The year 2026 is poised to deliver a captivating lineup of crime dramas that are anticipated to engage viewers across the globe. With a range of narratives spanning psychological thrillers to riveting detective stories, these series cater to diverse audience tastes. Here’s a glimpse at eleven crime dramas set to premiere this year.
“Under Salt Marsh,” debuting on January 30, stars Kelly Reilly, Rafe Spall, Harry Lawtey, and Sir Jonathan Pryce. Created by Claire Oakley, this six-part series follows former detective Jackie Ellis, portrayed by Reilly, who uncovers a shocking link to a cold case during a devastating storm. Jackie reconnects with her former partner, Eric Bull, played by Spall, as they navigate a community weighed down by deep-rooted secrets.
On March 11, fans of Patricia Cornwell can look forward to “Scarpetta,” featuring Nicole Kidman as Dr. Kay Scarpetta, alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Bobby Cannavale. This Amazon Prime series centers on the determined medical examiner as she seeks to identify a serial killer while grappling with unresolved personal stakes from a two-decade-old case.
“Vanished,” launching on February 27, stars Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin. This thriller chronicles a couple’s troubling journey through Paris, focusing on Alice (Cuoco) who delves into dark secrets following her boyfriend Tom’s mysterious disappearance on a train. The series will be available for binge-watching on Amazon Prime.
Netflix will introduce “Jo Nesbo’s Detective Hole” on March 26, featuring Tobias Santelmann in the lead role as the enigmatic detective Harry Hole. This adaptation portrays a tense cat-and-mouse game with his antagonist Tom Waaler, promising a thrilling exploration of obsession and moral ambiguity over nine episodes.
“I Will Find You” is another notable release in 2026, based on a novel by Harlan Coben. This Netflix series follows David Burroughs, played by Sam Worthington, who unravels shocking truths while serving time for a crime he did not commit, exploring themes of deception and redemption.
The BBC’s upcoming series “The Cage” stars Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha as casino employees who become entangled in a robbery scheme, leading to dramatic confrontations. The series is set to air in 2026, generating considerable anticipation.
Fans of “Line of Duty” will be thrilled to see the series return with its seventh installment on BBC One, where the Inspectorate of Police Standards tackles sensitive cases amidst the disbandment of AC-12, promising intense drama and intricate investigations.
Additionally, “The Good Daughter,” set to air on Sky and NOW TV, features Meghann Fahy and Rose Byrne as sisters whose lives are forever altered by past violence, delving into family bonds and the effects of trauma on small-town life, with release details forthcoming.
Lastly, “Gone,” airing on ITV in 2026, stars David Morrissey as headmaster Michael Polly, who finds himself embroiled in the mysterious disappearance of his wife, diving into the complexities of trauma and trust within elite institutions.
These upcoming crime dramas highlight rich storytelling and powerful performances, offering a thrilling year of entertainment for fans. Be sure to mark your calendars for an engaging lineup that promises to captivate audiences around the world.