BritBox vs. Acorn TV vs. PBS Passport: which is best for British mysteries?

The short answer: it depends on which shows you care about, because the big British mysteries are split between three U.S. homes. BBC and ITV dramas such as Shetland, Death in Paradise, Vera and Grace go to BritBox. Midsomer Murders and Acorn’s own originals go to Acorn TV. PBS MASTERPIECE gets its co-productions and prestige series, such as Maigret, The Gold, Grantchester and Unforgotten.

Here’s where the shows we track actually premiere in the U.S. Each title links to its page with dates and sources.

Show by show

How the services differ

• BritBox is a subscription service focused on BBC and ITV programmes. If the dramas you follow come from those two broadcasters, it’s usually where they turn up in the U.S., often months after the U.K.
• Acorn TV is a subscription service for British and international mysteries. It premieres long-running favourites such as Midsomer Murders, plus its own originals, usually on Mondays.
• PBS Passport isn’t a normal subscription. It’s a benefit you unlock by donating to your local PBS station, and each station sets its own minimum (PBS SoCal lists $5 a month or $60 a year). It gives you the MASTERPIECE on-demand library, including earlier seasons and some early-release binges.
• PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video is a separate paid channel inside Prime Video. PBS’s help centre says it does not include Passport videos, and Passport doesn’t include the channel.

We don’t list prices that change often; check each service’s own site before signing up.

Which should you pick?

• You mainly watch BBC and ITV detectives (Shetland, Death in Paradise, Grace, Vera): BritBox.
• You love Midsomer and cozy international mysteries: Acorn TV.
• You watch Sunday-night MASTERPIECE: start with the free PBS broadcast and app, and add Passport if you want to binge or catch up on older seasons. Our guide to watching MASTERPIECE without cable explains the options.

For what’s arriving next on each service, see the British mystery section and the release calendar.

Sources

1. Watching PBS videos on other streaming services

   PBS Help Official Checked September 28, 2026
2. PBS Passport FAQ

   PBS SoCal Official Checked September 28, 2026
3. Midsomer Murders returns on Acorn TV

   AMC Global Media (Acorn TV) Official Checked September 28, 2026
4. BritBox October 2026 schedule

   Vital Thrills Publisher Checked September 28, 2026
5. Acorn TV 'An Autumn to Die For' 2026 schedule

   Vital Thrills Publisher Checked September 28, 2026

Found an error? Report a correction. We update dates as broadcasters change them.