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| Loved Netflix's Summer '36? These 19 Historical Mystery Series Should Be Your Next Binge. (Image via: Netflix) |
Netflix's Summer '36 has quickly become one of those series that leaves viewers immediately searching for something to fill the void. With its blend of historical drama, murder mystery, political intrigue and complicated female characters, the French thriller proves that solving one murder is rarely as simple as finding the person holding the knife. If you're still thinking about the shocking finale, the tangled web of secrets and the glamorous yet dangerous French Riviera, here are 19 series that capture a similar atmosphere through gripping mysteries, historical settings and plenty of morally grey characters.
The six-part drama earned praise for weaving together class conflict, pre-war European politics and an old-fashioned whodunit without forgetting to deliver emotional character arcs. Many viewers especially enjoyed how every suspect appeared guilty at some point, only for the story to keep pulling the rug from underneath them. Others loved that the biggest twists came from characters nobody expected, because apparently wealthy hotels are never just places to enjoy breakfast.
Fans online have been calling Summer '36 one of Netflix's strongest European mystery releases of the year. Some praised its cinematic visuals and layered storytelling, while others compared it to classic Agatha Christie mysteries mixed with political suspense.
Of course, there were also viewers joking that nobody should ever check into a luxury hotel in a historical drama because someone always ends up dead before dessert.
Shows Like SUMMER '36
1. Babylon Berlin (2017)
Set during the final years of Germany's Weimar Republic, Babylon Berlin follows detective Gereon Rath as he investigates murders, conspiracies and political unrest.
Like Summer '36, it mixes murder investigations with the rise of extremist politics, social inequality and glamorous locations hiding dangerous secrets beneath the surface.
2. The Bonfire of Destiny (2019)
Inspired by real historical events in France, this drama follows three women whose lives change forever after a devastating fire.
It shares Summer '36's fascination with female-led storytelling, hidden identities, class divisions and the struggle against powerful social expectations.
3. Hotel Portofino (2022)
An elegant Italian hotel becomes the centre of family drama, political tension and personal scandals during the rise of Fascism.
While it contains fewer murders, its luxurious setting, historical backdrop and complicated relationships feel remarkably similar to Summer '36.
4. The Alienist (2018)
Victorian New York provides the backdrop for a disturbing serial murder investigation led by an unconventional team.
Both series thrive on atmospheric period settings, psychological mysteries and investigators racing against dangerous criminals before another victim appears.
5. Vienna Blood (2019)
Crime solving meets psychology in early 1900s Vienna as Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt teams up with psychiatrist Max Liebermann.
If you enjoyed the elegant European atmosphere and carefully constructed mysteries in Summer '36, this series delivers both in abundance.
6. Gran Hotel (2011)
A waiter secretly investigates his sister's disappearance inside a luxurious Spanish hotel where every guest hides a secret.
Murder, romance, corruption and social class all collide, making this one of the closest spiritual cousins to Summer '36.
7. The Gilded Age (2022)
Although less focused on murder, The Gilded Age explores wealth, power and class warfare with razor-sharp dialogue and lavish production values. Like Summer '36, appearances rarely tell the full story.
8. The Name of the Rose (2019)
Based on Umberto Eco's famous novel, this medieval mystery follows a monk investigating murders inside a monastery.
Every clue reveals another conspiracy, proving once again that historical buildings apparently come with complimentary secrets.
9. Miss Scarlet (2020)
Victorian London's first female private detective battles prejudice while solving complex crimes.
Fans who appreciated the determined women driving Summer '36 will likely enjoy Eliza Scarlet's refusal to accept society's limitations.
10. A Murder at the End of the World (2023)
This modern mystery swaps the 1930s Riviera for an isolated luxury retreat, but keeps the closed-circle murder investigation, wealthy suspects and endless twists that made Summer '36 so addictive.
11. The English Game (2020)
Football may be the headline attraction, but the series also explores class conflict, industrial Britain and changing social structures. If the historical divide between workers and elites fascinated you in Summer '36, this drama tackles similar themes.
12. Atlantic Crossing (2020)
Political negotiations, European tensions and the looming threat of war dominate this historical drama. It shares the same atmosphere of uncertainty that hangs over Summer '36 as Europe edges towards a darker future.
13. Perry Mason (2020)
Set in 1930s Los Angeles, this noir mystery follows a troubled investigator uncovering corruption among powerful figures. Like Summer '36, justice is rarely straightforward and the wealthy often play by completely different rules.
14. The Law According to Lidia Poët (2023)
Italy's first female lawyer solves crimes while fighting discrimination in the late nineteenth century. Clever investigations, historical detail and a fearless female lead make it another excellent follow-up.
15. Alias Grace (2017)
This psychological period drama examines a notorious murder case through unreliable memories and social expectations. Fans who enjoyed slowly uncovering the truth behind Summer '36 will appreciate its layered storytelling.
16. The Village (2013)
Spanning several decades, this British drama explores ordinary lives shaped by extraordinary political and social change. While lighter on mystery, it shares the same thoughtful exploration of class, history and human relationships.
17. The Crimson Rivers (2018)
Dark investigations, shocking murders and hidden conspiracies dominate this French crime thriller. It offers the same relentless sense that every answer only opens another dangerous question.
18. Les Combattantes (Women at War) (2022)
Set during the First World War, this French drama follows four women from vastly different backgrounds whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined.
Much like Summer '36, it proves that women often carry the emotional weight of history while everyone else argues about politics.
19. And Then There Were None (2015)
Agatha Christie's legendary mystery traps strangers together as they are killed one by one. The carefully crafted suspense, endless suspects and shocking final reveal make it essential viewing for anyone who loved Summer '36's intricate whodunit structure.
Next: Where Was SUMMER '36 Filmed?
Whether you enjoyed Summer '36 for its glamorous French Riviera setting, its layered female characters, the historical backdrop or simply because everyone seemed suspicious from episode one, these 19 series offer plenty of mysteries waiting to be solved.
Some lean heavily into political conspiracies, others focus on murder investigations or class conflict, but all capture that irresistible feeling of never knowing who can truly be trusted. Which one deserves the top spot on your watchlist, or do you have another hidden gem that fans of Summer '36 absolutely shouldn't miss?