The Best Mystery Series to Binge After ‘Paradise’

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I’m absolutely thrilled about the finale of “Paradise” Season 1! While it provided some answers, it certainly left me with more questions. The show, starring Sterling K. Brown, has been a massive success on Hulu and they’ve already greenlit a second season. As of now, production for the next season hasn’t started yet, so we’ve got some time to speculate about what might happen in future episodes.

Regardless of whether viewers were taken aback or mildly frustrated by the Season 1 finale of Paradise, they can’t dispute the intriguing concept that underpins the show. Without revealing crucial details, the fundamental premise revolves around the unexpected demise of the U.S. President, with the last person seen with him, a Secret Service agent, being grilled about the incident. The hunt for the President’s killer sets off a chain reaction leading to unforeseen complexities.

If you’re trying to find something to fill the void left by your favorite mystery series, there’s no shortage of alternatives available on various streaming platforms. These shows will hold your interest until the new season arrives.

10
‘Manifest’

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder over the intriguing concept of a flight that, for us aboard, seemed like an ordinary turbulent ride, lasting mere minutes… only to discover upon landing that six long years had passed while we were up in the air! That’s the gripping premise of ‘Manifest’, a series I followed on NBC and later Netflix, wrapping up after a run of four seasons in 2023. The show delves into the lives of the passengers and crew as they grapple with reentering a world that has moved on without them, leaving many families irrevocably changed.

A Global Mystery With the Right Amount of Intrigue

The captivating series boasts outstanding performances, notably from Melissa Roxburgh and Josh Dallas. Its sci-fi narrative mirrors that of “Paradise,” as characters grapple with unraveling the mysteries post a worldwide catastrophe. Not only did the Montego Air Flight 828 incident impact the plane’s passengers, but it also left its mark on the global community. Additionally, the survivors find themselves confronted by peculiar visions that manifest following the event, providing another enigma to decode.

9
‘House of Cards’

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for the gripping series, “House of Cards,” which made waves when it debuted on Netflix. This captivating drama amassed numerous Emmy and Golden Globe award nominations throughout its six-season run. In this political thriller, Kevin Spacey masterfully portrays the character of Frank Underwood, a U.S. Congressman with lofty ambitions who serves as the House Majority Whip, while Robin Wright brilliantly brings his wife, Claire, to life.

Originating from a British novel and television series from the late 1980s and early 1990s, “House of Cards” offers an unflinching, often enlightening perspective on the political landscape in Washington, D.C.

A Political Thriller Shines a Dark Light on Washington, D.C.

The lively conversations and underhanded tactics among characters reveal the cutthroat nature of politics. Although it might not be the most enigmatic series, it does maintain several unresolved storylines that keep viewers captivated. The show faced backlash due to accusations against Spacey, but Wright skillfully took over for the final seasons. Interestingly, the Washington setting isn’t the only similarity to Paradise; Gerald McRaney, who portrays President Bradford’s father, also appears as a wealthy businessman in House of Cards.

8
‘C.B. Strike’

The British television series, often referred to as simply ‘Strike’, follows the investigations of private detective Cormoran Strike (Tom Burke). Alongside his partner Robin Ellacott (Holliday Grainger), they tackle mysteries that others find challenging. Over six seasons, this gripping show has been adapted from books written by Robert Galbraith, a pen name used by J.K. Rowling. While it’s unknown if any characters are based on people from Rowling’s life like in ‘Harry Potter’, they certainly make for captivating viewing.

From the Pen of J.K. Rowling to the Small Screen

Although all seasons of the series have been broadcasted in the U.K., some episodes have aired on Cinemax in the U.S. Each season is based on a different book from the series. Despite Strike’s seemingly gruff demeanor being less captivating than Xavier Collins’ charm in Paradise, fans will enjoy watching these two security experts apply their methods as they tackle the mysteries presented to them.

7
The Madness

In the Netflix series titled “The Madness“, debuted late in 2024, we find Colman Domingo’s character, Muncie Daniels, a CNN correspondent, falsely accused of a murder he didn’t commit. The mystery deepens as we uncover who is setting him up and what their motives might be. This gripping series, which premiered in November with eight episodes, also reveals that the plot involves not just Muncie’s family but influential figures within society.

A Whodunit Turned Into a Why-Frame-Me

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself initially accused in a murder case, but using my knack for investigative journalism, I set out to unravel the truth and expose the real killer. The series progresses, and Domingo’s compelling performance leaves you wondering just how far this conspiracy reaches. Much like devouring Season 1 of Paradise, it’s a fast-paced watch that can be easily finished in a binge-worthy session. The blend of mystery and politics is a potent combination, much like the one these shows both possess.

6
The Killing

Previously airing on AMC, the crime drama “The Killing” concluded its series in 2014 with season 4 available on Netflix. One of the most impactful taglines from the past decade was used for season 1: Who Murdered Rosie Larsen? Detectives Sarah Linden (played by Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) find it challenging to unravel this mystery, leading to a complex and intricate plot involving numerous characters such as Rosie’s distraught parents, local officials, and others.

Murder Mysteries Set in Rainy Seattle

Just as the underlying motives behind the murder case in Paradise remain elusive, The Killing dedicates its entire first season to unraveling that enigmatic tagline. Characters Linden and Holder relentlessly pursue answers to this mystery and many more across subsequent seasons. The show’s gloomy lighting adds to the haunting atmosphere, while suspenseful cliffhanger episodes attract even the most ardent mystery enthusiasts.

5
The Night Of

Being in an unfortunate situation at a critical moment can drastically alter someone’s life trajectory, as portrayed in the HBO limited series, The Night Of, which premiered in 2016. Following his success in films like Nightcrawler and Rogue One, Riz Ahmed takes on the role of a Pakistani-American suspect accused of murdering a young white woman in New York City. The series boasts an exceptional cast, with John Turturro portraying his defense attorney, Bill Camp as the lead investigator, and Michael Kenneth Williams appearing as a fellow detainee at Rikers Island.

Riz Ahmed Is at His Best

Fundamentally, this series revolves around an enigma and a case that demands resolution. Beneath the surface, it delves into topics like racism, discrimination against Muslims (Islamophobia), and the impact of the justice system on its inhabitants. The protagonist finds himself in a predicament reminiscent of Paradise, with one character confined within prison walls, while another is caged in a mountainous city. Both long for freedom and the truth to be revealed. The series earned Ahmed a Primetime Emmy award for his exceptional performance and provided evidence of Turturro’s versatility in serious roles.

4
Sherlock

In crafting a list of mysteries, it would be hard to exclude one of the most renowned detectives in literature – the character of Sherlock Holmes, famously played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in the hit BBC series “Sherlock”. This show has been widely acclaimed during its run, with fans appreciating their unique take on these classic characters. Each episode draws from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, offering modern interpretations of timeless mysteries.

A Modern Take on Classic Mysteries

In the TV series “Doctor Who,” masterminds Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss reimagined the setting to cast fresh perspectives on the mysteries. Across its run, Andrew Scott played the chilling character Jim Moriarty who engaged in intellectual battles with Cumberbatch. Fans of “Paradise” will find themselves intrigued as Cumberbatch skillfully deciphers clues and maintains focus on the larger picture, much like Collins’ characters always consider the weight of each decision they make.

3
Dark Winds

A gripping psychological thriller set against the backdrop of a Navajo reservation in the 1970s, Dark Winds is an engrossing option for fans of Paradise. The series revolves around three members of the Navajo Tribal Police who initially believe they are dealing with unconnected crimes and events on their reservation. However, as they delve deeper into the investigations, they discover that these incidents are intertwined in ways they could never have imagined, revealing secrets about their tribe’s past along the way.

A Dark, Gritty Series for ‘Paradise’ Fans

The series has received praise for Zahn McClarnon’s portrayal of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, making it stand out. Its distinct atmosphere and the intriguing murders they investigate set it apart among other shows. Since a fourth season is on its way, now is an ideal moment to get up to speed.

2
Severance

Without a doubt, the most intriguing show currently gracing our TV screens is Severance, where storytelling reaches its pinnacle in terms of mystery. Viewers and characters alike find themselves clueless each week as they navigate through the unfolding plot. The series revolves around a team of employees who have chosen to undergo a unique procedure, known as severance, which splits their consciousness into two distinct personalities. One persona, the “innie,” works at Lumon Industries, carrying out enigmatic tasks on an obscure floor of the office building and never receiving information about their work’s significance. The other persona, the “outie,” is a regular individual going about their daily life in the world. The essence of severance lies in the fact that each version of themselves remains unaware of the activities of the other.

Huge Stakes for Innies and Outies

The ensemble featuring Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, John Turturro, and Patricia Arquette has breathed life into this intriguing enigma created by Dan Erickson and predominantly directed by Ben Stiller. Fans are left on the edge of their seats trying to decipher which version of the truth each character is privy to, much like how following the show’s characters and discerning who is telling the truth and what they know resonates with fans of “Paradise”.

1
Lost

20 years have passed since Lost initially aired, yet its influence remains significant. It revolutionized television with its intricate narrative structure and diverse cast grappling with a colossal enigma while unraveling individual mysteries concurrently. The plot kicks off with a plane crash on an enigmatic island, leaving the survivors puzzled about their location. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the island harbors far more secrets than initially perceived. Not only must the group contend with the perils of the island, but also internal conflicts among its members.

Mind-Bending Mysteries on an Island

The groundbreaking series co-created by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, often hailed as a masterpiece, has left an indelible mark on television and redefined storytelling with ambiguity. Its ending, though, remains one of the most debated in recent memory. While there are certain parallels between this show, titled Paradise, and the classic series Lost – both featuring events leading to power struggles and challenges seemingly beyond human comprehension – at its core, they both explore the universal human desire for survival.

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2025-03-24 01:10