Best Mystery shows on 5

The mystery selection on 5 relies on the rhythm of the procedural. Shows like Criminal Minds and NCIS: Los Angeles emphasize the science of solving crimes through team dynamics and forensic detail.

The inclusion of international and character-driven titles like Ellis and The Teacher shifts the focus to individual investigators and internal conflicts. These series provide a look at how different writers frame the process of uncovering hidden motives.

Use the grid below to sort these titles by production year or series length. Sorting by release date reveals how the tone of investigations has shifted from the fast-paced ensemble work of earlier seasons to the more concentrated, single-character puzzles found in current entries.