10 Lesser-Known British Crime Dramas to Watch

1. "Whitechapel"

Now, if you're the kind of person who likes to curl up on a gloomy night with a cup of tea and a gritty crime drama set in one of the most haunted parts of London, boy, do I have a show for you! Welcome to "Whitechapel", the critically acclaimed series, which despite its high ratings, is somewhat less-known to the broader public. This is the show where Jack the Ripper might just swing by for a cuppa and some casual intimidation. Pairing a hardened Detective Inspector with a detail-oriented, Ripper-obsessed sergeant, "Whitechapel" serves you up a blend of historical true crime and modern horror that you didn't even know you were craving.

2. "Scott & Bailey"

Picture "Cagney & Lacey", but with English accents and a penchant for the pub after a hard day of detective work. Intriguing, right? Enter "Scott & Bailey", a powerhouse of a drama that spins the tale of two female detectives balancing complicated personal lives with the pressures of working on serious crime cases. This is not your usual "brooding detective with a mysterious past" story, but rather a splendid cocktail of intriguing crime, relatable protagonists, and – because it's Britain – excellent tea and scone game.

3. "Vera"

If Miss Marple was a hardened, no-nonsense Northumberland DCI with a tweed hat and an untouchable crime-solving record, she'd probably look a lot like "Vera". This character-driven series is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, and follows the eponymous Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. The show excels in exploring its protagonists' psychology and delivering intricate crime plots without an overdose of clichés. Plus, Vera's quirky character adds a touch of fun to the darkest of murder investigations.

4. "Unforgotten"

You know what they say, old murders never die, they just wait to be solved by DCI Cassie Stuart and DI Sunny Khan in "Unforgotten". This cold case series flips the script and leaves you clinging to the edge of your popcorn bucket as it unfolds crime plots from the past. If you've ever wanted to play detective, "Unforgotten" has you knee-deep in the muck, sifting through clues that are as cold as a British summer. The humour is as dry as gin and the plot twists are satisfying enough to keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.

5. "Happy Valley"

Don't let the name fool you. The only "happy" about "Happy Valley" is how you'll feel when you uncover this gem of a series. Centered around the formidable Sergeant Catherine Cawood, played by the phenomenal Sarah Lancashire, this is a show that perfectly balances crime, character, and yes, a dash of comedy. Set in West Yorkshire, you get the stunning backdrop of the Calder Valley contrasting the dark underbelly of crime, the dialogue sharper than a Yorkshire pudding fresh out of the oven. So, don't let the quaint setting deceive you, there's enough going on here to keep you busy!

6. "Broadchurch"

Nothing like a good old 'whodunit' in a small, picturesque coastal town, is there? In "Broadchurch", two detectives with distinctively different methods are thrust together to solve the murder of an 11-year-old boy that has shaken the tight-knit community to its core. Picture "Midsomer Murders" on a beach with David Tennant and Olivia Colman leading the charge. Spoiler alert, it's not the butler this time! The show masterfully blends humor, suspense, and heartache in an intricate plot that will make you forget to blink.

7. "Hinterland"

Get ready to learn some Welsh, my friend! "Hinterland" is a noirish drama with a brooding detective – DCI Tom Mathias – who appears to carry the weight of the world on his trench-coat-clad shoulders. With stunning Welsh landscapes that often act like an eerie character in themselves, this series is a dark, moody labyrinth of crime, where the punchlines are as sparse as sunny days in Wales. Still, the occasional light humour keeps things from sinking into a pit of despair. You might just find yourself chuckling at the oddest moments.

8. "Wire in the Blood"

Next up, we have a classic psychological thriller, "Wire in the Blood". This one features a clinical psychologist who assists the police in solving particularly gruesome crimes. The psychologist, Dr. Tony Hill, brings a touch of quirkiness to the grim task at hand. Imagine Sherlock Holmes with a PhD and less nicotine. The show's deft blend of drama, suspense, and eccentric humour provides an edge-of-the-seat experience, with just enough laughter to keep things from getting too dark.

9. "Ripper Street"

If you thought "Whitechapel" was the only show about Jack the Ripper, think again. "Ripper Street" picks up where the infamous Ripper left off, in the mean streets of Victorian London. Though Jack himself is absent (or is he?), his shadow looms large over the city and the characters. It's as if Sherlock Holmes, Charles Dickens, and Alfred Hitchcock decided to write a TV show together. The result? An engaging historical crime drama, dripping with suspense and a dry wit that's more British than a disdain for overcooked vegetables.

10. "No Offence"

This one's a black comedy-crime drama that pushes the boundaries of traditional cop shows. It's almost as if someone thought, "Let's create a police procedural, but make it absolutely bonkers". This Manchester-set series is filled with humour that's as dark as a cellar at midnight, intertwined with compelling crime stories. If you've ever wondered how the 'Police Academy' would function in the real world, this is your best bet. Expect unconventional methods, witty banter, and crimes that will keep you guessing right up until the end.