Compelling and clever detective characters can turn a good detective TV show into a timeless classic.The best detective TV shows of all timeall tend to center on either one well-written detective character, or a partnership like Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. Still, while Sherlock Holmes will always be one ofTV’s best detectives, there are many more out there.
Early TV detective shows often focused on the mechanics of solving crimes, while featuring a charismatic character. This formula is still successful today, with manyuncomplicated crime shows keeping things simple. However, the detective genre has become more creative over time, with unusual, complex, and occasionally quirky characters who are destined to become detective TV show icons.
20Eve Polastri
Killing Eve
WhileKilling Eve’s controversial endingdoesn’t do the show justice, Eve Polastri is a detective show icon. Eve’s intelligence and relentless pursuit make her a typical detective character in some ways, but other characteristics set her apart. Eve cries when a witness dies, makes mistakes, and her complicated romantic relationship with Villanelle gives her a unique storyline in detective show history.
19Rustin “Rust” Cohle
True Detective
True Detective’s first seasonis often regarded as the show’s best, thanks to Matthew McConaughey’s portrayal of Detective Cohle. The events take place across two timelines, giving McConaughey two different versions of the same character to portray, while allowing viewers to get to know Cohle and his demons. The self-destructive Cohle is unapologetically weird, and his philosophical musings make him both fascinating and unpredictable.
18Dale Cooper
Twin Peaks
In a time period when many TV detective characters were jaded and stern,Twin Peaks' Dale Cooper was a welcome break from form. His enthusiasm for life transfers to his cases, which he appears uniquely qualified to solve, being open-minded and unconventional. His strong morals and cheerful demeanor make him one ofthe best characters inTwin Peaks, as well as an excellent fictional detective.
17Kalinda Sharma
The Good Wife
The Good Wife’s private detective, Kalinda Sharma, is both manipulative and morally flexible, but these characteristics help her excel at her work. Kalinda is not afraid to get literally and figuratively dirty while doing her job, even dumpster diving when necessary. The character might have been polarizing, but her influence and exceptional investigative skills saved many other characters onThe Good Wife.
16Jake Peralta
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Jake Peralta beginsBrooklyn Nine-Nineas an immature parody of a TV detective, but matured through embracing teamwork.The best episodes ofBrooklyn Nine-Nineshowcase Peralta’s optimism and unconventional approach to investigative work, which are not often taken seriously, but they get results. Peralta has one of the best character arcs of any TV detective, and he is certainly one of the most beloved.
15Endeavor Morse
Inspector Morse
The melancholy Inspector Morse is one of the least flashy TV detectives, which sets him apart. Many moderncrime shows are extremely gory, but Inspector Morse does not even like to look at a dead body. The “English gentleman detective” is reserved, well-educated and likes classic literature, and his tragic backstory makes him one of the most complex TV detectives of all time.
14Thomas Magnum
Magnum, P.I.
Thomas Magnum combines action and adventure with the detective TV genre, and his distinctive personal style helps to make him instantly recognizable. He has easygoing chemistry with the other characters, while being compelling on his own. Magnum is arguablyTom Selleck’s best TV showrole, and his charm and charisma sell the character to audiences so well thatMagnum, P.I.is still popular today.
13Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars
While not everything inVeronica Marshas aged well, the character is still one of the best TV detectives of all time, having a similar influence on the detective genre toBuffy the Vampire Slayer’s impact on the horror genre. Most TV detectives were either somber or wisecracking men, but Mars was a high school teen by day and an amateur private investigator by night.
Veronica Marshas a 92% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Veronica Mars is an inspiring character, who generally comes out on top after being underestimated because of many factors, like her age. Her strength is in her problem-solving skills and intellect, while still being a normal high schooler without supernatural powers. The show might have been aimed at young people, but Veronica was much more nuanced than many similar characters.
12Elliot Stabler
Law & Order, Special Victims Unit
The partnership between Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson inLaw & Order: Special Victims' Unitis one of TV’s best, but Stabler’s character is arguably the better detective, with more experience and talent for undercover work. Stabler’s righteous anger at predators often caused him to take actions that were questionable, and this character detail makes him both unpredictable and exciting to watch.
11Lester Freamon
The Wire
The Wire’s Lester is one of the quieter and more understated TV detectives, but his methodical approach and deep understanding of the system works to uncover major criminal operations, making him an understated success. The show is hard-hitting and gritty, and Lester’s calm wisdom is a great contrast to this, making him one ofthe best characters inThe Wire.
