In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves through the crime drama world, The Brokenwood Mysteries, a New Zealand-based detective series, has surged to global prominence, eclipsing both Midsomer Murders and Dept. Q with its darkly humorous and gripping tenth season, which dropped on Netflix on August 10, 2025. Hailed as “better than Midsomer Murders” by fans and critics alike, the show’s unique blend of twisted mysteries, quirky characters, and small-town charm has propelled it to the top of Netflix’s charts, outpacing Dept. Q’s Season 2 in viewership within a single night, according to What’s on Netflix. Social media, particularly X, is buzzing with reactions like “Brokenwood just stole the crown!” and “Move over, Dept. Q!”, cementing its status as 2025’s must-watch thriller.
The Brokenwood Mysteries, now in its tenth season, follows Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) and his team, including Detective Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland) and pathologist Gina Kadinsky (Cristina Ionda), as they solve bizarre murders in the fictional town of Brokenwood. Unlike the cozy English countryside of Midsomer Murders, Brokenwood’s lush New Zealand backdrop hides a sinister underbelly, with crimes ranging from ritualistic killings to darkly comedic whodunits. Season 10, which premiered to a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, dives into a chilling case involving a 20-year-old cold case reopened after a body is found in a vineyard, as detailed by ScreenRant. The season’s premiere episode, “A Vintage Murder,” drew 10 million global streams in its first 24 hours, surpassing Dept. Q’s Season 2 debut, per Variety.
What sets The Brokenwood Mysteries apart is its masterful balance of darkness and wit. While Midsomer Murders thrives on quaint village intrigue and Dept. Q leans into gritty Nordic noir, Brokenwood blends sharp humor with unsettling mysteries. A standout moment in episode two sees Shepherd unravel a decades-old conspiracy involving a local winery, with a twist that Collider called “both hilarious and horrifying.” Rea’s gruff yet charming performance, paired with Sutherland’s razor-sharp detective work, creates a dynamic duo that fans on X compare to “Barnaby and Troy on steroids.” One post raved, “Mike and Kristin are the best crime-solving pair since Midsomer!” The show’s quirky supporting cast, like Kadinsky’s morbid flirtations, adds a layer of charm that’s hooked a global audience.
The series’ rise to prominence has been meteoric. Initially a “hidden gem” on New Zealand’s TVNZ, its availability on Netflix and Acorn TV has fueled a cult following, with litaglobal.com noting its “devoted global fanbase” of over 15 million viewers. Season 10’s intricate plotting and bold storytelling—described by The Guardian as “a masterclass in small-town noir”—have drawn comparisons to Midsomer Murders’ early seasons but with a darker edge. Unlike Dept. Q’s somber tone, Brokenwood infuses levity, as seen in a scene where Shepherd interrogates a suspect during a sheep-shearing contest, prompting X users to post, “This show is unhinged in the best way!” The season’s six episodes, each tackling a standalone mystery tied to an overarching conspiracy, keep viewers guessing, with IndieWire praising its “twist-filled narratives that rival Sherlock.”
Visually, The Brokenwood Mysteries stuns with its sweeping New Zealand landscapes, from rolling hills to eerie forests, shot with a cinematic flair that rivals Dept. Q’s Copenhagen grit. The production, helmed by South Pacific Pictures, uses vibrant colors to contrast the macabre crimes, a technique Vulture calls “visually intoxicating.” The soundtrack, featuring local Kiwi artists like Tami Neilson, adds a folksy yet haunting vibe, with one X user noting, “That theme song is stuck in my head!” The show’s ability to weave cultural elements, like Māori traditions, into its mysteries adds depth, setting it apart from the more formulaic Midsomer Murders.
The fan frenzy on X has been relentless, with #BrokenwoodMysteries trending globally alongside hashtags like #BetterThanMidsomer and #DeptQDethroned. Posts like “Binged all of Season 10 in one night—obsessed!” reflect its addictive pull. Critics have echoed the sentiment, with Entertainment Weekly declaring, “The Brokenwood Mysteries delivers the kind of escapist thrill that Midsomer perfected but with a modern, twisted spin.” The show’s global streaming success has sparked rumors of an eleventh season, though TVNZ has yet to confirm, per ScreenDaily. For now, its dethroning of Dept. Q—which, despite a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, couldn’t match Brokenwood’s viewership—has solidified its place as a crime drama titan.
As The Brokenwood Mysteries continues to captivate, its blend of dark humor, intricate mysteries, and unforgettable characters has proven it’s more than a match for Midsomer Murders and Dept. Q. With fans clamoring for more and Netflix charts ablaze, this New Zealand gem has redefined the genre, leaving viewers hooked and the competition in its dust.
