Top 20 greatest British crime drama series of all time revealed

The greatest British crime drama of all time has been revealed in a new poll.

Conducted by Radio Times magazine this summer, the poll received over 10,000 votes and gave readers a list of 50 programmes from the last seven decades to choose from.

Inspector Morse came in top, closely followed by its period drama prequel Endeavour in 4th place and spin-off series Lewis in 12th place.

Other period drama series in the list include Foyle’s War, Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Life on Mars and Miss Marple.

Here’s the complete list of the Top 20 greatest British crime dramas of all time:

1. Inspector Morse (1987-2000)

2. Foyle’s War (2002-15)

3. Line of Duty (2012-)

4. Endeavour (2012)

5. Happy Valley (2014-)

6. Vera (2011-)

7. Miss Marple (1984-1992)

8. Agatha Christie’s Poirot (1989-2013)

9. Shetland (2013-)

10. A Touch of Frost (1992-2010)

11. Midsomer Murders (1997-)

12. Lewis (2006-2015)

13. Prime Suspect (1991-2006)

14. New Tricks (2003-2015)

15. Broadchurch (2013-17)

16. Inspector George Gently (2006-17)

17. Life on Mars (2006-7)

18. Scott & Bailey (2011-16)

19. Taggart (1985-2010)

20. Strike (2017-)

Inspector Morse actor Kevin Whately, who played Morse’s loyal sidekick Sergeant Lewis, commented: “What viewers love is the fact that Morse isn’t your usual hero. He’s lonely, boozy, angry, but very bright. And he’s a match for all those supercilious Oxford brains.”

Endeavour is available to buy now on DVD.

The new season of Endeavour is filming now and will air in 2019.