Best Gripping Drama Series Like Broadchurch & Mare of Easttown (2026)
If Broadchurch and Mare of Easttown left you reeling, craving more raw emotions and suspenseful investigation, you’re in exactly the right place. We’ve tracked down the most emotionally charged, riveting drama series that don’t just hook you—they keep you thinking long after the credits roll. Trust us, every pick here is a punch to the gut in the best possible way.
Bonus Picks
The Missing (2014) — Its gut-wrenching mystery and cross-season ingenuity make it a hidden gem for any fan of smart, emotional crime drama.
The Bay (2019) — Modern British coastal crime with nuance and emotional stakes—plus plenty of binge potential.
Hidden (Craith) (2018) — Welsh noir at its best: atmospheric, gripping, and quietly devastating.
Best Gripping Drama Series Like Broadchurch & Mare of Easttown (2026) features 10 hand-picked titles including Happy Valley, The Killing, Unbelievable and more. Each pick is ranked by critical reception, audience scores, and streaming availability.
Happy Valley ⭐ 8.1/10
"This British crime masterpiece is as relentless and emotionally raw as TV gets. Sarah Lancashireu2019s portrayal of a weary but unstoppable police sergeant is jaw-droppingly good, and the showu2019s small-town secrets and gut-punch plot twists are right up there with the best of Broadchurch."
The Killing ⭐ 8.0/10
"If you want slow-burn suspense, haunting atmosphere, and detectives wrestling with their own demons, The Killing delivers in spades. Its moody Seattle setting and deep character work will worm into your psyche, just like Mare of Easttown."
Unbelievable ⭐ 8.2/10
"Ripped from real events, Unbelievable pairs sharp-minded detectives with a harrowing crime and a victim youu2019ll never forget. Its compassionate, unflinching storytelling makes this limited series a standout in gritty, emotional drama."
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Top of the Lake ⭐ 7.5/10
"Jane Campionu2019s atmospheric crime drama weaves haunting New Zealand landscapes with dark secrets and unforgettable characters. Itu2019s emotionally nuanced and unafraid to tackle trauma head-onu2014perfect for fans of psychological depth and rural mysteries."
Rectify ⭐ 7.7/10
"Rectify is all about aftermathu2014how a crime and its consequences ripple through a family and a small town. Slow, poetic, and deeply empathetic, itu2019s the quietest show on this list, but possibly the most devastating."
Sharp Objects ⭐ 7.9/10
"Amy Adams is magnetic in this southern gothic miniseries thatu2019s equal parts psychological thriller and emotional autopsy. The mother-daughter dynamic alone is pure fireu2014dark, gripping, and impossible to look away from."
Broadchurch ⭐ 8.1/10
"Yes, itu2019s the benchmarku2014or perhaps the gold standardu2014of seaside crime drama. If you havenu2019t already sunk your teeth into all three seasons, its layered storytelling and shattering performances are absolutely essential."
The Night Of ⭐ 8.1/10
"This limited series is a masterclass in criminal justice storytelling, diving deep into the system and the people caught within it. Grit, ambiguity, and intense dramau2014The Night Of will keep you up at night, analyzing every twist."
River ⭐ 7.9/10
"Stellan Skarsgu00e5rd gives a career-best turn as a detective haunted by loss and visions. River is emotionally unpredictable, with a rare blend of crime procedural and poignant, heartbreaking humanity."
Marcella ⭐ 7.1/10
"Nothing is simple in Marcellau2014not the cases, not the characters, not even the detective herself. The series juggles multiple mysteries and psychological drama, anchored by a raw, unpredictable lead performance."
About This List
This curated collection — Best Gripping Drama Series Like Broadchurch & Mare of Easttown (2026) — was hand-picked to help you cut through the noise and discover content worth your time. The list features 10 titles including Happy Valley, The Killing, Unbelievable, Top of the Lake and Rectify and 5 more.
Each entry was evaluated on critical reception, audience scores, and long-term re-watch value — not just box-office numbers or release-date hype. The goal is a list you can return to month after month and still find something you haven't seen yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many titles are in Best Gripping Drama Series Like Broadchurch & Mare of Easttown (2026)?
This curated list features 10 carefully selected titles, ranked by critical reception, audience scores, and long-term rewatch value.
What is the #1 pick in this list?
Happy Valley takes the top spot. Each ranking considers critical consensus, cultural impact, and streaming accessibility.
Where can I stream these titles?
Titles in this list are available across Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max. Availability varies by region — click "View Details" on any title for real-time streaming info.
How often is this list updated?
Our editorial team reviews and updates ranked lists regularly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and changes in streaming availability. Last updated: April 9, 2026.
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