Best crime dramas and true crime docs to watch now

Top Crime Dramas

For all of you who can't get enough of gritty crime dramas, we've got more troubled detectives, winding plots and shocking twists than you can shake a stick at. Take a look at the top free-to-view crime dramas available for you to watch whenever the mood strikes.   

Out There

Stream now on ITVX and STV Player

Martin Clunes stars in the new drama as Nathan Williams, a farmer who steadily sees the land he cherishes invaded by county lines drug dealers. After his son is forced into working for them, Nathan must make a radical decision to protect his family.

Virdee

Watch on BBC iPlayer

Set in Bradford, Virdee follows Detective Harry Virdee, a Sikh officer estranged from his family due to his marriage to a Muslim woman. When a murderer kidnaps an MP’s daughter and holds her to ransom, Harry is forced to team up with his drug kingpin brother-in-law. This is a high-stakes thriller you just can't miss.

Vera

Stream on ITVX and STV Player

Set against the rugged landscapes of Northumberland, Vera follows the brilliant but unconventional DCI Vera Stanhope as she solves complex murder cases with her sharp instincts and no-nonsense attitude. After it's final seasons release at the start of the year, there's no time like the present to get watching! Starring Brenda Blethyn.

Dexter

Stream now on 5

Adopted as a child by Miami police officer Harry Morgan (James Remar), Dexter (Michael C. Hall) was taught to channel his dark urges into a deadly form of justice, eliminating criminals who slip through the system. Using his unique skill set, he carves out a double life as a forensics technician for the police by day and a vigilante serial killer by night. If you love crime dramas with a thrilling twist, Dexter is a must-see!

Until I Kill You

Stream now on ITVX and STV Player

Filled with a star studded cast, this new true crime drama sees the ordeal Delia Balmer (Anna Maxwell Martin) suffered at the hands of notorious killer John Sweeney (Shaun Evans). Following her traumatic journey through the police and criminal justice system, Until I Kill You denotes how they met and how John’s personality gave way to a much darker violent side…

Patience

Stream now on Channel 4

Based on the very popular French drama Astrid: Murder in Paris, this drama is set against the historical backdrop of York. Patience sees detective Bea Metcalfe (Laura Fraser) form an unlikely but powerful duo with young autistic police archivist Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis) who’s eye for detail and reading between the lines allows the due to exceed in uncovering crimes!

Ludwig

Stream now on BBC iPlayer

This cryptic comedy-drama sees puzzle-maker John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor (David Mitchell), a comfortable recluse, exit his comfort zone when his twin brother, a DCI goes missing. Under pressure from his sister-in-law (Anna Maxwell Martin), he impersonates his brother at work in order to discover what happened to him! 

The Alienist

Stream now on U

Prepare to immerse yourself in the criminal underworld of the 1890s! Its 1896 in New York city and after a series of murders takes place, criminal psychologist Dr Lazlo Kreizler (Daniel Brühl) is tasked with assisting Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt (Brian Geraghty) to catch the killer! Also starring Dakota Fanning and Luke Evans.

Joan

Watch on ITVX + STV Player 

Sophie Turner stars in this six-part crime drama as the real-life renowned jewel thief Joan Hannington. The series documents Joan's journey from housewife and mother to petty offender and criminal mastermind and jewel thief in 1980’s London! 

Top True Crime Documentaries

Until I Kill You: The Real Story

Stream on ITVX and STV Player

This documentary tells the powerful true story of Delia Balmer and uncovers how she bravely faced serial killer John Sweeney and fought for justice.

Child Snatchers: A Day at the Fair

Stream now on 5 

This gripping two-part documentary, Child Snatchers: A Day at the Fair follows the horrifying tale of the Dirty Dozen, a horrific paedophile gang, guilty of the abductions of young boys during the 80s. Despite arrests, the documentary poses a big question – could there be more victims?

Twisted Twins

Watch on ITVX and STV Player

This shocking series offers a unique take on the psychology of identical twins and how their twin ship resulted in cases of murder, manslaughter and missing persons!

Hidden in my House

Stream now on 5

This strange, shocking and quite frankly, disturbing series is all about the phenomenon of phrogging, people living secretly inside someone else’s home, often with disturbing and sinister plans.

Merseyside Detectives: The Murders of Ashley and Olivia

Stream now on Channel 4

Over four episodes, this documentary highlights the heart-breaking toll of gun and gang crime on innocent lives in Merseyside after the deaths of 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbe and 28-year-old Ashley Dale a day apart.

The Hidden Children of Ruinerwold Farm

Watch on BBC iPlayer now

This gripping series tells the story that broke news outlets around the world. After finally escaping at 24, the fourth oldest child Israel reached out for help, alerting the authorities to the hidden farm, where himself and all his siblings had lived with their abusive father unregistered and in secret, for years!

Forensics: Murder Scene

Stream now on 5

With unprecedented access, 5 follow the Scientific Support Team and Homicide Investigation Team from the moment a murder is reported, through to the conviction of the murderer. The 5 team journey with the forensics team and detectives as they piece together the vital clues to crack the case.

Secrets of a Murder Detective

Watch on TRUECRIME Saturdays at 7pm and Sunday at 8pm

This series invites audiences into the intriguing job of crime-solving with Steve Keogh, a detective with over 30 years experience!

Best Crime Documentaries on Netflix: 

Worst Ex Ever

This docuseries shows how surprisingly easy it can be to find yourself trapped in a relationship with a monster, and most importantly how victims have found their way free. This is not a show for the faint of heart!

American Nightmare 

Not so affectionately dubbed the real Gone Girl, this docuseries explores the kidnapping of a young girl, and the lack of intervention by police enforcement who assumed it was a hoax. In 2015 an intruder broke into the home of Denise Huskin and her boyfriend Aaron Quinn, drugging them both and later holding Huskin for ransom. When Quinn reached out to the police for help however, he was not believed and instead suspected of being responsible for her disappearance.