Are you like me and already dreading the thought of making Thanksgiving dinner? Even shopping for holiday gifts for friends and family seems like a drag this year. It may sound unusual, but in stressful periods like the holidays, I like watching a good mystery filled with murder, preferably ones set in Great Britain.
Why? Well, that’s more of a question for my shrink. But if you feel the same way, then I have three great recommendations for some nifty crime shows for November. Two are brand new, while one debuted two years ago on Netflix. All three are guaranteed to give you a good time … and make you forget, for a few hours at least, about that turkey holiday looming around the corner.
Need more recommendations? Check out the best British shows on Netflix and the best British shows on Hulu.
Rebus (2024)
Every country has their signature detective. America has Sam Spade, England has Sherlock Holmes, and Scotland has John Rebus. Ian Rankin’s creation has been popular ever since he first appeared in the 1987 novel Knots and Crosses, and he’s already been the focus of one successful murder mystery series, also called Rebus, that aired from 2000 to 2007.
Now he’s back, and he’s ready to solve even more murders. Produced by the Nordic streamer Viaplay and broadcast by the BBC earlier this year, Rebus has Outlander‘s Richard Rankin (no relation to Ian) assume the lead role. Rankin’s interpretation is decidedly more modern and flawed, as the detective this time around is vulnerable (he’s just getting over a divorce) and more out of place in a work environment that makes him feel like an outsider.
On top of all that, he has to deal with an intimidating Edinburgh gangster who doesn’t take too kindly to Rebus’ snooping. The first season of Rebus consists of six episodes and is already a hit abroad, so now’s a good time to watch a show that will surely be around for years to come.
Rebus is streaming on Viaplay.
Inspector Ellis (2024)
What happens when the police can’t crack a case? In northern England, they call Inspector Ellis. Acclaimed theater actress Sharon D. Clarke stars as the titular detective, who is called to investigate a perplexing mystery: a teenager and his girlfriend have gone missing, and the local police can’t find out what happened to them or where they are.
Ellis is tasked with solving the case, but she soon realizes she’s dealing with a town that turns a blind eye to their kids’ clandestine activities. Inspector Ellis is only three episodes long, which makes it perfect for those craving a mini-binge full of clever plot twists and an engaging performance by Clarke.
Inspector Ellis is streaming on Acorn TV.
Inside Man (2022)
Writer Steven Moffat and actor David Tennant are famous for their work on Doctor Who, and in 2022, they teamed up again in a bid to find that old creative magic. This time, instead of far-out sci-fi concepts and time-traveling aliens, they tackle a sprawling mystery that involves a London journalist, a small town English priest, and a convict in an American prison.
While Beth the journalist (Lydia West), Reverend Henry (Tennant), and convicted killer Jefferson Grieff (Conclave‘s Stanley Tucci) all seem to have nothing in common, their lives will soon intersect in ways none of them thought possible. How are they all connected? Throughout its four episodes, Inside Man slowly builds a narrative that gradually ratchets up the tension until it’s almost unbearable. Yes, some of its plot developments are a bit of a stretch, but a lot can be forgiven when a show is as entertaining as this one.
Inside Man is streaming on Netflix.
