Young Jared, who had discovered the body but seemed more concerned about the "tainted batch" of wine than the deceased.

The Brokenwood Mysteries has carved out a distinctive niche in the international crime drama landscape. By refusing to mimic its British predecessors and instead embracing New Zealand’s unique landscape, culture, and sense of humor, it offers a refreshing take on the whodunit. The enduring chemistry between Neill Rea and Fern Sutherland, combined with clever writing and stunning rural cinematography, ensures its continued success. It is highly recommended for fans of character-driven, low-violence, high-intrigue mystery series with a generous helping of wit.

One of the hallmarks of is its use of humor. The show's writers have a keen sense of comedic timing, and the series is full of witty one-liners, comedic misunderstandings, and silly situations. The show's lighthearted tone makes it a joy to watch, even when the mysteries themselves are complex and intriguing.

9/10 – A modern classic of the Cosy Noir genre.

"You see, Kristin," Mike said, leaning against his car as the sun set. "In Brokenwood, people don't just die for love or money. Sometimes, they die for a decent glass of red."

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Most crime procedurals rely on romantic tension or buddy-cop banter. The Brokenwood Mysteries does something rarer: it depicts a genuine, respectful, platonic partnership between a man and a woman.

With over 40 episodes (roughly 90 minutes each), you don't need to watch in strict order, but certain installments show the show at its peak.

The series is set in the fictional town of Brokenwood. It is an idyllic, sun-drenched agricultural community located on the North Island of New Zealand. The town boasts a population of roughly 5,000 residents, but its murder rate rivals that of major metropolitan areas. Brokenwood Mysteries | PBS