This week I saw a link to the “30 Best TV Detectives” from the Telegraph’s website. As a big fan of mysteries – both written and video – this was too good to resist. Since it’s a UK publication, I expected a lot of British detectives. Not a problem, as I’m a huge fan of many of the BBC mysteries that appear on Masterpiece Mystery. Truthfully, I was surprised at how many U.S. TV shows are featured on the list, and many that appeared over 20 years ago.
I haven’t watched all of these shows – or even heard of some of them – but do agree with most that I know about. However, some of my favorites are definitely missing from the list. I’m addicted to Midsomer Murders – the older versions featuring John Nettles as DCI Tom Barnaby so was hoping to see him on the list. Instead, he’s on for a series I haven’t heard of, Bergerac, but must search out in DVD. And no Sherlock Homes? I thought either the current version featuring Benedict Cumberbatch or the 1980s version starring Jeremy Brett might have made the list. And I know it’s a newish show but I also have a real fondness for Elementary starring Jonny Lee Miller.
Are any of your favorites missing from the list?
- • 1. Wendell Pierce and Dominic West: The Wire (2002-08)
- • 2. Dennis Franz: NYPD Blue (1993-2005)
• 3. Michael Chiklis: The Shield (2002-08)
• 4. Andre Braugher: Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-99)
• 5. Sofie Grabol: The Killing (2007-12)
• 6. Clarke Peters: The Wire (2002-08)
• 7. John Thaw and Dennis Waterman: The Sweeney (1975-1978)
• 8. Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul: Starsky & Hutch (1975-1979)
• 9. Peter Falk: Columbo (1968-2003)
• 10. Helen Mirren: Prime Suspect (1991-2006)
• 11. David Suchet: Poirot (1989-2013)
• 12. Idris Elba: Luther (2010- )
• 13. John Thaw: Morse (1987-2000)
• 14. Telly Savalas: Kojak (1973-78)
• 15. Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless: Cagney & Lacey (1981-88)
• 16. Richard Belzer: Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-99)
• 17. Raymond Burr: Ironside (1967-75)
• 18. Angie Dickinson: Police Woman (1974-78)
• 19. Bruce Weitz: Hill Street BLues (1981-1987)
• 20. Jerry Orbach: Law & Order (1992-2004)
• 21. John Nettles: Bergerac (1981-1991)
• 22. John Simm and Philip Glenister: LIFE ON MARS (2006-2007)
• 23. Mark McManus: Taggart (1983-1994)
• 24. Jack Lord: Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980)
• 25. Patrick Malahide: Minder (1979-1989)
• 26. Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas: Miami Vice (1984-89)
• 27. James Garner: The Rockford Files (1974-1980)
• 28. Jason Schwartzman: Bored to Death (2009-2011)
• 29. Angela Lansbury: Murder She Wrote (1984-1996)
• 30. Tom Sellect: Magnum P.I. (1980-88)
–LinnieGayl
Interesting list. I would second the votes to include Michael Kitchen as Christopher Foyle and Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes. I also enjoy Martin Shaw as George Gently (Inspector Gently,) Brenda Blethyn as Vera Stanhope (Vera,) and Kenneth Branagh as Kurt Wallander (Wallander.)
Mark Harmon: NCIS
Kyra Sedgwick: The Closer
Vincent D’Onofrio & Kathryn Erbe: Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Raymond Burr: Perry Mason
John Nettles: Midsomer Murders
Emily Deschanel & David Boreanaz: Bones
Derek Jacobi: Cadfael
Michael Kitchen: Foyle’s War
Catherine Bell & David James Elliott: JAG
I’m sure that there are more that I can’t recall right now.
Kay
Kyra Sedgwick is a good one. And I was really surprised that Raymond Burr was on for Ironside instead of Perry Mason.
Don Johnson aka Sonny Crockett is on the list: I’m good. :)
Absolutely Foyle, but how about Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone?
That Bergerac series has no US release. Booo.
Missing from the list is the Maury Chakin/Tomothy Hutton Nero Wolfe Series.
Ack! It is a gross oversight not to have Michael Kitchen (Christopher Foyle) from Foyle’s War.
I have to agree with the Homicide nominations and of course Jerry from Law & Order. Also the Killing.
I would add Sandra Pullman (Amanda Redman) from New Tricks, Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) from Sherlock and Adriane Monk (Tony Shalhoub) from Monk. I really like DI Joseph Chandler (Rupbert Penny-Jones) from Whitechapel but I understand why he hasn’t made the list quite yet. Still rather new.
They forgot one of the favorites from my youth, McCloud starring Dennis Weaver. I was young, but remember loving that show along with Baretta and Kojak. Dennis Farina and Chris Noth from Law and Order would have been good additions to the list also.
I liked McCloud too. Also McMillian and Wife with Rock Hudson from that same era.
Yes, I like McCloud and McMillan and Wife as well.