Critics can be a picky bunch. One misplaced camera move, a few unnecessary lines of dialogue — and a show’s Rotten Tomatoes score drops by ten, twenty percent. But some series manage to earn a unanimous 'wow,' even from the toughest reviewers.
Today, we’re talking about five of them. No Sherlock, no Fargo (though we love them) — just fresh, flawless titles. At least according to Western critics.
1. Bosch: Legacy (2022–...) — A Detective Who Doesn't Age
If you thought that Harry Bosch leaving the police force would take the edge off the series, think again. Bosch: Legacy is a spin-off where our favorite cynical sleuth (Titus Welliver, the perfect Bosch) now works as a private investigator. And yes, he’s still solving cases with masterful skill, while butting heads with former colleagues and LA’s criminal underworld.
Why 100%? Critics praise the show for maintaining the atmosphere of the original without simply copying it. There’s more legal drama, more family tension (Bosch’s daughter is now a law intern), and of course, that signature noir style.
2. Get Millie Black (2024) — The Dark Side of Jamaica
This BBC miniseries is a gritty crime drama with a strong social undercurrent. Millie Black is a former cop who returns to Jamaica and quickly realizes justice works differently here. While investigating a murder, she encounters corruption, violence, and the realization that her own past is far from clean.
Why 100%? Reviewers note that Get Millie Black avoids the 'white savior abroad' trope — Millie isn’t a hero but rather an antihero, tangled in her own contradictions. Add in stunning cinematography that shows a side of Jamaica no travel blogger ever could.
3. The Asunta Case (2024) — A Chilling Spanish Thriller
Based on a true story, this miniseries follows the murder of 12-year-old Asunta Balthazar in Spain. Her parents — successful lawyers — quickly become prime suspects, and then... well, no spoilers.
Why 100%? This is more than a crime drama — it’s an exploration of how the media and public perception can distort truth. The acting (especially Javier Gutiérrez as the father) is nothing short of brilliant.
4. Black Snow (2022–...) — Australian Noir With a '90s Vibe
It’s 1994. In a small town, a 17-year-old girl is murdered. The case goes cold, but 25 years later, a new clue emerges. Sounds familiar? Maybe — but Black Snow still feels refreshingly new.
Why 100%? First, there are no contrived plot twists — everything unfolds logically and sharply. Second, the show captures the spirit of the '90s without sugarcoated nostalgia.
5. The Law According to Lidia Poët (2023–...) — A Female-Led Detective Show With Italian Flair
This series tells the story of the first woman to become a lawyer in 19th-century Italy. Lidia Poët (Matilda De Angelis) battles not only criminals but also a patriarchal society that insists women don’t belong in courtrooms.
Why 100%? A light touch despite the serious subject matter, stunning costumes, and a sense of irony that many period dramas sorely lack.
The Bottom Line: 100% Isn’t an Accident
These shows don’t just 'please critics' — they’re so well-crafted that even the harshest reviewers couldn’t find a single flaw. So if you’re looking for something truly worthwhile, here’s your shortlist.
Which one to start with? That’s up to you. Just be warned — it’ll be hard to stop watching.
