30 Must-Watch Acorn TV Shows on Right Now (April 2026): ‘Monsieur Spade’ and More

In 1963famed detective Sam Spade (Clive Owen) enjoys a well-deserved retirementhaving traded the hustle and bustle of private investigation in San Francisco for the relaxing beaches of the South of France. HoweverSpade’s newly carefree life is shaken up by remors of an old enemy lurking nearbyand what’s moresix nuns have been killed at a nearby convent. Spade finds himself once again pulled into his old tradeas he uncovers dark local secrets and a mysterious child connected to the brutal crimes.

Owen takes up the mantle from Humphrey Bogart as the second live-action interpretation of the iconic Sam Spadethe fictional private detective created by author Dashiell Hammett in his 1930 novel The Maltese Falcon. UltimatelyOwen is a more than fitting match for Spadeand he commands the screen with his sheer exasperation and cynicism. The performance carries a compellingly original story with great writing and confident direction.

Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) is transferred from AucklandNew Zealandto Brokenwood to investigate a local cop who might be linked to a murder. By the conclusion of the caseShepherd decides to stay indefinitely in Brokenwooddespite taking a demotion to Detective Senior Sergeant. Though a quiet country townShepherd digs into his fair share of murders while accompanied by the efficient Detective Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland). As the series goes onthe relationship between Shepherd and Fern becomes strongeras the two disparate detectives learn to appreciate one another.

The Brokenwood Mysteries is an exceptional blend of quirkysmall-town New Zealand humor with engaging whodunit murder mysteries. The strong chemistry between Sutherland and Rea is the series’ anchor even twelve seasons onand many fans have compared the show’s tone and favorably to other popular detective shows like Midsomer Murders and Columbo.

In this compelling mystery series based on the novel of the same name by Sally Hepworthan enigmatic woman named Isabelle (Teresa Palmer) moves into a quaint seaside cottage in a charming town called Osprey’s Point. Isabelle claims to locals she’s a writer working on an article about the town’s evolution into a trendy resort destinationbut she’s actually there to investigate the other families who reside in her cul-de-sac. As her neighbors become suspicious of Isabelle’s true intentions and motivestensions flare and devastating secrets bubble up to the surface.

Be sure to check out The Family Next Door if you were a fan of Peacock’s miniseries adaptation of The ‘Burbs starring Keke Palmer. It’s a similar dissection of the rot hidden underneath the perfect white picket fences of suburbiabut it gives a unique spin to its domestic thriller with a compellingwitty tone. Overallthe central mystery is supremely compellingand The Family Next Door ends up making for a perfect binge-watch.

In 1857the world is at the mercy of the powerful East India Mercantile Companywhose armies outmaneuver and outgun every other nation on earth while stealing these same countries’ resources. In Indiathe company is building the Nautilusan underwater submersible intended as a warship. Things take a turn when one of the Nautilus’ slave laborers enacts a long-gestating uprising. When Nemo (Shazad Latif) and his crew successfully escape in the Nautiliusthey must contend with being hunted by the Company’s merciless Director Crawley (Damien Garvey) as they set out on an adventure to destroy their oppressors.

Nautilus takes Jules Verne‘s iconic novel and infuses it with some timely themes for the modern era and a funridiculous storyline that always keeps things entertaining. Latif steals the show in a heroic performance as Captain Nemoand the visually arresting production designfamily-friendly tone and freewheeling energy allow Nautilus to succeed as a fresh take on an old story.

Celebrated surgeon Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) suddenly develops an intense fear of bloodforcing him to relocate from his London hospital to the Cornish village of Portwenn. Therehe swaps his surgical gloves in favor of being the small town’s only general practitioner. Doc Martin — the townsfolk’s nickname for him — follows Ellingham as he struggles to adapt his posh life to his new working-class environmentfrequently bristling against the people of Portwenn for his fancy clothesabrasive personality and lack of bedside manners. NeverthelessEllingham is a brilliant doctorand he slowly gains his neighbors’ trust. 

Doc Martin ran on ITV for an impressive 18-year runa beloved show for its awkwardlaugh-out-loud comedycurmudgeonly appeal of Clunes’ character and the genuinely engaging development of Ellingham across seasons. The eclectic ensemble cast keeps things interestingand Ellingham even gets a love interest at one point. OverallDoc Martin is a well-written show that is both charmingsweet and entertainingly cringe-inducing.

When Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman)an Indigenous womangains media attention for her act of bravery against a violent gunmanRachel Anderson (Rachel Griffiths)the controversial Prime Minister of Australiadecides to hire Alex as a senator to boost her favorability. But when Alex takes her place in the senateRachel realizes that she wants to be more than just a tokenand a betrayal causes Alex to fight back in a way that could topple the entire political establishment.

Carried by powerful performances from Mailman and GriffithsTotal Control succeeds as a biting and high-stakes political drama. The fantastic dialogue and compelling character dynamics between Alex and Rachel give Total Control a strong anchorin a show that also does an exceptional job at offering authentic Indigenous representation and tackling timely themes such as systemic racism and corruption.

In the first season of this crime thrillerIrish detective Emer Berry (Angeline Ball) travels to Antwerp after a petty criminal is linked to a series of bombings in Belgium. After the Irish Criminal Assets Bureau does a routine raidthey discover that a small-time drug dealer has been receiving rough diamonds from an anonymous sourceand the diamonds are thus linked to the bombings. In BelgiumEmer teams up with the anti-terrorism squad and Belgian Police Commissioner Christian de Jong (Wouter Hendrickx) to get to the bottom of the case and prevent another terrorist attack.

After some cast departures and introductions during the second season of Hidden Assets, season 3’s cast is headed up by Nora-Jane Noonealongside season 1 regulars Aaron Monaghan and Cathy Belton and brand-new additions Catherine Walker, Dónall Ó Héalaí and more. The show is a spinoff of the series Acceptable Risk, and many fans and critics found that Hidden Assets more than lived up to its parent series. Dark and twisted with gritty realismintriguing conspiracy and a top-notch cast, Hidden Assets is a must-watch for fans of high-stakes investigative thrillers.

Believe it or not, Murdoch Mysteries has been on the air for over two decades and doesn’t show any signs of stopping. The Canadian mystery series stars Yannick Bisson as Detective William Murdochwho solves crimes in turn-of-the-century Toronto. In addition to the usage of newfangled forensic techniquesMurdoch is helped by  Constable Crabtree (Jonny Harris)Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) and Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy). Though his methods and approach elicit skepticism from his peersDetective Murdoch stops at nothing to solve the city’s most puzzling and gruesome murders.

It’s no secret why Murdoch Mysteries has managed to remain strong since 2008: it boasts a timeless blend of charming historical fictionbaffling cases and engaging characters. The series showcases a great blend of pulpy crime and light-hearted comedy — led by the fantastic Bisson — that satiates viewers’ desires for both escapistfeel-good content and compelling mystery.

British spy Sylvia Fox (Emilia Fox) visits Italy for her niece’s weddingbut when the groom fails to show up on the big daySylvia becomes suspicious. As Sylvia investigates the crimeshe realizes the groom is not all he appears to be. Signore Volpe follows Sylvi as she settles down in a charming Italian town and finds herself pulled into various local crimes. She also begins falling for a cop (Giovanni Cirfiera)but must deal with her ex-husband and former colleague (Jamie Bamber) attempting to lure her back.

Signora Volpe leans away from macabre gore and grisly murders and instead focuses on great performancescompelling mysteries and the perfect amount of romance. If you’re a fan of easy-going crime dramas with laid-back pacing and beautiful Italian locales, then Signora Volpe is the next binge-watch for you.

Ex-cop and single mom Pearl Nolan (Kerry Godliman) runs the Whitstable Peale seafood restaurant alongside her mother (Frances Barber). Howeverher restaurant doubles as the headquarters for Pearl’s private detective agencya lifelong dream of hers. Locals come to Pearl with all sorts of minor casesbut when a friend dies under suspicious circumstancesPearl gets wrapped up in the case and finds herself butting heads with the dour new Detective Chief Inspector Mike McGuire (Howard Charles).

Fans of cozy mysteries set in quaint towns like Father Brown and Midsomer Murders are sure to fall in love with Whitstable Pearl. The show has a fantastic lead actor in Kerry Godlimanbut the supporting and recurring characters are all extremely likable as well. Overallthe show is a fun and engaging mystery series that keeps things light.

Dublin Special Branch detective Theo Richter (Richard Pool) travels to Mt. AffinityNew Zealandto investigate the disappearance of an Irish couple. Richter teams up with local detective Diana Huia (Acushla-Tara Kupe)attempting to gain the trust of the tight-knitrural community in order to solve the case. But things are not as they seem in the quaint townwhich harbors a dark history.

Critics have praised The Gone in particular for its storylines centering New Zealand’s native Māoriintegrating Māori characters and culture in a way that some viewers have felt actually supercede the detective narrative. Overall, The Gone is incredibly entertaining and absorbingwith a great story and gorgeous New Zealand scenery to drink up.

Joe Pritchard (Iwan Rheon) is released from prison after serving nearly two decades for the murder of Ela Roberts. Howeverhe has never revealed where her body is. When journalist and local Cat Donato (Alexandra Roach) returns to her hometownshe seeks to uncover the truth about her friend Ela’s death. Dogged in her search for answersCat’s presence may reveal even more secrets buried in the town.

This Welsh and English-language crime series takes an anthology approach in its highly anticipated second season returnfocusing instead on a character from season one played by Sian Reese-Williams and an entirely new cast and story. Season one in particular was praised for its strong acting and emotionally rich storytelling.

After a church patron is discovered stabbed to death with a pair of pruning scissorsCanon Daniel Clement (Matthew Lewis)the church’s rectorbecomes intimately intertwined with the investigationdigging into the mystery himself. In the sleepy little town with lots of hidden secretsClement begins receiving threats about his inquiries and wonders just who in his community he can trust.

Constantly engaging and surprisingMurder Before Evensong is a fantastic murder-mystery drama adapted from the Richard Coles novel of the same name. It is a fascinating look at how the murder of a member of a tight-knit community ripples outward and touches everyone. Agatha Christie lovers are sure to get wrapped up in this one.

28-year-old Detective Sergeant Matilda Stone (Olivia Vinall) has been assigned to the constabulary of her hometown in WildermarshEnglandand it is there that she is reunited with her three auntsCat (Julie Graham)Beth (Sarah Woodward) and Jane (Siobhan Redmond). The three sisters also just happen to be crime-fiction novelistsand Matilda finds herself frequently collaborating with her aunts in order to solve “whodunit”- murder cases.

Funnyquirky and sweet but also terrifically engrossingQueens of Mystery is the perfect blend of mystery and humor that fans of the Knives Out film franchise will have a good time with. The characters are well-written and likableand their stories constantly leave you guessing — and eager to throw on the next episode.

This gripping crime drama is based on the book series of the same name by Eric Axl Sund and stars award-winning actress Katherine Kelly (Coronation Street) as psychotherapist Dr. Sophia Craven. Craven and DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles) team up to hunt a killer who is targeting young men. The twisted case takes the duo down a dark road as they seek to uncover the truth.

First available on Paramount+ back in January 2025the series is unshakeably dour but manages to find moments of lightness amidst its ghastly subject matter. With exceptional pacing and The Crow Girl is a well-made work of crime thriller TV.

Midsomer Murders is based on the novels of the “Chief Inspector Barnaby” series by Caroline Grahamand has been running strong on ITV for nearly 30 years. It first starred John Nettles as DCI Tom Barnaby and then Neil Dudgeon as Tom’s younger cousinJohn Barnabyafter Nettles’ retirement in 2011.

The show focuses on the murder cases that take place in the different small villages across a fictional English county of Midsomerand the efforts of the senior detective and his partner to solve each crime. The series is notable for its sense of humor and lighter toneseamlessly blending crime mystery and whimsy into a compelling (and long-lasting) staple of British television.

Successful L.A. lawyer Fiona (Alicia Silverstone) never knew her fatherand for good reason — he left her and her mother when she was only a little girl. But when she receives a letter from the man she always resented and believed to be deadshe’s drawn to her ancestral homelandIrelandto find out what really happened to him. What Fiona discovers shocks her as she realizes her father wasn’t as bad — or simple — as she always believed him to be. But will uncovering secrets from the past endanger Fiona in the present?

Still known for her role as the “totally buggin” Cher in CluelessSilverstone is surprisingly effective as Irish Blood’s heroine. She’s believable as a daughter slowly seeing her parents in a new lightand as an amateur detective digging up clues as to why her dad left them when she was only 10. Irish Blood is a curious blend of family drama and crime mystery — that it works as both makes it one of the best shows to watch in August on Acorn TV and any other streamer.

Irish Blood was just renewed for a second seasonso expect more darkfamily secrets and scenic Irish locales.

Those looking for a more grown-up version of beachy Prime Video shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty and We Were Liars should check out Summertide. After his wife’s deathMartin (Frank Rautenbach) returns to their childhood town in South Africa with his teenage childrenTristan (Jan Combrink) and Lucy (Evangelina Hallock)to heal old wounds and forge a new path. But Martin’s relationships with his familyparticularly his younger brother Gavin (Tyrone Keogh)are fraughtand Tristan still pines for the girlfriend he left behind. Can Martin keep what’s left of his family together?

Summertide is like the South African version of Everwoodcomplete with a hunky single dad as the lead and angsty children who provide more than their share of drama. It never feels derivativethoughand that’s due to the effective performances from the entire cast and the beautiful locations. As summer endsSummertide is the perfect show to watch to bid adieu to the season.

The British excel at making cozy crime mysteries where most of the violence occurs offscreenand one of the best in the subgenre is The Madame Blanc Mysteries. The series chronicles the adventures of amateur sleuth Jean White (Sally Lindsay)who relocates to the South of France to investigate her husband’s mysterious death. After that is settledshe decides to stay and make a living as a detective. 

Season 4 just premiered in July and is already the show’s best yet. Madame Blancas the locals call herhas her hands full with a karate-chopping nemesisa mystery involving stolen jewels and a slowly simmering romance with work partner Dom (Steve Edge). The show is more comedic than thrillingand the gorgeous French locations make The Madame Blanc Mysteries the perfect summer escapist show to watch.  

Conall Ó Súilleabháin (Dónall Ó Héalai) is a detective who doesn’t see much crime in the small Northern Ireland town where he works and lives. That all changes when a woman’s body is discovered in the nearby boglandsand it’s soon revealed that the woman is Conall’s motherSabinewho disappeared over 15 years ago. Because of his personal connection to herConall is forbidden from working on the caseso he teams up with an amateur reporterCiara-Kate (Hannah Brady)to find out who killed her and why.

Boglands serves up everything you’d expect in a mystery series: a conflicted heroa spunky sidekickmoody shots of mountains and trees and a suspense story that effectively generates enough tension to keep you glued to the screen. The show stands apart by being set in a remote part of Ireland few have seenand the language spoken is Irish Gaelicnot English. That shouldn’t deter you from watching one of the best international mysteries released so far this year.

There are a lot of sitcoms about twentysomethings trying to make it in the big citybut they’re usually set in New York City. London Irish is different — as the name suggestsit’s about four Northern Irish friends living in London. “Living” is a bit of a stretch when it comes to the misadventures that Niamah (Kat Reagan)Packy (Peter Campion)Conor (Game of Thrones’ Kerr Logan) and Bronagh (Sinead Keenan) get up towhich involve lots of drinking and late-night hookups most of them come to regret in the morning. They’re barely getting byand they rely on each other for support — or at least a buddy to drink with when no one else will.

London Irish is a comedy that goes for bigbroad laughsand it mostly gets them. A pre-Fleabag Phoebe Waller-Bridge shows up as a disturbed ex-girlfriend who is very fond of tying people up to get what she wants. The show only lasted one seasonbut the six episodes that were produced are a pleasure to watch. 

Robert Carmichael (Christopher Eccleston) is a retired police detective living in a remote part of England. Still haunted by the death of a witness he was assigned to protect years agohe’s primarily a lonerwhich is why it’s surprising when he agrees to help shelter a family on the run from dangerous criminals. Robert is cold and strictbut when danger comes callinghe’s the only man who can save them from certain death.

Safe House is an under-the-radar thriller that boasts fine performances and a narrative that’s full of understated tension. Eccleston is terrific as the traumatized detectiveand the first season has plenty of atmospheric visuals to get you in the mystery mood. The second season has a new cast led by True Blood’s Stephen Moyer and a different story with little connection to season 1. All eight episodes of Safe House are now streaming on Acorn TV.

Moyer is backbut this timehe’s investigating stolen paintings. Art Detectives is a new mystery show focused on the Heritage Crime Unita police department that specializes in crimes related to the art world. That sounds a bit drybut rest assuredthere are plenty of dead bodies and scandalous secrets just waiting to be discovered.

Detectives Mick Palmer (Moyer) and Shazia Malik (Nina Singh) tackle cases like elaborate art forgeriesstolen artifacts from the Titanic andof coursemurder. Art Detectives doesn’t skimp on the drama eitherwith Mick striking up a romance with a charismatic museum curator (Sarah Alexander) and Mick’s fatheran infamous forgercomplicating the detective’s professional and personal lives. 

Justine (Ella Lily Hyland) is a former tennis prodigy who unexpectedly runs into her old coachGlenn (Aidan Turner)and his new studentRenee (Harmony Rose-Bremner)after they both won a major tournament. Justine believes Glenn sexually abused her while she was his student and makes that allegation public to prevent it from happening to Renee. But is Justine telling the whole truth? Or is her memory distorted by her present feelings of jealousy and resentment since her athletic career is overwhile Glenn is still thriving?

Fifteen-Love is a sometimes disturbing six-episode drama about the close relationship between athletes and their coaches and how the boundaries between professional and personal lives are often blurred. Justine wants to right a wrong done to her years agoand she must overcome resentment and indifference from the people around her. The series does a good job of making Justine a relatable heroine to root for — complicated and a little messy but always determined to do what’s righteven if it’s not what everyone else wants. 

Fifteen-Love begins streaming on Acorn TV on June 30. 

Nicci (Game Night‘s Sharon Horgan) and Andrew (Michael Sheen) love their 13-year-old daughter Marnie (Niamh Moriarty)but they are soon faced with a decision no parent wants to make — save her or let her die? Their daughter has a rare form of muscular dystrophy that requires constant care. When a life-threatening chest infection forces Marnie into an intensive care unither doctor questions whether she should continue treatment. Her life expectancy is shortand what time she has left will be filled with unbearable pain.

Best Interests is a heavy show with serious themesposing a moral dilemma few viewers have experienced or considered. Known mostly for her comedic work in shows like Bad SistersHorgan is a revelation as a mother who instinctively fights for her child’s life. Sheen is just as terrific as a father who loves his daughter unconditionallybut questions whether Marnie’s continued suffering is what’s best for her. The show asks hard questions and doesn’t offer any easy answersbut it’s a compelling watch that will stay with you.

Harriet “Harry” Wild (Jane Seymour) is bored. That’s what happens when you’re a retired English professor with too much time on your hands and a lingering need for intellectual stimulation. She scratches her itch by solving crimeswhich isn’t that out of the ordinary in the U.K. crime genre. Along with high school student Fergus (Rohan Nedd)Harry sets out to prove that there’s life after retirement — even if it involves finding a dead body or two.

Harry Wild is a great showcase for Seymourwho has her best TV role since Dr. QuinnMedicine Woman. As the inquisitive professorthe actress shows a good sense of humor when Harry encounters resistance to her newfound hobby from a police force reluctant to accept her help to her caring but dismissive son. Harry Wild’s first three seasons are streaming nowand a fourth one is on its way. Season 4 just premiered in early Mayso there’s more wild adventures with Harry for you to enjoy.

You’ve heard of Hercule PoirotJane Marple and Sherlock Holmesbut do you know of Adam Dalgliesh? The British detective is fairly popular in his homeland but is still relatively unknown in America. That will hopefully change with Dalgliesha new crime series on Acorn TV. Acclaimed stage actor Bertie Carvel plays P.D. James’ cerebral sleuth as he investigates a series of mysteries set in the 1970s.

A brutal murder at a seminarya politically-motivated crime among an upper-class family and a mystery involving an unusual hospital are just some of the cases Dalgliesh has to crackand Carvel provides enough appeal to make you invested in the detective’s investigations. Like the novels it’s based onDalgliesh is more highbrow than your average crime showbut it provides the same thrills viewers expect from the genre. The show just aired its third season in 2024.

Alexa Crowe (Lucy Lawless) is a former detective who just wants to bake some bread in peace. But she can’t escape a life of crime andbefore she knows itshe’s solving mysteries as a private investigator. She’s not alonethough — she’s supported by Reuben (Joe Naufahu)the owner of the cafe she bakes for in her spare timeher tech-savvy assistant Madison (Ebony Vagulans) and Kieran (Bernard Curry)a detective working at Alexa’s former station. As a groupthey try to make Australia safe from crime while also cooking up some delicious pastries.

My Life is Murder is breezy fun that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Think of it as a modern-day MurderShe Wroteonly with Australian accentsthe beautiful scenery of Melbourne andin later seasonsAuckland. Lawless is terrific as a charismatic PI who is just as good with a blender as she is with her gun.

Can you go home again? That’s what Anais Mallory (Chelsie Preston Crayford) is about to find out as she returns to her native Queenstown to help her mother after the mysterious demise of her sister. Now a local detectiveAnais has to solve the occasional crimecomfort her motheravoid an ex-boyfriend now married to her best friend and also investigate her sister’s death. It’s a lot for anyone to handlelet alone someone as confident and intelligent as Anais. 

A Remarkable Place to Die is more solemn than most of the shows on this list. It treats murder and death seriouslyso its tone is appropriately broody. That doesn’t mean it’s a downerthoughand the series is not unlike Mare of Easttown in how it balances exploring the lead character’s messy personal life with her impressive skills as a detective.

Leo (Iain Glen) is a celebrity chef who owns a hotel business in CornwallEnglandhas a beautiful wifeSam (Emilia Fox) and two children who actually like him. Heckeven his ex-wifeGina (Dawn French)can’t resist him — literallysince they’re having an affair. Things get even more complicated when Leo suddenly diesleaving his business to Gina and all his money to Sam. When both women find out the business is failing and there’s not much money leftthey are faced with a dilemma: team up to survive or go their separate ways and fail.

It’s no surprise to reveal that Sam and Gina become business partners in an attempt to forge a life after Leo. Delicious has some dramatic elementsbut it functions more as a lighthearted comedy. As the two enemies-turned-frenemiesFrench and Fox are superb at capturing each woman’s gradual reluctance to accept and respect the other. The show’s Cornwall setting is gorgeous and frequently distracts from all the drama that’s going on. (We’re not complaining.)