
Note: I’ve only watched seasons 1-9; the exit of Mrs. Bridgette McCarthy hit me hard. One of these days, I will finish it, but first, there are a few more cozy mystery TV shows I would like to try:
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012-2015)
Where to watch: Acorn TV, Amazon Prime
A glamorous, fearless sleuth in 1920s Melbourne.
Rosemary & Thyme (2003-2007)
Where to watch: BritBox, Amazon Prime
Two middle-aged women team up to solve crimes while traveling the English countryside restoring beautiful gardens.
Agatha Raisin (2016-Present)
Where to watch: Acorn TV
A high-powered PR executive turned amateur sleuth moves to a quaint village in the English Cotswolds and finds—you guessed it—murder.
