Guides
Viewing guides
Roundups, viewing orders and explainers that answer a specific question. When a schedule changes, we update the guide.
Is Blue Lights based on a true story? The research behind the Belfast police drama
Blue Lights is fiction, but its writers built it from two years of interviews with police officers. What's real, and when season 4 reaches BritBox in the U.S.
Updated November 9, 2026 viewing orderShetland books in order: Ann Cleeves's novels and the TV series they became
All eight Ann Cleeves Shetland novels in order, the four that the BBC series adapted, and why every series since 2016 tells its own story, ahead of series 11.
Updated October 30, 2026 how to watchBlack Doves season 2: release date, cast and how to watch in the U.S.
Black Doves season 2 arrives on Netflix on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, with all episodes at once. Here's who's back, who's new and what the season is about.
Updated October 26, 2026 explainerIs Time based on a true story? Jimmy McGovern's prison drama explained
Time isn't based on one real case. Jimmy McGovern built its fictional prisons from years of prison research. What's real, and how season 3 reaches BritBox.
Updated October 21, 2026 explainerTommy & Tuppence on BritBox: the Agatha Christie stories behind each episode
BritBox's Tommy & Tuppence adapts two Partners in Crime short stories and the novel By the Pricking of My Thumbs. Here's which episodes use which, and the books in order.
Updated October 19, 2026 roundupEvery British crime and mystery premiere coming to U.S. TV this fall
Fall 2026 U.S. premiere dates for British crime and mystery series on PBS, BritBox, Acorn TV, Apple TV and Netflix, from Maigret and The Gold to Black Doves.
Updated October 9, 2026 explainerIs This Is Not a Murder Mystery based on a true story?
The Surrealists in Acorn TV's This Is Not a Murder Mystery were real, and so was their 1936 London exhibition. The murders were invented. Here's what's real.
Updated October 9, 2026 explainerLudwig Christmas special 2026: cast, story and when it could reach the U.S.
The BBC's hour-long Ludwig Christmas special adds David Suchet as a suspect. Here's the story, the cast, and what's known about a U.S. release on BritBox.
Updated October 7, 2026 viewing orderWolf on Acorn TV: the Jack Caffery books in order, and where the show fits
Acorn TV's Wolf adapts Mo Hayder's seventh Jack Caffery novel. Here are all seven books in order, what to read first, and when the series streams in the U.S.
Updated October 7, 2026 viewing orderMagpie Murders, Moonflower Murders, Marble Hall Murders: the watching order
The three Susan Ryeland mysteries in order, when each aired on PBS, and whether you need to watch Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders before Marble Hall Murders.
Updated October 5, 2026 explainerBritBox vs. Acorn TV vs. PBS MASTERPIECE (PBS Passport): which is best for British mysteries?
Acorn TV vs BritBox vs PBS MASTERPIECE: where each big British crime and mystery series premieres in the U.S., including PBS Passport.
Updated October 1, 2026 explainerIs BritBox worth it this fall? What's new on BritBox in fall 2026
Every new BritBox mystery premiering in the U.S. this fall, from Ludwig and Time to Blue Lights and Death Valley, with dates, current prices and who it suits.
Updated October 1, 2026 how to watchMiss Scarlet season 7: U.S. release date and how to watch the final season
Miss Scarlet's final season streams on PBS Passport from Nov. 29, 2026 and airs on MASTERPIECE from Jan. 17, 2027. Here's how to watch every season in the U.S.
Updated October 1, 2026 roundupBritish mysteries you can stream in the U.S. right now, and where
Where to stream the latest seasons of Shetland, Death in Paradise, Vera, Midsomer Murders, Grantchester, Unforgotten and more in the U.S., with what's coming next.
Updated September 28, 2026 how to watchHow to watch PBS MASTERPIECE mysteries without cable
An antenna, the free PBS app, PBS Passport or the Masterpiece channel on Prime Video? What each option gives you, what it costs and which shows it covers.
Updated September 27, 2026 explainerMaigret season 2: the three Simenon novels behind the new episodes
PBS's Maigret season 2 adapts The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien, Maigret's Revolver and The Yellow Dog. Here's the episode order, the books and when each airs.
Updated September 27, 2026 viewing orderSlow Horses in order: every season and the Mick Herron book it adapts
Which Slough House novel each Slow Horses season adapts, in order, including season 6's two books, plus the novels still left for seasons 7 and 8.
Updated September 27, 2026 explainerThe Gold: the true story of the Brink's-Mat robbery behind the series
The real 1983 Brink's-Mat robbery behind The Gold: the raid, the three tonnes of gold, the laundering and the convictions, ahead of season 2 on PBS.
Updated September 27, 2026