The detective genre is a crowded one to say the least, but Three Pines has managed to grab the audience’s attention this winter, becoming a popular series. The show utilizes an impressive, cinematic look alongside some fascinating murder mysteries. Here are 10 more TV shows like Three Pines that are similar in style and nature.
Luther (2010 – 2019)
Starting the list is Luther, the BBC’s successful, psychological crime thriller that ran for five seasons, spanning nearly a decade. The show has been a popular commodity for the BBC, prompting multiple adaptations and even a Netflix movie that’s coming to the streaming site in 2023. The show follows the titular detective, played by Idris Elba. Just like Three Pines, the series explores specific cases, with an overarching storyline threading through the many subplots.
Twin Peaks (1990 – 2017)
Cult classic Twin Peaks, from cult director David Lynch and co-creator Mark Frost, starts as a story about the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer, but it soon becomes so much more. The series includes many bizarre characters and an array of unusual narrative tangents. This quirky tone seems like the perfect companion piece to Three Pines, which in itself, includes: an author with a pet duck, artsy dream sequences and many odd plot twists. Available now on Paramount+ in both the UK and the US.
Deceit (2021)
This four-part miniseries from Channel 4 was written by Emilia Di Girolamo, who also happens to be the creator of Three Pines. The crime drama is based on the true story of a controversial undercover operation, known as a honey-trap, carried out by the Met Police back in 1992. Niamh Algar and Eddie Marsan star in this gripping series that was praised for its stylized direction and stunning performances. You can stream this on Netflix, Disney+, All 4 or Sky Go in the UK — so no excuses.
Jonathan Creek (1997 – 2016)
Another British crime series that ran for many years, Jonathan Creek is a BBC production, created by David Renwick. The series, starring Alan Davies in the lead role, focuses on “how” a murder was pulled off, instead of why or who did the crime. Another aspect that keeps the series feeling fresh, is the magician angle. Creek is a creative consultant to a stage magician in the show, allowing for much hilarity and some nifty explanations of the many illusions used throughout. It’s a charming series, available on ITV Hub and Sky Go in the UK, or BritBox in the States.
Top of the Lake (2013 – 2017)
There were only ever two seasons of this BBC series, but it was enough to leave a lasting impression. The mystery drama, created by Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog) and Gerard Lee, was adored by critics and won numerous awards in its day. The series starred Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) in both seasons and Nicole Kidman in season two. The first season followed the hunt for a missing 12-year-old girl, who was pregnant. Then in the second season, the death of an unidentified Asian girl. A highly successful series that is well worth your time.
The Sinner (2017 – 2021)
A troubled yet exemplary detective with a disturbing past, sound familiar? Both The Sinner and Three Pines are led by these stereotypical crime fighters. The similarities don’t end there either. Both shows are known for intricate mysteries and a whimsical, artsy edge. The Sinner ran for four seasons, yet its quality slightly dipped over the years. The first season is a master class, whilst the rest are acceptable additional stories. Bill Pullman is exceptional as Detective Harry Ambrose, a man who shares many characteristics with Armand Gamache.
Poirot (1989 – 2013)
Poirot, also known as Agatha Christie’s Poirot, is one of the most famous mystery dramas of modern times. David Suchet played the detective Hercule Poirot over thirteen seasons and seventy episodes – that is a lot of death! The show tackled a new mystery in each installment, which is a format that Three Pines kind of follows. In Three Pines, each two episodes address one specific murder case, with an ongoing disappearance case running through all eight parts.
The Crown (2016 – present)
The Three Pines trailer boasts that the series comes from the producers of The Crown. Producer Andy Harries and director Samuel Donovan both worked on the hugely successful Netflix series, as well as Prime Video’s Three Pines. The Crown needs no introduction, Peter Morgan’s sprawling historical drama about the Royal family and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most talked-about shows of the year, but that won’t stop me from trying to win over even more fans. It is just that good. A beautifully made, dramatic biography over (soon to be) six seasons and three iterations of actors. A truly mind-boggling project that deserves all the praise it gets.
Sherlock (2010 – 2017)
The mystery genre’s most renowned detective Sherlock Holmes gets modernized and updated for the 21st century in Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat’s BBC adaptation. The most iconic of detectives is here played by Benedict Cumberbatch, with Martin Freeman as his sidekick Doctor John Watson. The show ran for four seasons, with thirteen episodes, gaining critical success, a huge viewership, and many accolades. The genre may have peaked with this one, but streaming services are all eager to find their own version of this undisturbed, popular format. Three Pines is just the latest iteration.
True Detective (2014 – present)
Nic Pizzolatto’s anthology series brought something new to the crime genre back in 2014. It was a disturbingly dark and cinematically thrilling slice of detective fiction, bolstered by Hollywood star-power in its two leads: Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. The HBO series is ongoing, with a fourth season in the works, set to star Jodie Foster. Like Three Pines, True Detective twists the genre slightly, offering more fantastical elements to proceedings, integrating religious themes and a dream-like quality to the standard detective conventions. The first season is a fine example of the excellent TV you’ve come to expect from the network, but the other, lesser installments are still worth a watch.
Do you have any other recommendations for TV Shows like Three Pines? Let us know!
