The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014–): Small Town. Big Secrets. Murder Never Sleeps.

In a town where everyone knows everyone, secrets are the deadliest currency. 

The Brokenwood Mysteries is a New Zealand crime drama series that offers a refreshing twist on the classic detective formula—combining cozy small-town charm with murder, secrets, and dry humor. Since its debut in 2014, the show has quietly built a loyal international fanbase, thanks to its blend of quirky characters, clever storytelling, and haunting countryside backdrops.

Set in the fictional rural town of Brokenwood, the series follows Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd (played by Neill Rea), a gruff, old-school cop with a love for country music and classic cars. Partnered with the sharp and by-the-book Detective Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland), the duo navigates an unexpected stream of grisly murders—all hiding beneath Brokenwood’s quiet surface.

Each episode is a standalone mystery, but the strength of the series lies in its recurring cast and evolving relationships. From oddball suspects to eccentric townspeople, Brokenwood feels like a real place, filled with real people—each carrying hidden truths. The murders are creative and layered, often tied to personal feuds, long-buried trauma, or the strange rhythms of rural life.

Unlike many dark crime dramas, The Brokenwood Mysteries balances its grim themes with wry wit and moments of warmth. The chemistry between Shepherd and Sims is authentic and understated, revealing a partnership built on respect rather than cliché romance or rivalry.

At its core, the series is about uncovering what lies beneath appearances. In Brokenwood, the orchards are lush, the festivals cheerful, and the locals polite—but behind every smile, a mystery is waiting.