Welcome, fellow cozy mystery fans! If you’re like me, you love a good whodunit that’s as cozy as a pair of well-worn slippers. And let’s face it, we could all use a little coziness in our lives these days. That’s where cozy mystery TV shows come in handy. They’re the perfect escape from the stress and chaos of the world around us, allowing us to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea (or a glass of wine, no judgment here) and lose ourselves in a good mystery.
But what exactly is a cozy mystery, you ask? Well, think Agatha Christie meets Murder, She Wrote, with a side of Miss Marple and a sprinkle of Father Brown. Cozy mysteries are typically set in a small, picturesque town or village, with an amateur sleuth as the main character who uncovers clues and solves crimes with a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart. They’re not your typical hard-boiled detective stories, but rather a more laid-back, gentle form of mystery that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
And during times of stress (like, say, a global pandemic), cozy mysteries are more important than ever. They provide a comforting escape from reality and a sense of familiarity and warmth that we all crave. So, in honor of the cozy mystery genre and the comfort it brings, I’ve put together a list of my favorite cozy mystery TV shows for your viewing pleasure.
But before we dive into the list, a quick disclaimer: I use affiliate links in my blog, and if you buy through those links, I earn a small commission (which helps me keep this blog up and running). So, if you see a show you like, please consider clicking on the link to support this blog. And if you prefer to listen to the audio version of this blog, you can find it on my podcast through Spotify and Amazon Music.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe if you enjoy this post. Cozy mysteries are always better when shared with friends.
Agatha Christie’s Poirot is a classic cozy mystery show based on the novels of the same name by the legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie. https://amzn.to/424F8Li
The main character is the impeccably groomed Belgian detective, Poirot, played by David Suchet. Poirot’s fastidiousness and attention to detail are perfectly captured by Suchet’s performance, and his mustache could rival the most luxurious of French pastries.
The show has all the elements that make cozy mysteries so delightful, including quaint English villages, genteel characters with secrets to hide, and plenty of clues to keep you guessing until the very end. Poirot always manages to solve the crime in the most unexpected and entertaining way possible.
Personally, I love Poirot because it’s the perfect show to watch when you want to unwind after a long day of pretending to be a functioning adult. The murders are always intriguing, but they’re never too gory or scary. And let’s not forget about the mustache. It’s basically a character of its own and deserves its own spin-off series.
Overall, if you’re looking for a cozy mystery show that’s equal parts charming and suspenseful, then you can’t go wrong with Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Just make sure you have a cup of tea and a scone nearby before you start watching, because you’re going to want to fully immerse yourself in the world of cozy mysteries.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is an Australian TV show that is the perfect mix of fashion, adventure, and murder. https://amzn.to/427bnJZ
It’s like Downton Abbey, but with more bloodshed and a lot more sass. The show is set in the 1920s and stars Essie Davis as the fabulous Miss Phryne Fisher, a glamorous and independent woman who solves murders in her own stylish way.
Phryne Fisher is the main character of the show, and she’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s smart, fierce, and doesn’t take no for an answer. She’s also a lady detective who likes to wear elegant dresses and glamorous jewelry, making her the ultimate fashion icon for any aspiring detective out there. Phryne is the perfect mix of brains and beauty, and she’s not afraid to use either to get what she wants.
Now, what makes Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries a cozy mystery show, you may ask? Well, for starters, there’s the charming setting of 1920s Melbourne, Australia, with its cozy cafes, bustling markets, and beautiful architecture. Then there’s the fact that Phryne Fisher always manages to solve the murder cases with wit, charm, and a bit of daring. And let’s not forget about her loyal and quirky group of friends, who always have her back and make the show even more fun to watch.
But why is Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries one of my favorite cozy mystery TV shows, you may wonder? Well, first of all, it’s impossible not to love Phryne Fisher and her fabulous wardrobe. She’s the kind of woman who can wear a feather boa and a flapper dress to a crime scene and still manage to look like she just stepped off a runway. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good murder mystery with a touch of glamour and humor?
Plus, the show has some of the best side characters you’ll ever see, like Phryne’s loyal butler Mr. Butler, who always has a witty remark or a cup of tea ready for his lady detective. And don’t get me started on Phryne’s adopted daughter, Jane, who’s as smart and fearless as her mother.
All in all, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is a must-watch for any cozy mystery fan who loves a good mix of fashion, adventure, and murder. So grab some popcorn, put on your best flapper dress, and get ready to solve some murders with the fabulous Phryne Fisher.
Buckle up, y’all, because we’re about to talk about one of my all-time favorite cozy mystery TV shows: Murder, She Wrote. https://amzn.to/3VfZrDy
This gem from the ’80s and ’90s starred the one and only Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a retired English teacher turned mystery writer who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble.
The premise of the show is simple: wherever Jessica Fletcher goes, murder seems to follow. Seriously, if this woman invites you to dinner, run the other way. But even though she’s constantly stumbling upon dead bodies, she always manages to solve the case in the end. It’s like she’s the Miss Marple of America, but with better hair.
And speaking of hair, can we just take a moment to appreciate Jessica Fletcher’s iconic ‘do? That fluffy, perfectly coiffed hairstyle is a work of art. I’m pretty sure it’s the reason she’s so good at solving mysteries. It’s like her hair is a antenna that picks up on clues or something.
But I digress. Let’s get back to the show itself. One of the things that makes Murder, She Wrote such a classic cozy mystery is its charming small-town setting. The fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else’s business (which, let’s be honest, is basically the dream for a mystery writer). And even though there’s a murder every other week, it somehow manages to still feel like a cozy, familiar place.
Of course, a cozy mystery wouldn’t be complete without a lovable, quirky main character, and Jessica Fletcher fits the bill perfectly. She’s whip-smart, fiercely independent, and always one step ahead of the police. Plus, she’s got a heart of gold and a knack for getting people to confess their darkest secrets. I don’t know about you, but I want to be Jessica Fletcher when I grow up.
So why is Murder, She Wrote one of my favorite cozy mystery TV shows? Honestly, it’s just pure comfort TV. There’s something so satisfying about watching Jessica Fletcher unravel a mystery and bring a killer to justice in just under an hour. Plus, the show has that perfect mix of suspense, humor, and heart that makes for a truly cozy viewing experience.
In short, if you haven’t watched Murder, She Wrote yet, you’re missing out on one of the greatest cozy mystery shows of all time. And if you have watched it, well, let’s just say we should probably start a fan club. Who’s with me?
Oh, Father Brown. If you’re like me, you probably started watching this show because you thought it was going to be about a hot priest with a devil-may-care attitude who solves mysteries on the side. https://amzn.to/41NBG8r
And while it’s not quite that, it’s still pretty darn good.
The show is based on the stories by G.K. Chesterton and is set in the early 1900s in the fictional village of Kembleford. The main character, Father Brown, is a Catholic priest with a sharp mind and a penchant for solving crimes. He’s not exactly a physical specimen, but he makes up for it with his quick wit and cunning deductions.
One of the things that makes Father Brown a great cozy mystery show is the setting. The show takes place in a quaint little English village where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The murders may be gruesome, but they’re always solved by the end of the episode, and everything goes back to normal until the next murder happens.
But the real reason I love Father Brown is the character himself. He’s not your typical detective. He doesn’t carry a gun or beat up suspects. Instead, he relies on his intelligence and his faith to solve crimes. And he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty either. He’s been known to climb through windows and crawl under floors to get to the bottom of things.
So if you’re looking for a cozy mystery show with a unique protagonist and a charming setting, give Father Brown a try. Who knows, you might even learn a thing or two about solving crimes from a Catholic priest.
Veronica Mars is the teen detective show that we didn’t know we needed. https://amzn.to/40R9VKA
It’s like Nancy Drew, but with more snark and less pastel. Veronica is a high school student who also happens to be a private investigator, which is impressive considering that I could barely manage to pass geometry in high school.
Veronica Mars was first aired in 2004 and lasted for three seasons before it was canceled. Thankfully, the show was given a second life when it was revived in 2019 with a fourth season on Hulu. In the show, Veronica Mars is played by Kristen Bell, who brings her signature wit and charm to the role.
One of the things that makes Veronica Mars a cozy mystery show is its setting in the fictional town of Neptune, California. The show takes place in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other’s secrets, and there’s always some scandal brewing just beneath the surface. Plus, Veronica’s dad is the town’s sheriff, which gives her access to insider information that she can use to solve cases.
Veronica herself is a great protagonist. She’s smart, resourceful, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. She’s also a bit of an outsider, which makes her relatable to anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in. Her sense of humor and quick thinking are what make her stand out as a cozy mystery protagonist.
I love Veronica Mars because it’s a show that’s not afraid to tackle serious issues while still maintaining its humor and charm. The show deals with themes like classism, racism, and sexual assault, but it does so in a way that’s both engaging and respectful. Plus, the mystery-solving aspect of the show is always satisfying, and I love trying to piece together the clues along with Veronica.
All in all, Veronica Mars is a show that’s definitely worth watching if you’re a fan of cozy mystery TV shows. It’s got all the elements that make a show cozy, plus a healthy dose of humor and snark. If you haven’t watched it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
And there you have it, folks! Those are my top favorite cozy mystery TV shows that I recommend to everyone who needs a break from reality (and who doesn’t, amirite?). There’s just something about a good cozy mystery that brings a sense of comfort and relaxation, like a warm blanket or a hot cup of tea.
So, if you haven’t watched any of these shows yet, give them a try and let me know what you think! And if you have any other favorite cozy mystery TV shows that you think I missed, please share them in the comments below. Who knows, maybe I’ll discover a new favorite!
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to my blog. Your support helps me continue to bring you more cozy mystery goodness. And as a quick disclaimer, I do use affiliate links in my blog, so if you do end up buying something through those links, I’ll earn a small commission (which helps me buy more tea and cozy blankets). And if you prefer to listen to your blogs instead of reading them, you can also find the audio version of this blog on my podcast through Spotify and Amazon Music.
Now, go forth and cozy up with some good mysteries!
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