Seven gripping police detective dramas based on harrowing real-life events have captivated audiences over the past two decades. These television series tell the stories of heartbreaking, chilling, and upsetting crimes that are rooted in true events. From ITV's Des to Netflix's Unbelievable, here is a list of must-watch shows.
Des
David Tennant transforms into notorious serial killer Dennis Nilsen in this chilling three-part ITV series. It follows the arrest and trial of the Scottish murderer who killed boys and young men in London during the 1970s and 1980s. Nilsen would befriend his victims, offer them food or lodging at his North London flat, and then kill them. His reign ended when neighbors noticed a foul odor from rotting corpses and blocked plumbing. After his arrest, he confessed, leading to a massive investigation to identify victims and secure justice. Nilsen received a life sentence in 1983 and died in prison in 2018. Des is available on ITVX and Netflix.
Unbelievable
This Netflix miniseries tells the story of teenager Marie Adler, who reported being raped at knifepoint in 2008 but was doubted by police and retracted her story. Meanwhile, detectives Grace Rasmussen and Karen Duvall investigate similar intruder rapes and team up to catch a serial rapist. Inspired by a Pulitzer Prize-winning article, the series earned a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers praise its human and complex portrayal of real events. All eight episodes are available on Netflix.
Manhunt
Martin Clunes stars as DCI Colin Sutton in this ITV drama, which explores the hunt for serial killer Levi Bellfield and serial rapist Delroy Grant. The first series focuses on Bellfield, who murdered women including Amélie Delagrange and Marsha McDonnell. Sutton, a senior investigating officer, solved the cases with his team. Adapted from Sutton's book, Manhunt originally aired in 2019 and is streaming on ITVX.
The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies
This ITV drama highlights the dangers of trial by media, based on the real case of Christopher Jefferies, an ex-teacher arrested on suspicion of murdering his tenant Joanna Yeates in 2010. The press targeted Jefferies for his eccentric appearance, but he was released without charge. Another tenant, Vincent Tabak, was convicted. The series aired in 2014 and is available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
The Hunt for Raoul Moat
This true crime drama recounts Britain's biggest manhunt in 2010, after Raoul Moat shot three people days after his prison release. The series focuses on the victims and the police officers who risked their lives to capture Moat. It originally aired in April 2023 on ITV and is streaming on ITVX.
The Pembrokeshire Murders
Luke Evans stars as Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins in this ITV series, which aired in 2021 and later on Netflix in 2024. The story follows the reopening of two double murder cases from the 1980s, leading to the capture of serial killer John Cooper. Keith Allen plays Cooper. The series is available on ITVX.
Little Boy Blue
This ITV drama follows the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones in Liverpool in 2007 and the investigation led by Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly, played by Stephen Graham. Rhys was shot while walking home from football training. The four-part series is available on ITVX and Amazon Prime Video.
