Midsomer Murders fans told to binge 'absolutely brilliant' detective drama they've probably never heard of

ITV Midsomer Murders fans are being encouraged to discover another "absolutely brilliant" detective series featuring a crime-solving partnership they've likely never encountered - but will undoubtedly find themselves binge-watching.

The New Zealand-based crime drama, The Brokenwood Mysteries, centres on Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd and rule-following Detective Kristin Sims as they probe offences in the tranquil, small-town environment of Brokenwood.

Much like the popular ITV drama Midsomer Murders, which features Neil Dudgeon - who recently discussed the 'far-fetched' storylines - The Brokenwood Mysteries presents an experienced DI partnering with a younger detective as they handle peculiar cases in a compact and apparently perfect town.

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Branded as "the New Zealand Midsomer Murders" it chronicles DI Mike Shepherd and his colleague, DC Kristin Sims, as they address baffling cases in the quiet town of Brokenwood, reports Hello!

The ensemble is headed by Neill Rea (Go Girls, Auckward Love), portraying Shepherd, and Fern Sutherland (The Almighty Johnsons) as Sims, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The programme's synopsis reveals that DI Mike Shepherd arrives in the ostensibly serene town of Brokenwood "with a classic car, a country music collection, and an indeterminate number of ex-wives".

It adds: "His assistant, DC Kristin Sims, is a by-the-book investigator 15 years younger than her boss's car. Shepherd soon discovers that Brokenwood is full of secrets and suspicions."

In the newest instalment, Shepherd and his colleagues find themselves entangled in a "web of deception, greed and dark secrets" whilst tackling their most baffling investigations in the picturesque village of Brokenwood, ranging from "mysterious murders" to "seemingly supernatural incidents".

The programme, which proudly holds an 86 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has earned acclaim from audiences who've branded it "excellent" and a "must-watch" across social media platforms.

One viewer gushed: "The Brokenwood Mysteries. An absolutely BRILLIANT detective mystery from New Zealand. Quirky, well acted, great stories."

Another fan characterised the programme as a "lighter New Zealand mystery series set in modern times in quirky small town.," praising its "plenty of humour among dark deeds, good writing, acting, and strange deaths."

A third enthusiast urged fellow viewers to give it a go, declaring: "If you want a really excellent programme to watch, have a look at The Brokenwood Mysteries on Drama. The best thing I've watched in years."

The Brokenwood Mysteries is available to binge-watch on the streaming service U. The 11th season arrives on U and U&Drama on Monday, August 18