After immersing in the crime, mystery, and dark humor of Netflix’s Bodkin, these other dark comedy crime shows are perfect for satisfying any lingering cravings. Set in a small coastal town in Ireland, Bodkin follows Will Forte’s character Gilbert, a podcaster who finds himself entangled in a web of secrets and mysteries alongside his assistant Emmy and investigative journalist Dove. The show masterfully blends elements of thrillers with a darkly comedic tone, creating a captivating and unconventional viewing experience.

For those seeking similar shows that expertly balance suspense, intrigue, and humor, there are several notable options to explore. From the star-studded cast of Only Murders in the Building to the genre-bending narratives of Search Party and The Afterparty, these series offer their own unique takes on the dark comedy crime genre. Whether set in a posh New York City apartment building or a quirky small town, these shows share Bodkin‘s knack for crafting compelling mysteries while delivering plenty of laughs along the way.

10

Only Murders In The Building (2021-)

The perfect murder-mystery featuring an all-star cast

Set in a posh New York City apartment building, Only Murders in the Building follows three unlikely friends who bond over their shared love of true-crime podcasts. When a suspicious death occurs in their building, the trio decides to investigate the case themselves, documenting their findings in a podcast of their own. Only Murders in the Building’s premise bears a striking resemblance to Bodkin, as both series feature protagonists who are drawn into solving mysteries while creating podcasts.

Only Murders in the Building blends just the right amount of dark humor with gripping crime thriller elements, creating a compelling narrative that makes the series the perfect mystery TV show that keeps viewers guessing. The show’s all-star cast, led by comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short, alongside pop icon Selena Gomez, delivers outstanding performances that elevate the already clever writing. With its witty dialogue, intricate plot twists, and charming characters, Only Murders in the Building offers a unique and entertaining take on the darkly comedic mystery genres.

9

Search Party (2016-2022)

A compelling mix of comedy, suspense, and mystery

Featuring a talented ensemble cast and notable guest stars such as Susan Sarandon, Jeff Goldblum, and Kathy Griffin, Search Party is a genre-bending series that aptly navigates between comedy, suspense, and murder-mystery. The show’s premise follows a group of self-absorbed millennial friends who become entangled in a real-life mystery, sharing common ground with Bodkin. Search Party‘s protagonist, Dory Sief, embodies a curiosity-driven investigator, not unlike Gilbert in Bodkin, as she finds herself drawn into an increasingly dangerous situation.

Throughout Search Party’s five seasons, the show maintains a delicate balance between humor and tension, consistently delivering unexpected twists and thought-provoking social commentary. The series’ ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from true crime to psychological thriller to legal drama, showcases its versatility and creativity. With its unique blend of styles and engaging storylines, Search Party is a must-watch for anyone seeking a fresh and captivating television experience in the vein of Bodkin.

8

Mapleworth Murders (2020)

A hilarious parody of classic murder-mysteries

Starring SNL veteran Paula Pell as mystery writer Abigail Mapleworth, Mapleworth Murders is a hilarious parody of classic crime series like Murder, She Wrote. Set in the small town of New Woodstream, the show follows Abigail as she investigates a series of bizarre murders, mirroring the premise of Bodkin, where podcaster Gilbert finds himself embroiled in a small town’s mysteries. Mapleworth Murders is full of impressive guest stars, including Tina Fey, Wanda Sykes, Maya Rudolph, and Andy Samberg.

The series’ short episode format, with each installment clocking in at under 10 minutes, allows for a fast-paced and joke-dense viewing experience. While Mapleworth Murders leans more heavily into comedy than Bodkin, both shows share a quirky, offbeat approach to the crime thriller genre. If sleuthing and laughter is desired, Mapleworth Murders is an excellent choice for those seeking a lighthearted twist on the classic whodunit formula.

7

The Afterparty (2022-2023)

A creative take on the whodunnit

The Afterparty is an inventive murder mystery series from the creative minds behind The Lego Movie and The Last Man on Earth. The series shares Bodkin‘s penchant for blending dark humor with a whodunit narrative. Set during a high school reunion, The Afterparty revolves around the death of pop singer Xavier, with each episode exploring the events leading up to his demise from a different character’s perspective.

This unique storytelling approach allows The Afterparty to showcase a variety of genres, from action to musical to romantic comedy, similar to how Bodkin‘s protagonists bring their own distinct perspectives to the mysteries they uncover. The series has a talented ensemble cast, featuring comedic heavyweights such as Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Ben Schwartz, Ilana Glazer, and Ike Barinholtz, who all bring their improv skills and comedic timing to the table. The Afterparty focuses more on its comedic elements, but both shows offer a fresh take on the crime thriller genre by utilizing humor and unconventional narrative techniques.

6

Dead To Me (2019-2022)

An abundance of plot twists

Anchored by Dead to Me’s captivating lead duo of Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, this gripping series is the perfect mix of dark humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments. The show centers on the unlikely friendship between Jen, a recently widowed real estate agent, and Judy, whom she meets at a grief support group following her husband’s hit-and-run death. As secrets surrounding the tragic incident begin to unravel, the bond between the two women is put to the test.

Dead To Me shares Bodkin’s knack for weaving intricate mysteries and unexpected twists into its narrative, with no shortage of guessing throughout the series’ three seasons. Applegate and Cardellini’s on-screen chemistry serves as the emotional core of the series, elevating the already sharp writing and complex characterizations. Like Bodkin, Dead To Me offers compelling dark comedy and crime drama, making the show a fun and captivating watch.

5

Poker Face (2023-)

Created by Rian Johnson, known for the Knives Out series

Poker Face is a fun homage to the classic detective series Columbo. Natasha Lyonne stars as Charlie Cale, a casino worker with an uncanny ability to detect lies, who finds herself on the run after a suspicious murder. Each episode of Poker Face focuses on a new mystery that Charlie must solve using her unique skills. Like Bodkin, Poker Face features a charismatic lead character who finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets and deception in a small town setting.

One of Peacocks’ best original series, The series’ inverted detective story structure, where the audience knows the culprit from the start, adds an intriguing twist to the traditional whodunit formula. Similar to Bodkin, the protagonists are on a mission to uncover the town’s hidden truths. With its clever writing and engaging performances, Poker Face does not disappoint when it comes to perfecting the art of crime thrillers with a comedic edge.

4

Deadloch (2023-)

A funny mystery series with a feminist edge

Set in the fictional coastal town of Deadloch, Tasmania, this black comedy series follows the unlikely partnership of two detectives investigating a mysterious death. Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins, a meticulous and seasoned investigator, is paired with the unconventional newcomer Eddie Redcliffe, who recently relocated from Darwin. Deadloch shares several key elements with Bodkin, including its small-town setting, a central mystery that draws in outsiders, and a blend of dark humor and crime thriller elements.

The show’s odd-couple dynamic between the two lead detectives adds a layer of comedic tension to the narrative, similar to the contrasting personalities of Gilbert, Emmy, and Dove in Bodkin. Originally titled Funny Broadchurch during production, Deadloch infuses its mystery with a feminist perspective. Deadloch is a compelling choice for viewers who enjoy shows like Bodkin.

3

The Flight Attendant (2020-2022)

An intriguing series canceled too soon

The Flight Attendant stars Kaley Cuoco who plays Cassie Bowden, a flight attendant who finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery after waking up next to a dead body in a Bangkok hotel room. As Cassie struggles to reconstruct the events leading up to the gruesome discovery, she grapples with surreal flashbacks and hallucinations, adding a layer of psychological intrigue to the narrative. This premise shares similarities with Bodkin, where the protagonists find themselves drawn into a web of mysteries in an unfamiliar setting.

The Flight Attendant‘s ensemble cast, which includes Rosie Perez as Cassie’s coworker, T.R. Knight as her brother, and Zosia Mamet as her best friend, brings depth and complexity to the story, much like the diverse group of characters in Bodkin. Despite The Flight Attendant’s disappointing cancelation, the series offers an entertaining take on dark comedy and murder. For those who enjoy shows like Bodkin, The Flight Attendant is an excellent addition.

2

Bad Sisters (2022-)

A Peabody Award-winning series

Set in modern Dublin, Bad Sisters centers on the five Garvey sisters: Eva, Grace, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka, as they navigate the aftermath of Grace’s abusive husband, John Paul’s mysterious death. An insurance agent’s investigation into the sisters’ potential involvement in the incident drives the plot forward, while flashbacks reveal the siblings’ various schemes to end their brother-in-law’s life. The show’s suspenseful narrative, along with its humor, mirror Bodkin‘s similarly dark tone.

Bad Sisters’ is led by series co-creator Sharon Horgan and features Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Eve Hewson in celebrated performances that bring the complex family dynamics to life. With comedy, twisting plotlines and a villain that is praised by Stephen King, the series’ exploration of the sisters’ relationships and motivations adds depth to the central mystery.

1

Murderville (2022-)

A crime comedy with an innovative format

Based on the BBC Three series Murder in Successville, Murderville introduces a fresh and innovative format to the crime comedy genre. Will Arnett stars as Senior Detective Terry Seattle, tasked with solving a new murder case in each episode alongside a celebrity guest star who must improvise their way through the investigation without a script. This unique premise, which Arnett describes as “Law & Order without a script,“ shares Bodkin‘s knack for effectively mixing laughs and mystery.

What makes this show a must-watch is each guest star navigates the challenges of cracking the case while delivering unscripted comedic moments. Murderville shines with its charismatic lead, Arnett, whose comedic timing and improvisational skills drive the show’s humor. The series’ episodic structure, with each installment focusing on a new murder mystery. Murderville‘s inventive approach to the genre offers a refreshing and entertaining experience for anyone looking for more of what Bodkin so perfectly delivers.