PBS Mysteries and Crime Dramas to Binge Before Halloween

Eek! We’re T-minus one week from Halloween and, here at CET, we’re soaking up every spine-chilling moment of the spooky season. And what better way to get in the spirit than with some PBS binge watching? CET Passport offers access to a sweeping collection of gripping mysteries and crime dramas – the perfect way to keep your scare factor high while discovering wickedly-addictive new favorites or rewatching and catching up on the ones you love.

From 1900s Vienna and Victorian London, to mid-century Paris and modern-day England, and even the quiet, idyllic Riverside town of Marlow, these series will take you across the pond, around the world and beyond timelines, with some like Magpie Murders switching between more than one. No matter where you find yourself transported, each show delivers the thrill and suspense you’re craving this season with unpredictable, complex investigations into each town’s most chilling and puzzling crimes. And don’t worry, we made sure to throw in a few lighthearted mysteries for anyone in favor of a cozier vibe this fall, like The Marlow Murder Club on Masterpiece.

Needless to say, this Halloween binge list is packed with shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat, from fan favorites like Unforgotten and Ridley, which both premiered new seasons in August, to new series like Maigret, which premiered this month. And, of course, production mode never stops so make sure to get caught up on shows like Miss Scarlet on Masterpiece before new seasons arrive… Check out our list below for more details about each show and how to watch, happy bingeing!

Annika on Masterpiece

Set on a scenic river amid stunning Scottish lochs, Glasgow has an unusually high rate of slayings connected to water in this crime series. Nicola Walker stars as DI Annika Strandhed, the wry, speedboat-driving head of Glasgow’s Marine Homicide Unit, as she juggles baffling cases and a rebellious teenage daughter. Stream seasons 1 and 2 now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/annika/.

D.I. Ray

British policewoman D.I. Rachita Ray goes on a journey to uncover a complex web of deceit within organized crime, whilst laying bare the wounds deep within herself that she’s spent a lifetime ignoring. Wounds that are born from a desperate desire to “fit in,” despite not looking the part. Stream seasons 1 and 2 now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/di-ray/.

Maigret on Masterpiece

Inspired by Georges Simenon’s beloved novels, streetwise Chief Inspector Jules Maigret is responsible for investigating crime in and around Paris. He works with an uncanny ability to get under the skin of the criminals he chases and a matchless knowledge of the city and its inhabitants. This six-part series, which premiered earlier this month, is available to stream with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/maigret/.

The Marlow Murder Club on Masterpiece 

When murder strikes the quiet riverside town of Marlow, three amateur sleuths join forces to solve the whodunnit at hand. Together, they piece together clues, grill suspects and face down real danger as they work against the clock to stop a killer in their tracks. This cozy mystery is a lighthearted watch that still brings that seasonal charm. Stream seasons 1 and 2 (with Season 3 in progress…) now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/the-marlow-murder-club/.

Magpie Murders on Masterpiece

When editor Susan Ryeland receives an unfinished manuscript starring detective Atticus Pünd, she embarks on a search for the final chapters and finds herself plunged into a conundrum of her own. A mystery within a mystery, this lighthearted series weaves between interlocking time periods: the cozy 1950s village life of the manuscript, and present-day London bustling with commerce and ambition. Stream all six episodes of Magpie Murders with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/magpie-murders/.

Once you’ve binge-watched, be sure to also check out the sequel, Moonflower Murders, which picks up right where Magpie Murders leaves off. To solve the disappearance of a hotel owner’s daughter, Cecily Treherne, Susan investigates the truth behind a real-life murder detailed in Alan Conway’s novel. Can she uncover the secret hidden in the book and find Cecily before it’s too late? Stream it with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/moonflower-murders/.

Miss Scarlet on Masterpiece

Set in 1882, this edgy series follows headstrong Eliza Scarlet, the first-ever female detective in London, as she continues the family business after her father’s death. Punchy banter and delicious tension accompany Eliza through the city’s worst crime scenes as she battles the Victorian conventions that conspire to keep her from private investigation. Stream all five seasons (Stayed tuned for Season 6 in 2025!) with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/miss-scarlet-duke/.

Patience

When DI Bea Metcalf recognizes the talents of Patience Evans, an autistic woman working in the Criminal Records Office, she takes her under her wing. The two women form an unlikely friendship and a formidable crimefighting partnership, with Patience’s extraordinary insight transforming how the York Police solve complex investigations. Stream all six episodes of this thrilling drama, which premiered in June, with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/patience/.

Ridley

Retired Detective Inspector Alex Ridley is called back to advise on a complex and compelling murder case by his replacement and former protege DI Carol Farman. Carol is keen to access Ridley’s unique insight into crime-solving which served them so well in the past, but their investigations take a dark and unexpected twist. Stream seasons 1 and 2 now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/ridley/.

Unforgotten on Masterpiece

This award-winning cold case crime drama follows London detectives DCI Jess James and DI Sunny Khan as they work to uncover the truth behind tangled, complicated murders from the past. The deeper the truth lies, the bigger the emotional toll for the suspects, the families left behind and for the detective inspectors themselves. Stream all six seasons now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/unforgotten/.

Vienna Blood

1900s Vienna is a hotbed of philosophy, science and art in this gripping crime drama. Dr. Max Liebermann’s extraordinary skills of perception and Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt’s determination lead them to some of the city’s most mysterious and deadly cases. Stream all four seasons now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/show/vienna-blood/.

To browse more shows, check out the complete collection on the PBS App or visit https://watch.cetconnect.org/shows/.

CET Passport is the perfect way to support your local station and enjoy extended access to your favorite PBS shows and films. Passport is available to members who donate at least $60 a year or $5 a month. Your donation will help CET serve your community through media that educates, inspires and entertains. Learn more about Passport here: https://watch.cetconnect.org/passport/learn-more/.