Although best known for being the birthplace of some of the best British crime series of the past three decades, the streaming service Acorn TV’s lineup is actually much more eclectic.

There are addicting dramas, world class comedies and, yes, intriguing mysteries from all over the world, some only available to the Kiwis out there and others never before seen on our shores.

After browsing through the current range of titles available, Things to watch has put together this list of eight shows that are worth seeing.

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* Full Control: Breathtaking Aussie Political Drama Finally Finds Its Place Here
* Go tell your mom: Acorn TV is the streaming service she never knew she needed
* Amazon’s Solos, Neon’s Intergalactic, Netflix’s Halston among May TV Must-Haves

Tub

It may only have lasted four episodes, but this 2017 UK sitcom about a mother and daughter’s quest to complete the premiere’s bucket list certainly left an impression. Because the creation of Frog Stone provided the perfect showcase for the unique, eccentric and insane talent that is Miriam Margolyes. “A mother from the depths of hell – flatulent, chubby, greedy, reckless behind the wheel and beyond … Margolyes was born to play Mim,” wrote The telegraphJasper rees. “What other short round septuagenarian would be happy to put a lot of stuff in a crimson negligee?”

Cold feet

One of Britain’s biggest television hits of the ’90s, this drama about the life and loves of six in their thirties was the perfect, heartfelt and hilarious antidote to the sometimes asinine. Friends. More than a decade after his initial five-season run ended, he returned in 2016 with the remaining quintet of Adam, Pete, Jenny, Karen and David facing a whole host of new challenges. Now at nine seasons and counting, it’s still the series that gave the world James Nesbitt.

Detectorists

Toby Jones teams up with Mackenzie Crook (who also wrote and directed the series) for this award-winning cult comedy by Bafta – which debuted in 2014 – about two eccentric men who spend their days among plowed tracks and open fields in the hope to unearth the fortune a lifetime. “Beautifully interpreted and written, Detectorists is a rare treasure, a gold that does not shine, ” wrote Time’ Andrew Billen.

Time

Dominic West, Ben Whishaw and Romola Garai star in this Cold War-era spy thriller in England, which centers on a journalist, producer and investigative news anchor. It lasted 12 episodes over two seasons, starting in 2011. “With its cast, its look, its unfolding mysteries, its attention to important historical events, its sensuality, Time touches all pleasure centers, ” wrote on New Yorkerby Nancy Franklin.

Course of action

If the recent broadcast of the sixth series on TVNZ was your first encounter with this long-standing BBC police proceeding, then you are in for a treat. The previous five seasons were often even more compelling, with the central trio of Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar joined by guest actors of the caliber of Stephen Graham, Lennie James, Thandiwe Newton and Keeley Hawes.

The miniaturist

Before his award-winning tour The queen’s gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy starred in this 2017 BBC period thriller based on the popular 2014 book by Jessie Burton. Set in 1686, this is the story of Nella Oortman (Taylor-Joy) who, after an arranged marriage, arrives in Amsterdam to begin her new life as the wife of the wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. However, when her husband presents her with a wedding gift from a wardrobe that is a miniature replica of their house, she slowly realizes that the tiny creations reflect what is going on in the house and seem to predict the future with precision. disturbing.

Murdoch Mysteries

Based on the books by Maureen Jennings, this long-running Canadian series (11 of 14 seasons are available to watch here) revolves around a Victorian-era Toronto detective who uses “cutting-edge forensic techniques” to solve crimes with the help of a female coroner. “A wonderful drama filled with mind-boggling intrigue, ideas and characters that you will no doubt fall in love with,” wrote The Daily Utah Chronicleby Abigail Raasch.

Total control

Expertly designed by director Rachel Perkins (Bran Naked Dae, Mystery road) and a multitude of writing talents whose CVs include everything, Rake at The Mysteries of Doctor Blake, this Australian drama offers a scathing examination of Australian politics, a call for social justice and a wonderful showcase for the writing and singing talents of Missy Higgins (whose powerful lyrics echo the action) and talent actor of the very brilliant Deborah Mailman. Her character is a fascinating, complex and charismatic presence, a woman passionate about representing her community, but still traumatized by the event that made her public property.