Not every great show comes with a big buzz! Some of the best crime series we’ve watched had zero hype – but totally surprised us with their gripping stories, strong performances, and unexpected twists. These hidden gems slowly won us over and kept us hooked till the end.
1. Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein (IMDb: 7.0) – Netflix
Started watching this one with zero expectations… and ended up bingeing both seasons! This twisty crime thriller gives Bollywood-style drama a deliciously dark edge, with a lovestruck politician’s daughter turning one man’s life into a nightmare. It’s intense, messy, and totally addictive.
2. Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega (IMDb: 7.3) – Netflix
Small-town boys. Big-time phishing scams. Who knew cybercrime could be this thrilling? Inspired by real-life events, Jamtara is like the Scam 1992 of SIM card fraud – with teens, gangsters, and corrupt netas in the mix. You’ll be hooked faster than your internet!
3. Inside Edge (IMDb: 8.0) – Amazon Prime
Who knew cricket could be this dark? Inside Edge takes you behind the glamorous world of T20 leagues and throws you into a maze of match-fixing, ego clashes, politics, and shady deals. It’s like IPL meets House of Cards-and you won’t be able to look away.
4. Khakee: The Bihar Chapter (IMDb: 8.2) – Netflix
Started watching it with zero expectations, but thank god we didn’t miss this gem. Think Bihar’s wild west vibes, a noble cop with nerves of steel, and a gangster who could give Gabbar a run for his money. Khakee blends real incidents with high-octane storytelling-and suddenly you’re two Red Bulls deep, bingeing this underrated Netflix firecracker.
5. Criminal Justice (IMDb: 8.1) – JioHotstar
We’ll be honest-when Season 1 dropped, expectations were low… but it turned out to be a masterpiece. You press play out of boredom, and next thing you know, you’re emotionally invested in a guy trapped in a legal mess he didn’t see coming. Unexpected courtroom chaos, jail politics, and gasps galore.
6. Kohrra (IMDb: 7.5) – Netflix
Definitely a hidden gem that got us hooked. Dark, moody, and so atmospheric, you might need a sweater. Kohrra is part murder mystery, part emotional deep-dive. When an NRI is found dead just before his wedding, two desi detectives uncover secrets no one wants aired. It’s like True Detective-Punjabi edition.
7. Breathe (IMDb: 7.6) – Amazon Prime
Honestly, who knew Madhavan had such a dark side? Breathe is a slow-burning thriller about how far a father will go to save his son-and let’s just say, it goes from 0 to messed-up real quick. Addictive, clever, and surprisingly intense.
8. Asur (IMDb: 8.4) – JioHotstar
A mythological serial killer. A forensic expert. And zero marketing before it blew up like a cult favorite. Asur is India’s answer to Mindhunter and True Detective, but with a mystical edge. If you love twists, this one’s a binge-worthy beast.
So which ones are you watching this weekend?