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| Best Shows Like This Is Not a Murder Mystery to Watch Next. |
This Is Not a Murder Mystery brings together period crime, surrealist art and a country-house gathering where almost everyone has a reason to look suspicious. Scheduled to premiere on Acorn TV on 12 October 2026, the six-part series follows Belgian painter René Magritte after he wakes up beside a murdered artist with no memory of what happened the previous night. With more deaths following and crime scenes inspired by avant-garde artworks, the investigation becomes increasingly difficult to separate from the eccentric world surrounding it.
For viewers drawn to its unusual premise, finding a similar series means looking beyond conventional detective dramas. The best alternatives offer suspicious gatherings, elaborate puzzles, eccentric characters, historical settings or a healthy dose of dark comedy. Some lean towards classic British whodunits, while others explore psychological uncertainty and crimes hidden beneath respectable appearances. Here are 21 shows worth considering if you want another mystery that keeps you guessing.
Shows Like This Is Not a Murder Mystery
1. Magpie Murders (2022)
A book editor investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a celebrated crime novelist whose latest manuscript is missing its ending. As she examines the unfinished story, she discovers that the fictional mystery may hold clues to a real crime.
The connection to This Is Not a Murder Mystery is the relationship between artistic creation and criminal investigation. Both stories invite viewers to examine creative work for clues while questioning the people responsible for it. Instead of surrealist paintings, Magpie Murders uses a detective novel to complicate the investigation. It is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys layered storytelling and mysteries in which the smallest details may prove more important than they initially appear.
2. Poirot (1989–2013)
David Suchet stars as Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie's meticulous Belgian detective, who solves crimes involving aristocrats, wealthy families and seemingly respectable members of society. His investigations rely on careful observation, questioning and his famous little grey cells.
Its period atmosphere and complicated murder cases make Poirot a natural companion to This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both explore social circles where polished manners can conceal questionable motives, and both reward viewers who pay attention to seemingly insignificant details. Poirot's Belgian background also provides an interesting connection to the fictionalised presence of René Magritte in the Acorn TV series. The storytelling is more traditional, but the central pleasure remains the same: watching a detective work through a room full of people who would rather keep their secrets buried.
3. And Then There Were None (2015)
Ten strangers arrive at an isolated island property after receiving invitations from an absent host. Their stay quickly turns into a nightmare when accusations emerge and members of the group begin dying under mysterious circumstances.
This adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel is ideal for viewers who enjoy the tension of a locked-location murder mystery. Like This Is Not a Murder Mystery, it places a collection of suspicious characters in an environment where escape and trust become increasingly difficult. Both stories use isolation to intensify the investigation, although And Then There Were None takes a much darker approach. The dwindling number of suspects creates a compelling puzzle, particularly for viewers who enjoy trying to identify the killer before the final revelation.
4. The Afterparty (2022–2023)
A reunion ends with a murder, leaving Detective Danner to investigate a group of former classmates whose accounts of the night differ considerably. Each suspect recounts events through a distinct storytelling style, giving the same incident several competing interpretations.
The series shares the ensemble mystery and dark comedy of This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both feature colourful personalities, hidden grudges and an investigation in which appearances can be misleading. However, The Afterparty uses shifts in genre and presentation rather than surrealist art to distinguish its storytelling. Its comedic approach also makes the suspects' questionable decisions part of the entertainment. If you enjoy mysteries that balance genuine clues with ridiculous behaviour, this is a strong alternative.
5. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012–2015)
Set in 1920s Melbourne, the series follows Phryne Fisher, a wealthy and independent woman who investigates murders involving society figures, criminals and ordinary residents. Her sharp instincts and disregard for convention frequently put her ahead of the official investigation.
The historical setting, distinctive characters and stylish presentation make this an appealing choice for fans of This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both series use an earlier era to create an immersive world in which social standing does not guarantee innocence. Phryne also brings a lively sense of humour to her investigations, offering a lighter alternative to darker crime dramas. If you appreciate period costumes, clever deductions and mysteries that unfold among people with complicated personal lives, this Australian series deserves a place on your list.
6. The White Lotus (2021–present)
Mike White's dark comedy follows wealthy guests and resort employees whose holidays become increasingly uncomfortable as personal conflicts, resentment and questionable behaviour emerge. Each season introduces a new location and a fresh collection of characters whose relationships gradually unravel.
Although it is not a traditional whodunit, The White Lotus shares the satirical view of privilege and social pretence found in This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both expose the tensions hiding beneath apparently sophisticated gatherings. The characters may have money, influence and expensive surroundings, but that does not stop them from making terrible decisions. The series is especially suitable for viewers who enjoy mysteries surrounded by social commentary, awkward encounters and a cast in which practically everyone has something to explain.
7. A Murder at the End of the World (2023)
Amateur detective Darby Hart receives an invitation to a secluded retreat hosted by a wealthy technology entrepreneur. When a death disrupts the gathering, she must investigate the guests while navigating an isolated environment filled with secrets.
The series combines a contained setting with psychological tension and questions about memory, perception and manipulation. These elements make it a particularly good match for This Is Not a Murder Mystery, where Magritte's missing memories place him under suspicion. Both stories ask viewers to consider how much they can trust the people involved in an investigation. The contemporary technology setting differs from the 1930s artistic world, but the underlying appeal is similar: an exclusive gathering becomes the centre of a mystery in which every explanation deserves scrutiny.
8. The Marlow Murder Club (2024–present)
Judith Potts, a retired archaeologist living in the English town of Marlow, becomes involved in a murder investigation and eventually joins forces with two unlikely companions. Together, they investigate local crimes that prove considerably more complicated than they first appear.
This British series offers the cosy atmosphere and eccentric characters that make This Is Not a Murder Mystery appealing. Both use an English setting to introduce suspicious behaviour and unexpected discoveries, although The Marlow Murder Club takes a lighter approach. Its amateur detectives also provide a welcome change from the usual professional investigator who seems to have the entire police department at their disposal. For viewers who enjoy British crime stories with humour, clues and a colourful supporting cast, it is an easy recommendation.
9. Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (2022)
After discovering a dying man, Bobby Jones and Lady Frances Derwent become involved in an investigation that leads them towards wealthy families and a series of troubling secrets. The man's final words provide an intriguing clue, but understanding their meaning proves far from straightforward.
Based on Agatha Christie's novel, this adaptation delivers the period atmosphere and elaborate puzzle that fans of This Is Not a Murder Mystery may appreciate. Both stories place characters in situations where apparently minor details can change the direction of an investigation. The tone here is more adventurous, with a strong emphasis on deduction and suspicious acquaintances rather than surrealist imagery. It is a good choice for viewers who enjoy classic British mysteries with an entertaining pace and an assortment of characters who are not necessarily telling the whole truth.
10. The Alienist (2018–2020)
Set in nineteenth-century New York, this historical crime drama follows psychologist Laszlo Kreizler, illustrator John Moore and police secretary Sara Howard as they investigate a series of disturbing murders. Their approach relies on emerging psychological theories and a willingness to question conventional investigative methods.
Like This Is Not a Murder Mystery, the series places crime within a carefully constructed historical setting. Both explore how human behaviour, ambition and social expectations can influence an investigation. However, The Alienist is more serious in tone and focuses on psychological profiling rather than a theatrical pattern inspired by artworks. Its detailed period setting and methodical detective work make it a strong option for viewers who prefer historical mysteries with darker themes and a greater emphasis on investigative procedure.
11. The ABC Murders (2018)
Hercule Poirot receives a series of threatening letters before a murderer begins targeting victims according to an apparent alphabetical pattern. As the deaths continue, the detective must determine whether the pattern reveals the killer's intentions or conceals a more complicated motive.
This adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel shares the deliberate construction of a murder mystery with This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both involve crimes that appear to follow a particular design, forcing investigators to examine the relationship between the evidence and the person responsible. The Acorn TV series uses avant-garde art as part of its unusual premise, while The ABC Murders builds its puzzle around the alphabetical sequence. Viewers who enjoy identifying patterns and testing their theories against new evidence should find both approaches appealing.
12. The Bletchley Circle (2012–2014)
Four women who worked as codebreakers during the Second World War reunite in post-war Britain to investigate crimes that have escaped the authorities' attention. Their ability to identify patterns and analyse complex information becomes essential to solving the cases.
The series is a good fit for viewers who enjoy unconventional investigators and mysteries that reward careful observation. Like This Is Not a Murder Mystery, it places considerable importance on recognising connections that others overlook. Its historical setting also explores the limitations imposed on women despite their considerable abilities. While it lacks the surrealist humour and artistic eccentricity of the Acorn TV series, the investigative process offers a similar sense of satisfaction as apparently disconnected clues begin to form a coherent explanation.
13. Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)
Three residents of a New York apartment building become amateur detectives after a death occurs in their building. United by their interest in true-crime podcasts, they investigate their neighbours while documenting their findings and uncovering unexpected connections.
The series shares the ensemble-driven mystery and comic tone of This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both feature groups of distinctive personalities, suspicious behaviour and a setting that gradually reveals its secrets. The main difference is the contemporary apartment building, which replaces the English country estate. The podcast angle also gives the story a playful awareness of crime entertainment itself. For viewers who enjoy mysteries that combine genuine investigative puzzles with awkward conversations and questionable decisions, this series provides an entertaining alternative.
14. The Devil's Hour (2022–present)
Lucy Chambers repeatedly wakes at 3.33 am and experiences unsettling visions that appear to connect with a series of crimes. As the investigation develops, questions about memory, perception and reality become increasingly important.
Its psychological approach makes it particularly relevant to This Is Not a Murder Mystery, where a central character's missing memories complicate the search for a killer. Both stories encourage viewers to question what characters remember and whether their understanding of events can be trusted. The Devil's Hour incorporates supernatural elements and a much darker atmosphere, but the underlying uncertainty provides a similar appeal. If you prefer mysteries that gradually challenge your understanding of earlier scenes, this series is worth adding to your watchlist.
15. Bodies (2023)
Four detectives working in different historical periods discover the same body in London's Whitechapel district. Their separate investigations gradually reveal connections that stretch across generations, turning a seemingly impossible case into an elaborate mystery.
The series takes a more ambitious approach than This Is Not a Murder Mystery, combining crime investigation with science fiction. Nevertheless, both stories transform an unusual pattern of deaths into the foundation of a larger puzzle. Where the Acorn TV series draws on surrealist artworks, Bodies uses the recurring discovery of the same victim to connect its different timelines. Both reward viewers who pay attention to details and enjoy revisiting earlier clues as new information emerges. It is an especially good choice if you want a mystery that grows more complicated with every episode.
16. The Resort (2022)
A couple celebrating their wedding anniversary at a tropical resort become interested in the disappearance of two teenagers years earlier. Their investigation gradually uncovers connections between the missing-person case, the resort and their own relationship.
The series shares the unconventional storytelling and offbeat humour of This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both use a contained setting to explore strange events, buried secrets and characters whose assumptions may be mistaken. Rather than focusing on a conventional murder investigation, The Resort combines mystery with emotional questions about time, relationships and the stories people tell themselves. Its unusual tone makes it an appealing option for viewers who prefer crime-related mysteries that are not afraid to become strange or unexpectedly funny.
17. The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015–2017)
Sean Bean stars as Inspector John Marlott, a London police officer investigating a disturbing discovery involving human remains. His inquiry leads him into a world of scientific experimentation, corruption and unsettling ambitions.
This historical crime drama offers a darker alternative to This Is Not a Murder Mystery, particularly for viewers interested in the relationship between artistic creation and criminal activity. Both series use unusual imagery to establish a distinctive identity, although The Frankenstein Chronicles leans towards gothic horror rather than dark comedy. Its historical setting and investigation into the consequences of human ambition provide an atmospheric viewing experience. If you prefer your mysteries with a gothic edge and unsettling questions about the boundaries of science, this series deserves consideration.
18. The Gentlemen (2024–present)
Eddie Horniman inherits his family's country estate and discovers that it is connected to a criminal enterprise. His attempts to manage the unexpected situation bring him into contact with dangerous associates and people whose respectable appearances conceal complicated interests.
Although it is not a conventional whodunit, The Gentlemen shares the country-estate setting and satirical treatment of privilege found in This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both explore the uncomfortable contrast between refined surroundings and questionable behaviour. The difference is that Eddie must navigate a criminal operation rather than identify a murderer. Its dark humour and eccentric characters nevertheless make it a suitable choice for viewers who enjoy stories in which wealthy households become the centre of increasingly absurd complications.
19. The Woman in White (2018)
This adaptation of Wilkie Collins's Victorian novel follows an art teacher whose encounter with a mysterious woman leads him into a complicated web of deception, family secrets and questions about identity.
The series combines period drama with psychological suspense, making it a good alternative for fans of This Is Not a Murder Mystery. Both use historical settings and artistic connections to create an atmosphere of uncertainty, with characters struggling to understand what is really happening around them. The Woman in White is more gothic in tone, while the Acorn TV series incorporates dark comedy and surrealist references. Still, viewers who enjoy layered mysteries, suspicious relationships and revelations that challenge earlier assumptions should find plenty to appreciate.
20. The Madame Blanc Mysteries (2021–present)
Antiques dealer Jean White travels to the fictional French town of Sainte Victoire following her husband's death. Her knowledge of antiques and ability to spot inconsistencies lead her into investigations involving local residents and suspicious circumstances.
The connection to This Is Not a Murder Mystery lies in the importance of art, objects and hidden histories. While the Acorn TV series uses surrealist works as part of its murder mystery, The Madame Blanc Mysteries makes antiques and their origins central to its investigations. Both invite viewers to look beyond an object's appearance and consider what it might reveal. The tone is considerably lighter, making this an appealing choice for anyone who prefers cosy crime with an unusual investigative angle.
21. The Killing Kind (2023)
Defence barrister Ingrid Lewis finds herself caught up in a troubling situation involving a former client and a series of threats. As events unfold, she must reconsider her understanding of the people around her and the consequences of earlier decisions.
This British thriller is less playful than This Is Not a Murder Mystery, but it shares an interest in uncertainty, conflicting accounts and the difficulty of establishing the truth. Both stories involve characters whose understanding of events may be incomplete, creating room for suspicion and unexpected developments. The legal setting offers a different approach to the mystery, with evidence and testimony playing important roles. It is a suitable choice for viewers more interested in psychological tension than period costumes or eccentric artistic gatherings.
In my opinion, This Is Not a Murder Mystery stands out because its premise goes beyond simply gathering a group of suspects in an impressive house. The connection between surrealist art and staged crime scenes gives the story a distinctive identity, while the period setting creates plenty of opportunities for social rivalry and eccentric behaviour. For similar viewing, I would start with Magpie Murders for its layered storytelling, Poirot for classic detective work and The Afterparty for comedy.
And Then There Were None is a stronger option if you prefer an isolated setting where suspicion keeps growing. Of course, a good mystery needs more than an unusual premise: the clues must make sense, the characters need believable motives, and the eventual explanation should feel earned rather than pulled out of a hat. Which of these 21 shows would make your watchlist, and what other mystery series would you recommend to fans of This Is Not a Murder Mystery?