Haiku Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I'm posting at the request of my 13 year old. She loves Sherlock, and she is looking for other "BBC detective shows that are suitable for kids." She's planning to watch Broadchurch. Non-BBC shows are acceptable, too. TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Two that come to mind are: Endeavor Inspector Lewis 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Ugh.. my computer just ate what I wrote 2x. UGh!!!! Deep breathes.... Anyway, Jeremy Brett is considered by many be *the* definitive Sherlock so watching the older ones is definitely worth it. I wouldn't consider Broadchurch "suitable for kids" so I'm a bit stumped as to what you're looking for. We definitely like our more intense and adult BritMysteries (Vera, Luther, Prime Suspect) but we also enjoy many mysteries we could watch with the kids: Morse, Endevour, Inspector Lewis, Unsuitable Job for a Woman, Blue Murder, The Last Detective, Jonathan Creek. There's more, but I can't remember them and I don't want the computer to eat my reply a third time before hitting the post button 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2read Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 We enjoy Midsomer Murders. It's a BBC detective show. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted December 21, 2015 Author Share Posted December 21, 2015 I wouldn't consider Broadchurch "suitable for kids" so I'm a bit stumped as to what you're looking for. I read about it, and it was described as not gory and not overly sexy. What is it that you consider not suitable for a 13 year old? (I'm genuinely curious, as I have not seen it. It looks good, though, so I will probably start watching it.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 (edited) Agreeing with Princess Mommy on Broadchurch. It's rather dark. That said, I would have allowed ds to watch it at 13 if he was into detective shows. It's going to depend on the teen's level of sensitivity. I also second Inspector Lewis, Endeavor, and Midsomer Murders. If you can get Canadian or Australian shows, try Murdock Mysteries (Canada) and Miss Fisher (Australia). A few other British possibilities if you can find them (not sure who shows them anymore) are Rosemary and Thyme, Murder in Suburbia, and Death in Paradise. For throwback crime shows there's Agatha Christie's Poirot and Agatha Christie's Marple. Oh, The Last Detective (bonus - it stars the 5th Doctor). Life on Mars can be a bit dark and involves time travel (Maybe. That's part of the mystery), but if she'll watch Broadchurch then she'd be fine with Life on Mars. Here's a list of British detective shows, though it doesn't tell you what ones are available in the U.S. New Tricks might not appeal to her since the whole premise is that older, retired detectives come back to work to solve cold cases. If she doesn't care if the actors are young, she might like this one. Much of it is on Hulu. We've watched most shows on Netflix and Acorn TV, with two on Hulu, and one or two on Amazon. Edited December 21, 2015 by Lady Florida 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debi21 Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 (edited) I love both Inspector Lewis and Endeavor. Then there is Inspector Morse, which is old school and imo not as good, but the predecessor of both of those. Oh, Broadchurch. I am halfway through season 2 on Netflix and taking a break. It is well-done, but really depressing in a way that most mysteries are not - like soul-sucking - not a kind reflection on human nature. My number one recommendation, which I binge watched I loved so much, is Death in Paradise. Bletchley Circle, maybe? I am not sure I would label any of them, including Sherlock, as strictly suitable for kids, by the way. I probably would let them watch, but would want to be there. And Broadchurch I would think twice about, not because of content exactly, but because it is so disquieting. ETA What about Wallander? There is both the original scandinavian and the english remake with Kenneth Branagh. I haven't seen enough to know if it's suitable, although I understnad it got good reviews. Rosemary & Thyme isn't super imo, but it is probably the most milque-toast, suitable for kids? I definitely recommend against The Fall. I took a break from that too. Similar to Broadchurch plus less appropriate for kids I would say. Edited December 21, 2015 by debi21 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MysteryJen Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Broadchurch is really good, but very dark. The themes are very mature. My personal favorite is Inspector Lewis. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted December 21, 2015 Author Share Posted December 21, 2015 (edited) I hated Sherlock, so I quit watching it. I was VERY surprised that my dd loves it. She is definitely the kind of kid who won't watch something if it ends up not being suitable for her. She knows her limits and has quit watching some things her brother watched, mostly ghost story stuff, because she gets too nervous. So if she begins to watch Broadchurch and doesn't like it, she'll stop watching. She has turned shows off mid-episode before. I had already put Bletchly Circle in the queue for me, so I suggested it to dd as well. We went through the Netflix Instant Watch suggestions that were "similar to" Poirot, which I put in the queue for her, and added some of things mentioned in this thread that she thinks look interesting. My dd is small and less socially mature than lots of other kids her age, in that she's not into the "teen" types of stuff that many other kids in the homeschool group are, although in other ways she's very mature. I have always thought of her as younger than she is, but in the past few months she has started to look and behave more maturely. I tend to be over-protective of what my kids are exposed to, so I'm trying to slowly allow more decision making on their parts even if it's not something I'm totally comfortable with. I wasn't really into her watching Sherlock, as I find Benedict Cumberbatch's character extremely disturbing, but my dh watched it with her, and like I said, she loved it. Thanks for all the suggestions and caveats! Edited December 21, 2015 by TaraTheLiberator 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Not BBC but is on Netflix currently: Blue Bloods. From what I have seen, there is virtually no cursing or nudity so far (Season 3). Set in New York, modern day scenarios. For something different, try to find the Dorothy Sayers books that were made into films: Gaudy Night and Strong Poison. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Murder She Wrote... though not BBC Angela is British! :) The No.1 Detective Agency 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Agreeing on Broadchurch--good but dark. Probably harder emotionally for a mom to watch than a kid. OTOH it moves slooooowly and a lot of the story and character development is expressed non-verbally, through actions and facial cues--some might find it a bit boring. Seconding Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders, Endeavor and Lewis. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joules Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Broadchurch is really good, but very dark. The themes are very mature. My personal favorite is Inspector Lewis. Yes, very dark and disturbing. And the actual crime is shown in the last episode, enough to be more disturbing, because you are so invested, but you have to watch because you've gotten that far. On its plus side, the characters are incredibly real and the cinematography is beautiful. I've haven't suggested it to my 18yo yet, but he specifically asks for "not too depressing." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MFG Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I second Death in Paradise as a very "light" toned detective show. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScoutTN Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Cadfael! Medieval monk detective. Derek Jacobi is excellent. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joules Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I loved Life on Mars, but I wouldn't recommend it to a non-adult. The language and violence are quite intense, and if I'm not mistaken a couple of less than subtle sex scenes. I cringed lots, but when we finished both series, it was worth every single minute. (Can't wait 'til ds can sit through the whole thing!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joules Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 My favorite for younger or sensitive is Death in Paradise. I loved that. I also really liked Bletchley Circle. The crimes are gruesome, but you don't see much. The worst part is that it is so short! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I love both Inspector Lewis and Endeavor. Then there is Inspector Morse, which is old school and imo not as good, but the predecessor of both of those. Oh, Broadchurch. I am halfway through season 2 on Netflix and taking a break. It is well-done, but really depressing in a way that most mysteries are not - like soul-sucking - not a kind reflection on human nature. My number one recommendation, which I binge watched I loved so much, is Death in Paradise. Bletchley Circle, maybe? I am not sure I would label any of them, including Sherlock, as strictly suitable for kids, by the way. I probably would let them watch, but would want to be there. And Broadchurch I would think twice about, not because of content exactly, but because it is so disquieting. ETA What about Wallander? There is both the original scandinavian and the english remake with Kenneth Branagh. I haven't seen enough to know if it's suitable, although I understnad it got good reviews. Rosemary & Thyme isn't super imo, but it is probably the most milque-toast, suitable for kids? I definitely recommend against The Fall. I took a break from that too. Similar to Broadchurch plus less appropriate for kids I would say. I'm just going to pretend you didn't say that. ;) Morse is my absolute favourite character on BritMystery... only replaced slightly by Vera (another curmudgeon detective). I'm such a Morse fan that I get a bit weepy when I hear the theme song. We didn't like Rosemary & Thyme either. don't know why as I like both actresses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kebo Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Not BBC, but we enjoyed the series White Collar, and it was a fairly clean show. There is some violence, but it's tamer than a lot of shows of it's type. Common sense media rates it suitable for 13+. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarawatsonim Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I love BBC detective shows and love Sherlock. I just watched River with Stellan Skarsgard which was very good. Luther is great as well but might not be as appropriate. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 We tried Morse after watching both Lewis and Endeavor and really, really didn't like it. :( We loved White Collar! I had Bletchley Circle on my list a while back but forgot about it. I'm going to give it a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I love BBC detective shows and love Sherlock. I just watched River with Stellan Skarsgard which was very good. Luther is great as well but might not be as appropriate. We just started River (ep. 2).. and really like it. Very unique and I can't wait to see where they go with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I really enjoyed White Collar too! Which reminds me that I loved Monk as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 We tried Morse after watching both Lewis and Endeavor and really, really didn't like it. :( We loved White Collar! I had Bletchley Circle on my list a while back but forgot about it. I'm going to give it a try. Now I'm going to have to go cry. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in FL. Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I like Brokenwood and Mr. and Mrs. Murder which are Australian, I believe. I have seen most of the others mentioned as well and have enjoyed them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieJ Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Murdock mysteries is on Netflix right now. It wasn't BBC but we enjoy it. Pretty much search for masterpiece theatre on PBS and you ll find a few shows that were just three episodes not necessarily long running series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haiku Posted December 21, 2015 Author Share Posted December 21, 2015 Great suggestions, everyone! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Wallander is kind of bleak as well. It is very well-done, but I am not sure it would appeal to young teens. It was my late-night viewing when I couldn't sleep and I was hooked, but it did have a bleak outlook. What about Father Brown mysteries? I also love Foyle's War. Some hinting at adult content, but not much violence or sex shown on screen. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 (edited) I would not suggest Broadchurch - dark themes and threats to children. I enjoy Inspector Gently, Lewis, Endeavour, Foyle's War. They can all move into adult themes, but it's usually not explicit. I'm having fun rewatching the Peter Wimsey series on Youtube, the ones with Petherbridge and Walters in the lead roles. You would be looking for Strong Poison, then Have His Carcase and Gaudy Night. Edited December 21, 2015 by Laura Corin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie Smith Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 My parents watch the show, "death in paradise". From the one episode I remember watching it is not overly sexual or gruesome. It is made by BBC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Castle :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 If she's willing to watch some American shows, Monk and Numb3rs (Numbers) are both kid-friendly. Numb3rs can get a bit more violent at times but not a lot. Monk is completely young teen friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 British Crime series I really like that haven't been mentioned yet include: A Touch of Frost, Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Grantchester, Danziel and Pascoe. Obviously, there are going to be some episodes with subject matter that may not be suitable for teens. Another British police series that is very safe for teens is Heartbeat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebug42 Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 It isn't British but I would recommend Numb3rs. It is on Netflix. I am currently re-binge watching this one and I like it a lot. It is not gory and it has strong characters plus they use math to solve crimes, although admittedly I have no idea if the math is even remotely sound because most of what they talk about is way over my head. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renthead Mommy Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Father Brown Mysteries and Grantchester. Both BBC, both perido pieces. And in one Father Brown I absolutely cracked up when a patient at a mental hospital says to Father Brown "My dad's a wizard. Are YOU a wizard?" And he replies "Yes I am a wizard!" Father Brown is played by the same actor as Arthur Weasley, so yes, yes he is a wizard! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 I remember watching The Nine Tailors as a teenager and absolutely loving it. It is a Lord Peter Wimsey but without Harriet Vane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted December 21, 2015 Share Posted December 21, 2015 Monk and Psyche are good suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Not BBC, but why hasn't anyone mentioned Monk? One of the best series we've ever watched, and my kids were about 11 and 15 at the time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 What about Father Brown mysteries? I like Fr Brown but I would say that I think older versions are better than the most recent one. It seemed heavy handed to me and left out come of the distinctive themes. Generally: People have mentioned many of the great ones - Poirot, Morse, Endevour, Cadfael, Sherlock Holmes with Jeremy Brett. Midsomer Murders is a nice cozy one, not hard-hitting but very family friendly. Other thoughts are Cracker (the UK one, NOT the American one,) or Twin Peaks if you think it is appropriate. I think Broadchurch might be hard for a 13 year old. I also don't like Murdoch Mysteries, which makes me feel disloyal as a Canadian. For Canadian content I would probably suggest DeVinci's Inquest, although it has more of a procedural/police drama feel. Arthur and George is a nice mini-series with Arthur Conan Doyle as the detective - its based on a true story. You might try anything from P.D James - particularly the Dagliesh ones, there are several versions and some appeal more than others. Death Comes to Pemberly is also not bad. The Escape Artist with David Tennant is good, but I can't remember if it is ok for younger viewers. Case Histories, set in Edinburgh, is quite good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Father Brown Mysteries and Grantchester. Both BBC, both perido pieces. And in one Father Brown I absolutely cracked up when a patient at a mental hospital says to Father Brown "My dad's a wizard. Are YOU a wizard?" And he replies "Yes I am a wizard!" Father Brown is played by the same actor as Arthur Weasley, so yes, yes he is a wizard! Oh, I forgot Grantchester! THose are really good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 (edited) Loved Grantchester, can't wait for the next season. There's nothing quite like the new Sherlock that I've come across but as a huge mystery tv/book fan these are the ones I liked. Most of these have probably been mentioned already.... Inspector Lewis, Midsomer, Vera, Foyles War George Gently Death in Paradise (it's supposed to be light-hearted/witty, but I cried at the end of season 2/beginning of season 3. It took me awhile before I was willing to continue but it was worth it) On Acorn and might be on Netflix Hinterland Vexed Brokenwood Field of Blood (not as bad as it sounds) Chasing Shadows Book recommendations... I was reminded of Flavia DeLuce recently from another thread, if your DD likes to read at all? these are excellent mystery books featuring an 11-13 year old girl who uses Chemistry and such to solve crime. Not Juvenile (lots of us grown ups read the series) but still very appropriate for a young teen. Edited December 22, 2015 by foxbridgeacademy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted December 22, 2015 Share Posted December 22, 2015 Other thoughts are Cracker (the UK one, NOT the American one,) or Twin Peaks if you think it is appropriate. I wouldn't recommend Cracker for a 13yo. IMO it's pretty intense and a bit graphic at times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 (edited) I loved Quincy, Perrry Mason, Father Dowling Mysteries, Murder She Wrote, and Columbo. Numb3rs is very good. Castle is fun, but the last two seasons were not very good. White Collar was very good, but we never watched the last two seasons. Elementary is great, but I wasn't watching it with a kid mind. My youngest is 17yo now. We think it's way better than Sherlock. Psych was good at first, but we got tired of it after a few seasons. Monk was very good, but it made my oldest upset. She has OCD and she thought the show made light of it. I thought it did pretty much portray how it completely took over his life. By the last season I just wanted it to be over because I didn't want anything else to happen to the poor guy. She thought they made it look almost cute. It's different when you are suffering from it and it is an ever present feature of your life. Edited: I wasn't sure that Father Brown Mysteries was the right name for the show I liked, so I looked it up on youtube. The one that I liked was Father Dowling Mysteries. The priest was the same guy who was the dad on Happy Days. I've never seen Father Brown Mysteries. I fixed it in my list above. Edited December 23, 2015 by AngieW in Texas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cammie Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 Midsommer Murders is my absolute favorite. Also love Miss Fischer. Someone mentioned Jonathan Creek which is also great - he is a guy who designs magic tricks for a magician who uses his knowledge to solve mysteries - very different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 (edited) And I just remembered: Hart to Hart Remington Steele Vega$ Spenser: For Hire Blue Thunder Hardcastle and McCormick Kojak McMillan and Wife Scarecrow and Mrs. King Can you tell I've always been a fan of this kind of show? Edited December 23, 2015 by AngieW in Texas 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmseB Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 Has anyone mentioned Foyle's War? Mystery series set during WWII. It's really good and I wouldn't hesitate to let a 13 watch it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 Foyles war & George Gently are the 2 greatest detectives shows ever made. No contest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 I haven't read everyone else's so I'm sure I'm repeating some. Some of our favorites (not in order) are: Foyle's War White Collar Maigret (with Michael Gambon) Forever The Mentalist Psyche Monk River (though maybe not for children) Pushing Daisies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livetoread Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 I quit watching Bletchly Circle early on. It was too intense and the brief scenes of violence were too disturbing. It was weird actually, because it was mostly mild, and then suddenly you'd see this terrified woman being tortured by a serial killer. Hated that. I watched River a few weeks ago and I think it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Loved it! It was such a tender, beautiful look at mental illness and love. It is one long treatise on grief, and while I normally avoid sad things, this was sad in a life-affirming way if that makes sense. I sobbed like a baby. I can't remember anything really inappropriate for a young teen, but it's hard for me to think about it through teen eyes. She's going to be hard-pressed to find anything as good as Sherlock IMO. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted December 23, 2015 Share Posted December 23, 2015 Leverage! I can't believe I forgot about Leverage. It isn't strictly a detective show. They are approached by somebody who was conned and then they figure out how to con the conner and pay back all the people who were conned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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