Shows Like My Life Is Murder (2019)

My Life Is Murder (2019)

7.6 / 10 (based on 4138 reviews)

My Life is Murder follows the adventures of fearless private investigator Alexa Crowe, who solves the most baffling crimes as well as coping with the frustrations of everyday life.

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Lucy Lawless, Ebony Vagulans, Bernard Curry, Rawiri Jobe
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2 seasons, 20 episodes, 60-minute runtime

Shows Most Like My Life Is Murder (2019)

Queens of Mystery (2019)

Julie Graham, Siobhan Redmond, Sarah Woodward, and Olivia Vinall in Queens of Mystery (2019)

7.3 / 10 (based on 2655 reviews)

Three crime-writing sisters and their 28-year old niece use their extensive knowledge of crime to solve whodunit style murders in the picturesque English village of Wildemarsh.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Martin Trenaman, Julie Graham, Sarah Woodward, Siobhan Redmond
Creators: Julian Unthank
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2 seasons, 12 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime

The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014)

The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014)

7.9 / 10 (based on 5672 reviews)

Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd arrives on assignment in Brokenwood, a small town where memories – and animosities – run deep.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Neill Rea, Fern Sutherland, Cristina Serban Ionda, Nic Sampson
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7 seasons, 30 episodes, 90.0-minute runtime

Agatha Raisin (2014)

Ashley Jensen in Agatha Raisin (2014)

7.2 / 10 (based on 5470 reviews)

The Cotswolds-based PR guru turned amateur sleuth returns for a series of comedic murder-mysteries based on the books by M.C. Beaton.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Ashley Jensen, Matt McCooey, Mathew Horne, Lucy Liemann
Creators: M.C. Beaton
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4 seasons, 20 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime

Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (2019)

Geraldine Hakewill and Joel Jackson in Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries (2019)

7.2 / 10 (based on 2549 reviews)

In swinging 60’s Melbourne, gorgeously reckless Peregrine Fisher inherits a windfall when the famous aunt she never knew goes missing over the highlands of New Guinea.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Geraldine Hakewill, Joel Jackson, Louisa Mignone, Toby Truslove
Creators: Deb Cox, Fiona Eagger
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2 seasons, 12 episodes, 86.0-minute runtime

Shakespeare & Hathaway – Private Investigators (2018)

Mark Benton and Jo Joyner in Shakespeare & Hathaway - Private Investigators (2018)

7.6 / 10 (based on 4944 reviews)

An oddball couple of private detectives named Luella Shakespeare and Frank Hathaway investigate crime in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Mark Benton, Jo Joyner, Patrick Walshe McBride, Amber Aga
Creators: Paul Matthew Thompson, Jude Tindall
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4 seasons, 40 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime

Whitstable Pearl (2021)

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7 / 10 (based on 2591 reviews)

Follows local restaurant owner Pearl Nolan who sets up a local detective agency after undergoing police training in an earlier career. She is soon embroiled in her first case when she discovers the body of close friend, Vinnie.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Kerry Godliman, Howard Charles, Frances Barber, Isobelle Molloy
Creators: Julie Wassmer
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2 seasons, 12 episodes

McDonald & Dodds (2020)

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7.5 / 10 (based on 5745 reviews)

A shy and enigmatic Detective Sergeant is partnered with a wildly ambitious Detective Chief Inspector to solve crimes in the historic city of Bath.

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Main Cast: Jason Watkins, Tala Gouveia, James Murray, Jack Riddiford
Creators: Robert Murphy
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3 seasons, 8 episodes, 90.0-minute runtime

The Mallorca Files (2019)

Elen Rhys and Julian Looman in The Mallorca Files (2019)

6.7 / 10 (based on 2444 reviews)

A British and German detective clashing over how to police the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Main Cast: Elen Rhys, Julian Looman, María Fernández Ache, Tábata Cerezo
Creators: Dan Sefton
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2 seasons, 16 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime

Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (2012)

Essie Davis, Nathan Page, and Hugo Johnstone-Burt in Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012)

8.2 / 10 (based on 16716 reviews)

A female sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of Melbourne in the late 1920s, fighting injustice with her pearl-handled pistol and her dagger-sharp wit.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Main Cast: Essie Davis, Nathan Page, Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Ashleigh Cummings
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3 seasons, 34 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime


In the realm of TV shows, especially those centered around crime and mystery, it’s easy to stumble upon series that feel like they’ve been cut from the same cloth. However, every so often, a show like “My Life Is Murder” comes along, breaking the mold with its unique blend of crime-solving, humor, and character depth. The series, which first aired in 2019, has carved a niche for itself, offering viewers something that’s both engaging and refreshingly different.

The Premise

At its core, “My Life Is Murder” revolves around Alexa Crowe, a brilliant but unorthodox former homicide detective who can’t help but be pulled back into the world of crime solving. Played with charismatic flair by Lucy Lawless, best known for her role as Xena in “Xena: Warrior Princess,” Alexa is a character who brings both depth and levity to the often-grim genre of crime dramas. The show is set in Melbourne, Australia, providing a vibrant backdrop to the series’ intriguing cases.

What Sets It Apart

A Strong, Relatable Protagonist

One of the show’s standout features is its protagonist. Alexa is not your typical TV detective. She’s witty, fiercely independent, and deeply human. Her approach to solving crimes often breaks from tradition, relying on her keen understanding of human nature and her unwillingness to accept easy answers. This makes her not just a detective but a relatable person navigating through her complex world.

The Blend of Crime and Comedy

Another aspect where “My Life Is Murder” shines is in its successful blend of crime-solving and comedy. While the show takes its mysteries seriously, it doesn’t shy away from moments of humor and lightheartedness, primarily through Alexa’s interactions with other characters. This balance ensures that the series remains engaging without becoming overly grim or monotonous.

The Scenic Backdrop of Melbourne

The choice of Melbourne as the setting adds an extra layer of appeal to the series. The city’s diverse locales, from bustling markets to serene beaches, provide a dynamic backdrop for Alexa’s investigations. It’s not just a setting; it’s almost a character in its own right, adding to the show’s distinctive flavor.

Notable Episodes and Cases

“My Life Is Murder” has a knack for presenting cases that are as varied as they are intriguing. From the mysterious death of a self-help guru to the investigation of a high-profile chef’s murder, the series ensures that each episode offers something new. This variety keeps viewers on their toes, eagerly anticipating what kind of puzzle Alexa will solve next.

The Supporting Cast

While Lucy Lawless’s Alexa is undeniably the star of the show, “My Life Is Murder” also boasts a strong supporting cast. This includes characters like Madison Feliciano, a data analyst played by Ebony Vagulans, who brings a youthful energy and tech-savviness to the team. There’s also Detective Inspector Kieran Hussey, portrayed by Bernard Curry, who serves as both a foil and an ally to Alexa. Their interactions add depth to the narrative, showcasing a range of human experiences and relationships.

Fan Reception and Cultural Impact

Since its debut, “My Life Is Murder” has garnered a dedicated fan base, drawn to its unique blend of mystery, humor, and character-driven storytelling. Fans appreciate the show for not only its entertaining plots but also for its portrayal of a strong, independent female lead who breaks the mold of traditional detective characters.

Conclusion

“My Life Is Murder” stands out in a crowded field of crime dramas by offering something that feels both familiar and entirely new. It’s a series that doesn’t just focus on the ‘whodunnit’ aspect of crime-solving but also delves into the ‘why’ and the ‘how,’ wrapped up in a package that’s engaging, humorous, and visually appealing. For those tired of the same old crime drama tropes and looking for a series with heart, humor, and a bit of mystery, “My Life Is Murder” is a breath of fresh air.

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