In the 1960s and 1970s, murder mysteries faced a decline due to the arrival of fresher narratives styles. It resurfaced again in the late-20th Century with a new ingredient that heightened their appeal: comedy. With movies like adaptations of Agatha Christie’s works like Murder on the Orient Express and A Caribbean Mystery on the big screen, interest in murder mystery movies was reinvigorated. Murder mysteries already enjoy a widespread popularity, as do comedies. The potent combination of the two keeps you guessing and entertained with laughter. What more could movie lovers ask for?
Comedy and murder mystery mix quite well. In fact, when it comes to blending genres with murder mystery, comedy stands as the perfect companion. As weird as this fusion may seem, movies like Murder Mystery and shows like Only Murders in the Building have consistently proven that people love solving crimes while being cracked up by well-timed humor. With murder mystery comedy, there’s no need to make a tough choice between these two beloved genres when you can savor both worlds.
Popular mystery comedy shows like Only Murders in the Building, which garnered more than 17 Emmy nominations in 2022, recently launched its third season in August after two successful seasons. Since then, viewers can’t seem to get their fill of the show as they are already clamoring for a fourth season. However, the release date for the fourth season remains uncertain. Until then, here are 15 mystery comedy shows to tune into.
15 Mapleworth Murders (2020)
The plot of Mapleworth Murders follows Abigail Mapleworth as she attempts to solve series of bizarre and humorous murder cases in the quaint fictional town of New Woodstream. With the help of her niece, Heidi, assistant Sid, and other colorful characters, Abigail delves into solving these murders, often leading to humorous twists. The show is known for its satirical on the murder mystery genre, often blending elements of absurdity, dark humor and satire to poke fun at conventions of traditional detective shows.
It feels like a ridiculous, lighthearted and campy version of Murder She Wrote. While it may not be appreciated by those who dislike parodies or in search of something more serious, Mapleworth Murders is guaranteed to brighten the day of some viewers with its comical characters and continuous stream of humor and surprises.
14 Castle (2009-2016)
If there’s any show you can watch more than once without getting bored, it is Castle. The series strikes the perfect blend of drama, crime, comedy, and even romance. The undeniable on-screen chemistry between Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic, playing Richard Castle and Kate Beckett, only adds to the show’s overall appeal. Here, Fillion plays the famous mystery novelist, while Katic embodies the detective who works together with him to solve series of murder cases in New York City.
With its unique premise of pairing a detective with a novelist, sharp humor, character development overtime, and the overarching Mystery, the show had a good run. Despite being well-received, some conflicts behind the scenes made it one controversial show. Nevertheless, it remains a memorable and cherished crime comedy series.
13 Murderville (2022)
Developed by Krister for Netflix, this comedic murder-mystery is an adaptation of BBC Three’s series Murder in Successville. Murderville premiered in February 2022, featuring a seven-episode first season, each running approximately 29 to 30 minutes. Will Arnett plays the eccentric detective who solves a series of murder cases with new celebrity guest stars in each episode. While the Detective is well-informed about the case, the guest stars are totally clueless, which makes it extremely funny.
The show is absolutely brilliant and refreshingly, and shows that there is nothing as hilarious as improvisational comedy. As these clueless celebrities are caught in solving the cases laid out for them within a limited time, the show feels so natural and entertaining. It also offers viewers a chance to see their favorite stars play rookie cops.
12 The Flight Attendant (2020-2022)
This dark comedy and suspenseful thriller follows a reckless flight attendant (Kaley Cuoco) who enjoys a lifestyle of heavy drinking and partying. However, her life takes a turn for the worse when a passionate encounter with a charming passenger only leads her to waking up next to his lifeless body. To make issues worse, she has no memory of the events leading up to his death due to her heavy drinking.
The Flight Attendant kicks off as a comedy and ends up transforming into a thrilling rollercoaster of twists and turns that will certainly keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Cuoco delivers a flawless performance as Cassie. However, while the show has been praised for being one of the cleverest and most mind-bending comedy shows in recent times, some find it quite frustrating to watch.
11 Dead to Me (2019-2022)
This dark comedy and sorrowful tale revolves around a woman, Jen Harding, who recently lost her husband in a hit-and-run accident and is determined to find the culprit. In the processing of dealing with her loss and grief, she ends up forming a strong bond with another woman, Judy Hale. However, this new friend knows an important secret that would help in solving the mystery of Jen’s husband death.
Dead to Me is known for its sharp writing, complex characters, and the exceptional performances of the lead actresses, Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. With a well-balanced mix of mystery, dark humor, and drama, this show becomes a binge-worthy choice. Overall, the show is a brilliant dark comedy with some touch of mystery.
10 Father Brown (2013-Present)
Father Brown is a British crime drama based on the fictional Father Brown character created by G.K Chesterton, and it stars Mark Williams as this parish priest who has a keen intellect and special talent for solving crime. Each episode presents a self-contained mystery or crime that Father Brown gets embroiled in. While the show typically falls into the crime and mystery genre, it does incorporate elements of humor and light-heartedness in its storyline.
The humor often emanates from the quirky and characters that populate the fictional Costwold village of Kembleford, where the story unfolds. The show has that warm and inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for those who love a mix of mystery and light-hearted entertainment, suitable for family viewing. With its recent return for a tenth season on July 2023, Father Brown continues to captivate viewers with its enduring charm and its delightful characters.
9 The Afterparty (2022)
With just two seasons and a total of 18 episodes, Christopher Miller’s The Afterparty presents a Whodunit narrative set against the backdrop of a high school reunion. Each episode delves into the perspectives of each character of the night of the murder. These narratives culminate into the revelation of a shocking truth. In second and final season, the show retains a similar pattern, this time focusing on a murder during a wedding ceremony, with each character sharing their version of the story.
If anyone is looking for a genuinely hilarious murder mystery with a brilliant cast, The Afterparty is just the fitting choice. Tiffany Haddish shines at the peak of her comedic prowess as Detective Danner, just like the rest of the cast. While being playful and silly, it is also smartly constructed.
8 Psych (2006-2014)
This comedy drama series revolves around a young man, Shawn, with a photographic memory and keen observational skills. Leveraging his skills, he poses as a psychic detective, using his skills to solve crimes for the Santa Barbara Police department with the help of his childhood friend, Gus. While not all of Shawn’s cases involve murder, Psych has a great blend of humor and crime-solving elements, keeping viewers entertained and intrigued until the very end.
Without the unique dynamic between Gus and Shawn, the show wouldn’t have been the same. The show’s charm lies in its light-hearted tone, endearing characters and unconventional ways Shawn employed in cracking cases. Psych was fun while it lasted but like every long-running show, it eventually came to an end due to declining viewership after Eight entertaining seasons.
7 Monk (2002-2009)
Monk is a popular comedy mystery show, known for its memorable characters, clever writing, and Tony Shalhoub’s exceptional portrayal of the titular character. Each episode follows as Monk solves a new and intriguing case, often laced with humorous and quirky twists. Monk’s Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and phobias are often a central part of the show’s humor and are major reasons why he’s good at being a detective.
Now, 14 years after the series concluded, Peacock is set to release a Monk movie with Shalhoub and other familiar faces returning to the screen. This news is sure to bring immense delight to those who have been missing this cherished series. Whether you are discovering it for the first time or indulging in a re-watch, Monk offers a treat for fans of Whodunit mysteries.
6 Sister Boniface Mysteries (2022-Present)
Set in the 1960s, Sister Boniface Mysteries is a light-hearted murder mystery series that follows the titular nun as she solves crime with the assistance of the police department. The show is a spin-off of Father Brown, and it certainly brings a fresh perspective to the well-known series. However, some viewers find that it falls short of the excellent quality of the original series and lacks depth in its plot and character’s growth.
Nevertheless, it is brimming with fun and, of course, Father Brown does make an appearance in the series, to the delight of his fans. The show is beautifully crafted particularly for those who have fallen in love with the quirky Sister Boniface who appeared in the first season of Father Brown and have been itching to see her own story evolve. Well, fans of Miss Marple will undoubtedly appreciate this fun and light-hearted version of a female sleuth.
5 Bad Sisters (2022-Present)
This Irish comedy thriller revolves around the Gravey sisters, whose unbreakable bond stems from their parents’ premature death, and they are willing to go great lengths to protect each other. Portrayed beautifully by Sharon Horgan, Eve Hewson, and Sarah Greene, the sisters are so endearing that their connection becomes the heart of the series. Even when they are up to no good, viewers can’t help but root for them.
Bad Sisters is truly a black comedy, artfully weaving drama, agony, and some truly wickedly funny moments into a bingeworthy show. With a whole lot unfolding in the lives of these sisters, the show keeps many clued to their seats, eager to see how their story ends. From the plot, acting, directing, clever script and humor, every aspect of the show is outstanding, culminating in an utterly brilliant series.
4 Poker Face (2023-Present)
If the mystery-of-the-week series appeal to you, then Poker Face is an absolute must-see. Natasha Lyonne plays a sleuth with an extraordinary talent for detecting when someone is lying. On the run, she solves series of murder and crime cases along the way, while encountering a diverse cast of characters. The show was released on Peacock in January 2023, with just 10 episodes and has gone on to become one of the best shows of the year.
The series follows the 1968 Columbo series format of murder mystery fiction and not the whodunit style, which would make it particularly interesting to those who are familiar with that classic show. Notably, the show is also created by Rian Johnson, known for murder mystery works like Knives Out and its sequel Glass Onion that are quite good at keeping viewers guessing and laughing throughout.
3 The Resort (2022)
Set against the backdrop of an idyllic surrounding and created by Andy Siara, this comedy mystery show follows a bored married couple who decide to take on the role of detectives. Cristin Miloti and William Jackson Harper star as Emma and Noah, who become embroiled in solving a mystery involving a missing boy. Starting like a rom-com, the show transforms into a full-fledged dark and intriguing tale while retaining its sense of humor.
The Resort isn’t just a fantastic show for relaxation; it’s also brimming with surprises, sci-fi elements, and twists that would keep viewers guessing until the very end. Undeniably, the show is visually stunning with likeable characters and the on-screen chemistry between Miloti and Harper only adds to its charm. Fans of Palm Springs and The White Lotus wouldn’t want to miss this.
2 Bored to Death (2009-2011)
With its slow start, no one would have expected Bored to Death to evolve into such an intriguing and addictive show. But with each episode, it became more entertaining. Created by Jonathan Ames and starring Jason Schwartzman as a struggling writer who decides to play a private detective out of sheer boredom, the show seamlessly blends crime, mystery, and comedy — everything a fan of these genres could desire.
Ted Danson, Zach Galifianakis, Schwartzman, and the rest of the cast played these flawed yet endearing characters with such finesse that one can’t help but fall in love with them. While it may occasionally seem absurd or over-the-top to dismay of some viewers, these qualities only enhance the show’s charm. Bored to Death stands out for its stylish presentation, superb performances, clever dialogues, and consistently hilarious and brilliant storylines. Rest assured, this won’t leave you bored to death.
1 Only Murders in the Building (2021-Present)
Only Murders in the Building has become quite a sensation in 2023, after the first two episodes of the third season launched on August 8. The show’s popularity stems from the captivating premise, interesting ensemble cast ,and that perfect blend of murder mystery and comedy. The presence of comedy legends like Steve Martin and Martin Shorts is obviously one of the reasons people can’t get enough of the show.
In the show, Shorts, Martin and Selena Gomez play three strangers who are living in the same building and are connected by their knack for solving crime. The series has sparked both criticism and admiration just like any other popular show. Despite being a funny show, some feel it has shifted towards drama in recent episodes, with fewer laughs compared to its initial season.
