The inspiration for this list comes from my upcoming father-daughter murder mystery novel, My Father Always Finds Corpses. The book follows Jarrod Jarvis, now in his late fifties and rebuilding his life after the unexpected death of his husband, Charlie. When his daughter Liv’s boyfriend is found murdered, the strained father-daughter duo must work together to solve the crime, all while mending their fractured relationship. The dynamic between father and daughter plays a key role in the book, with their differing approaches to grief, justice, and family complicating the mystery. This got me thinking about some of my favorite TV families and couples who also solve crimes together—whether by blood or bond—and how their unique dynamics add depth to their stories.
Married Couples
Hart to Hart (1979–1984)
Robert Wagner & Stefanie Powers
One of my all time favorites. This iconic duo, Jonathan and Jennifer Hart, are a wealthy couple who solve mysteries while living a glamorous life. Their chemistry is palpable, and their adventures are thrilling and romantic. The show’s ability to combine elements of suspense with the charm of a married couple made it a staple of 80s television.
McMillan & Wife (1971–1977)
Rock Hudson & Susan St. James
Another fan-favorite from the 70s, this show featured Rock Hudson as a San Francisco police commissioner and his wife, Sally, played by Susan St. James. Their witty banter and team dynamic made for a delightful mix of crime-solving and domestic life, and Hudson’s suave demeanor and St. James’s warmth created the perfect balance.
Partners in Crime (2015)
David Walliams & Jessica Raine
Adapted from Agatha Christie’s characters Tommy and Tuppence, this British series follows the couple as they embark on a variety of investigations, bringing the couple’s wit and charm to a more modern setting. Their playful chemistry and knack for getting into trouble kept audiences engaged throughout.
Families
Blue Bloods (2010–2025)
The Reagan Family
This long-running series follows the Reagan family of New York City, where each member works in law enforcement in some capacity. From patriarch Frank (Tom Selleck) to his children and grandchildren, the show is a great example of how family dynamics shape crime-solving. Their shared bond over justice gives the series heart while delivering intense procedural drama.
Matlock (2024-Present)
Kathy Bates’ Version
While the original Matlock starred Andy Griffith, Kathy Bates brings her own flair to the series portraying a new version of the iconic character. The series revolves around a grandmother-grandfather-grandson team working together to solve criminal cases, blending family bonds with courtroom drama.
Sisters
Snoop Sisters (1972–1974)
Helen Hayes & Mildred Natwick
A delightful series about two elderly sisters who get caught up in solving crimes, Snoop Sisters was a comedic mystery that had a strong cult following. The chemistry between the sisters and their sharp wit was a refreshing take on the genre, especially considering the actresses’ seasoned careers.
Nikki & Nora (2022)
Hallmark Mystery Channel
This modern take on sister detectives follows two sisters, Nikki and Nora, as they navigate the world of crime-solving while also dealing with their personal lives. With a strong mix of humor and suspense, this series is a standout in terms of dynamic female leads.
Queens of Mystery (2019–Present)
Acorn TV
Set in the fictional town of Wildemarsh, this British series revolves around three sisters who run a detective agency. Along with their quirky mother, they tackle mysterious crimes while navigating their family bonds. The whimsical tone and strong female leads make it a fun watch.
Brothers
The Hardy Boys (1977–1979)
Parker Stevenson & Shaun Cassidy
A classic duo from the late 70s, Frank and Joe Hardy solve mysteries with their smarts and youthful energy. Based on the beloved book series, their on-screen chemistry and adventurous spirit made them a memorable pair, appealing to both young audiences and adults. I never missed an episode!
Simon & Simon (1981–1989)
Jameson Parker & Gerald McRaney
The Simon brothers bring a mix of humor and action to their detective work. As opposites who still manage to work together seamlessly, the show delivers a blend of mystery and family drama that made it one of the best of its time. A long running hit nearly forgotten today.
Numbers (2005–2010)
Rob Morrow & David Krumholtz
This series revolves around two brothers—one an FBI agent, the other a mathematics genius—working together to solve crimes. Their sibling relationship adds layers of emotion and complexity to the cases, proving that family can sometimes be the most important partner in crime-solving.
Brother & Sister
Dexter (2006–2013; 2021–2022)
Michael C. Hall & Jennifer Carpenter
Though the focus of Dexter is on Dexter Morgan, a blood-spatter analyst who moonlights as a serial killer vigilante, his relationship with his sister, Detective Deborah Morgan (played by Jennifer Carpenter), forms the emotional backbone of the series. Their troubled but loyal bond adds a unique layer to the show’s dark, thrilling narrative.
Father & Son
Republic of Doyle (2010–2014)
The Doyle Family
Set in Newfoundland, Republic of Doyle follows father-and-son private investigators Jake and Malachy Doyle. Their banter, rivalry, and mutual respect make their investigative partnership one of the most entertaining in recent years.
Diagnosis Murder (1993–2001)
Dick Van Dyke & Barry Van Dyke
In this classic long running series, Dr. Mark Sloan (Dick Van Dyke) and his son Steve (Barry Van Dyke) work together to solve crimes. With humor and charm, the father-son duo (both on the show and in real life) navigates their professional and personal relationships while solving puzzling cases week after week.
The Good Cop (2018)
Tony Danza & Josh Groban
This short-lived but engaging series starred Tony Danza as a quirky former cop and Josh Groban as his straight-laced detective son. The family dynamic added a touch of humor to the crime-solving, and their contrasting personalities kept the series light yet intriguing.
Father & Daughter
Feather & Father Gang (1977)
Stefanie Powers & Harold Gould
I’m probably the only one who remembers this shortlived 70s series starring Stefanie Powers (two years before she had a hit with Hart to Hart). Powers starred as a lawyer who teams up with her con-man father and his team of street-smart experts to solve crimes. Their partnership blends legal expertise with a touch of criminal know-how, making for a unique crime-solving duo that stood out (to me at least) despite its brief 14 episode run.
Crossing Jordan (2001–2007)
Jill Hennessy
The relationship between Jordan (Jill Hennessy) and her father, Max (Ken Howard), is central to the show’s emotional core. As a medical examiner solving crimes, Jordan often finds herself at odds with her father, but their bond is undeniable.
Veronica Mars (2004–2007; 2019)
Kristen Bell & Enrico Colantoni
Veronica Mars and her father Keith Mars (Enrico Colantoni) make one of the most memorable father-daughter detective duos in TV history. Their investigative work in Neptune, California, often puts them in dangerous situations, but their unbreakable bond is a key to their success.
Mother & Daughter
The Spencer Sisters (2023–Present)
Lea Thompson & Stacey Farber
This mother-daughter detective duo tackles tough cases with a lot of heart in this series on the revamped CW Network. Their ability to balance their personal and professional lives makes this series a refreshing take on the family detective genre.
Darrow & Darrow (2017–2021)
Wendie Malick & Kimberly Williams-Paisley
In this Hallmark series, Claire Darrow and her daughter, an attorney, work together to solve cases. Wendie Malick brings her charm to this heartwarming mother-daughter mystery series, with each episode offering a fresh case and a growing sense of family solidarity.
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This list of TV crime-solving families and couples is just a snapshot of the rich storytelling that thrives on family dynamics. Whether they’re a married couple, siblings, or parents and children, these characters show us that sometimes solving a crime is just a little bit easier (or sometimes harder) when you have family by your side.
