Calling all detective drama fans! The hit New Zealand-set crime drama The Brokenwood Mysteries returned to UK TV screens this week with its 12th season – and if this beloved cosy crime drama isn’t on your radar yet, you are in for a treat.

The series follows Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd and by-the-book Detective Kristin Sims as they crack cases in the sleepy and small titular town.

With its entertaining blend of quirky humour and clever whodunnits, it’s the perfect watch for Midsomer Murders fans. Much like the iconic ITV drama, The Brokenwood Mysteries pairs a seasoned lead with a younger, eager partner to uncover dark secrets in a seemingly idyllic setting.

What is The Brokenwood Mysteries about?

The mystery series, which has been dubbed “the New Zealand Midsomer Murders,” follows DI Mike Shepherd and his assistant, DC Kristin Sims, as they investigate puzzling cases in the sleepy town of Brokenwood.

female and male detective in room© UKTV / Acorn TV
Neill Rea and Fern Sutherland star in The Brokenwood Mysteries

Season one opens with DI Mike arriving in Brokenwood “with a classic car, a country music collection, and an indeterminate number of ex-wives”. Teaming up with DC Sims, he soon discovers that the seemingly quiet town is full of “secrets and suspicions”.

What to expect from season 12

In the new season, detectives Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea), Kristin Sims (Fern Sutherland) and Daniel Chalmers (Jarod Rawiri) continue to tackle the town’s ever-growing murder rate.

The synopsis reads: “With the help of their unique pathologist, Dr Gina Kadinsky (Cristina Ionda) and the town’s trusty locals, the team must employ unorthodox techniques to crack Brokenwood’s most bizarre and chilling murder investigations to date.”

What have viewers said about the show?

Popular among cosy crime fans, the series has been hailed as “excellent” and a “must-watch”.

three detectives standing in office© South Pacific Pictures/all3media international
The series is set in the seemingly idyllic town of Brokenwood

Taking to social media, one person wrote: “Highly recommend #TheBrokenwoodMysteries – one of the best New Zealand dramas we’ve ever watched,” while another added: “Been on a box set binge with #TheBrokenwoodMysteries this summer. If you’ve not seen it, do. NZ murder mystery with quirky humour and love the recurring characters.”

Who stars in The Brokenwood Mysteries?

Neill Rea (Go Girls, Auckward Love) leads the cast as Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd, alongside Fern Sutherland (The Almighty Johnsons) as by-the-book Detective Kristin Sims.

two women standing in office© South Pacific Pictures & All3Media
The show returned to UK TV screens with its 12th season in May

Rounding out the main cast are Cristina Serban Ionda (Filthy Rich) as pathologist Dr. Gina Kadinsky, Jarod Rawiri (Shortland Street) as Detective Constable Daniel Chalmers, and Nic Sampson (Starstruck) as DC Sam Breen.

How to watch The Brokenwood Mysteries

The first two episodes of The Brokenwood Mysteries season 12 are available to stream on U. New episodes air on Mondays at 8pm on U&DRAMA.

woman holding red stiletto next to man in suit© South Pacific Pictures/All3media International
Viewers have hailed the drama as “excellent”

Seasons one to 11 are available to stream on U now.