7 terrific shows that Foyle’s War fans can binge next FREE, including a ‘stunning’ murder mystery

by

You can always discover a new show to get hooked on, even if it’s an older detective series that originally came out over two decades ago.

Anthony Horowitz’s detective series, Foyle’s War, is gaining popularity again now that all eight seasons are available on Netflix, attracting a new generation of viewers. Set during World War II, the drama provides a compelling look at a time marked by the aftermath of conflict – a world just starting to rebuild – and each episode features a captivating mystery to solve.

The show’s longer episodes drew in many popular British TV actors, including Peter Capaldi, David Tennant, Emily Blunt, Andrew Scott, and Rosamund Pike. It’s become a hit with Netflix viewers and is being praised as one of the best World War II dramas ever made, so it’s no surprise people are watching all the episodes back-to-back.

What to Read Next

So, what series should they binge next?

Inspector Morse

For many years, Morse was considered the best British TV detective series until its star, John Thaw, passed away in 2002. When the show ended, ITV created Foyle’s War to fill the gap. It seemed like a difficult challenge at first, but Foyle’s War quickly proved to be the ideal replacement, successfully taking Morse’s place in viewers’ hearts and on the TV schedule.

Inspector Morse was a difficult, complex man – brilliant but often frustrated by those he considered less capable. Though flawed, he was a truly exceptional detective, and many consider him the best British TV has ever produced. The strong public reaction to the death of actor John Thaw, who played Morse, demonstrates how beloved the character remains with fans of the show.

Inspector Morse is available to stream on ITVX now.

Endeavour

Fans missed the character of Morse so much that over a decade later, ITV created a prequel called Endeavour. This show starred Shaun Evans as a young Morse, showing the start of his career as a detective in the 1960s and 70s.

It’s usually best not to revisit a popular show like Inspector Morse, but Endeavour was a pleasant surprise for fans and ultimately earned its place as a classic too.

The show was on television for nine seasons and consistently attracted more than six million viewers each time. While maybe a little lighter in tone than Morse, its mysteries were equally captivating and impossible to miss.

Endeavour is available to stream on ITVX now.

The Bletchley Circle


The Bletchley Circle was a fantastic, though often overlooked, detective show. It centered around four women – Susan, Millie, Lucy, and Jean – who had been codebreakers during World War II. Back in civilian life, Susan notices a connection between several unsolved murders, but finds it difficult to get the police to take her seriously.

Feeling fed up, the women teamed up to solve the crimes on their own, and quickly showed they were skilled and effective investigators.

With strong performances from Anna Maxwell-Martin and Sophie Rundle (known from Peaky Blinders), The Bletchley Circle is a show you’ll want to watch more than once. The series also beautifully captures the atmosphere of post-war Britain.

The Bletchley Circle is available to stream on U and Apple TV+.

Ripper Street

As a huge crime drama fan, I have to say, you really need to check out Ripper Street! It’s got a fantastic 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and the story is gripping. It picks up six months after the Jack the Ripper killings, and Detective Edmund Reid and his team are investigating a new wave of murders that have everyone worried the original killer is back in East London. It’s seriously good stuff!

Okay, so Matthew Macfadyen, who you probably know from Succession, is absolutely killing it as Reid in this show. Honestly, it might be his best role ever! It almost didn’t get made past season two because not enough people were watching, but thankfully Amazon Prime Video stepped in. They saw how good it was and ordered not just one more season, but two! I’m so glad they saved it.

It’s gritty, gory, innovative, and deserves recognition as a classic detective period drama.

Ripper Street is available to stream on ITVX and Netflix now.

Midsomer Murders

Anthony Horowitz’s Midsomer Murders takes place in the charming, yet deadly, English county of Midsomer. It’s notorious for its high murder rate – over 388 and still rising!

The popular detective series began in 1997 with John Nettles playing Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby. He retired from the role in 2011, and Neil Dudgeon stepped in as DCI John Barnaby, who is Tom’s cousin.

The Barnabys faced a huge challenge with so many murders happening. The crimes were bizarre, ranging from someone being killed with a large spoon to the shocking death of Martine McCutcheon, who was crushed by an enormous cheese wheel.

It’s a bit over-the-top, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable murder mystery than Midsomer Murders. Plus, with 136 episodes, there’s plenty to watch!

Midsomer Murders is available to stream on ITVX now.

The Halcyon

Despite being cancelled eight years ago, the ITV drama The Halcyon remains unfairly overlooked. The show provided a unique take on World War II, unfolding in a glamorous London hotel in 1940 and filled with wealthy characters, intense storylines, beautiful outfits, and delightfully over-the-top twists.

The period drama The Halcyon was intended to follow the success of Downton Abbey after it finished airing. However, it didn’t attract nearly as many viewers, and despite high hopes, the show was cancelled quickly.

With only one season, come for quality, not quantity and you won’t be disappointed.

The Halcyon is available to stream on The Roku Channel.

Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue

If you enjoyed the suspenseful drama of Foyle’s War, you might also like Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, which is now available on BBC iPlayer. It’s a bit different, but offers a similar intriguing mystery.

This thrilling novel, typical of Horowitz’s style, centers around a plane crash in a faraway jungle. The surviving passengers soon find themselves targeted, with one by one falling victim to mysterious deaths.

Starring Eric McCormack of Will & Grace and Siobhán McSweeney from Derry Girls, this show is easily one of the most enjoyable programs of 2025, whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or not.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available! You can purchase Ariana & Witches from newsagents or online for only £8.99.

Read More

2025-10-27 18:51