There are many detective dramas available to watch on ITV, but there are also some lesser-known series to sink your teeth into.13:57, 06 Aug 2026BBC Beyond Paradise fans are sure to love this selection of underrated ITV crime dramas.‌Over the years, it's safe to say that a plethora of beloved detective shows have hit UK screens.‌Whether viewers want to watch a dynamic duo in Midsomer Murders, a cosy period drama like Father Brown or a more gritty series such as Shetland, people aren't short of options.‌Aside from the more well-known shows, ITV has been releasing a string of crime dramas that are set to have viewers on the edge of their seats.From standalone programmes, numerous page-to-screen adaptations and ongoing series, there's something for everyone.Here's our summary of four ITV detective dramas that demand your attention.‌The Long CallLocated in Devon, ITV's whodunit detective drama is adapted from Ann Cleeves' beloved novel of the same name and is a perfect watch for Beyond Paradise fans.The series comprises of four episodes and centres on Detective Inspector Matthew Venn (Ben Aldridge), who returns to North Devon after two decades away for his religious father's funeral. Yet, matters take a sinister twist when a man is discovered dead on the beach.‌What unfolds is a succession of concealed secrets, a traumatic past, and disturbing revelations as DI Venn must unravel the intricate and troubling case.An official synopsis reads: "Matthew is forced to re-engage with the community he left, including the most painful and challenging relationship with his mother Dorothy (Juliet Stevenson)."After the body of a man is found on the beach close to Matthew's home, the investigation casts a shadow of doubt over the whole community. In order to expose the killer, Matthew and his team have to get to the‌bottom of a case, which brings with it old wounds and a deadly secret.One person on IMDb said: "This was a great first season. A slow burn but had some unexpected twists and turns as well as a gripping tale of a young man's identity and love. Had me in tears. Excellent acting. I am hopeful for a second season!"Another commented: "I was hooked in the first moment with the unconventional relationship of a police detective, leading into absolutely gorgeous scenery and the accompanying music."‌The DarkThe Dark is one of ITV's more recent dramas, which was released earlier this year, reports the Daily Record.Set in the Scottish Highlands, it centres around a troubled Detective Monica Kennedy (Laura Donnelly), who has a dark background surrounding an involvement in a cult.‌However, when the murder of a young man unfolds, she's forced to get to the bottom of it alongside Detective Constable Connor Crawford (Mark Rowley).The pair quickly learn they're dealing with a serial killer when more bodies start to pile up, and they're against the clock to catch them before they strike again.Speaking about the programme, one person said: "So good! The Dark is the best British suspense thriller in years. Dark, gripping, and brilliantly written, it keeps you guessing until the very end. Outstanding performances, relentless tension, and shocking twists make every episode impossible to stop watching. Must-see TV! So good! Long overdue Brit/Scottish drama."‌Another added: "Give me another series of that please, ITV."CollisionShetland fans are in for a treat as actor Douglas Henshall, who played DI Jimmy Perez in the drama, took on another detective role in 2009.‌ITV's Collision follows DI John Tolin (Henshall), who is called to attend a horrific road accident. From there, he must unravel a complex web of secrets and lies to determine what exactly occurred in the crash.Throughout the years, it has garnered considerable praise from fans, with one viewer commenting online: "One of the better series. I don't know how I missed this until now. This is by far one of the best series I have seen in a while. The acting, the script, the direction, the story in general."Someone else commented: "Brilliant. Missed this the first time around and only watched it in 2022. But very well written and loved how all the different stories came together. Just a shame there weren't more series. A brilliant idea from Anthony Horowitz."‌Alongside Douglas, other actors include Kate Ashfield, Phil Davis, Paul McGann, and Dean Lennox Kelly.Inspector LewisFirst airing back in 2006, Inspector Lewis is a spin-off of the popular detective drama Inspector Morse. It came to an end in 2015 after nine series, which caused upset among viewers.‌Following Detective Inspector Robert Lewis (Kevin Whately) and his younger partner DS James Hathaway (Laurence Fox), the pair work together to solve complex murders around Oxford.Along the way, viewers saw a string of twists and turns unfold as they face decades-old secrets, complex cases, long-held grudges and dark acts of revenge.One person online commented: "Oh wow, how great is this series! I've been enamoured with British mysteries since I was in college (aeons ago), and of course, I've seen Inspector Morse and then Endeavour. I didn't find these until later in life and was absolutely taken by them."Article continues belowSomeone else added: "10/10 Even better than Inspector Morse. This is a review of Series One to Seven of LEWIS (also known as INSPECTOR LEWIS). I never imagined that a sequel series could surpass the original (INSPECTOR MORSE), but this is what has happened."All of these dramas are available to stream on ITVX.