Five essential detective series to binge on Netflix this weekend

This week marks the arrival of the highly anticipated Dead Boy Detectives on Netflix, adding a supernatural twist to the detective genre. But if this gets you craving for more investigative thrills, look no further than Netflix. 

Our ongoing essential series list is here to guide your binge-watching session this weekend. We offer a mix of new releases and timeless classics, some even sharing the spooky core of Dead Boy Detectives.

Whether you’re in the mood for supernatural mysteries or more comedic investigations, these five essential detective series on Netflix are sure to satisfy your craving for sleuthing needs. From Dead Boy Detectives to Monk, we have a bit of the new razzle-dazzle and the old-world charm of televisions best.

So grab some popcorn, cosy up, and get ready for a weekend filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of twists and turns.

Five essential detective series to binge on Netflix this weekend:

Dead Boy Detectives

Based on the DC Comics characters by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner, Dead Boy Detectives is a supernatural horror detective-comedy series set to premiere on April 25th, 2024. 

The story follows Charles Rowland and Edwin Paine, two deceased schoolboys who decide to remain on Earth as detectives investigating crimes involving the supernatural with an entirely spooktacular clientele. With a cast including George Rexstrew, Jayden Revri, Kassius Nelson, Briana Cuoco, and Ruth Connell, this series promises an intriguing blend of mystery and fun.

Monk

Monk is a classic detective series that follows the brilliant yet eccentric Adrian Monk, portrayed by Tony Shalhoub. 

Monk, a former detective with an obsessive-compulsive disorder, uses his exceptional attention to detail to solve crimes in the San Francisco Bay Area. With its daily supply of new mysteries and quirky characters, Monk is a must-watch for fans of procedural dramas.

Lockwood & Co.

Based on Jonathan Stroud’s book series, Lockwood & Co. offers a unique take on the detective genre with a supernatural twist. Some Netflix subscribers were angry when this one was cancelled. And many others have been left baffled that the streaming platform now has a show (Dead Boy Detectives) that seems to be nearly identical in premise.

Set in an alternate version of present-day Britain, where ghosts pose a deadly threat, the series follows Lucy Carlyle as she joins the small ghost-hunting agency, Lockwood & Co. With its imaginative world-building, this British supernatural detective thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Mindhunter

Mindhunter may not be a typical detective show, but it explores the fascinating world of criminal profiling and psychological investigation. 

Set in the late 1970s, FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench (played by Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany) unleash their inner sleuths to interview serial killers to understand their motives and behaviour. Created by Joe Penhall and executive produced by David Fincher, this gripping series offers a chilling glimpse into the minds of some of the most notorious criminals in history.

American Vandal

For a lighter take on the detective genre, American Vandal offers a satirical look at true-crime documentaries and our utter obsession with them. 

The series follows high school student documentarian Peter Maldonado (played by Tyler Alvarez) as he investigates a series of pranks at his school. With its mockumentary style and witty humour, American Vandal will provide a refreshing and entertaining twist on the genre.