A beautiful coastal setting, puzzling murder cases and a slow-burning romance make Murder in a Small Town an appealing choice for fans of British crime dramas. Blending the atmospheric scenery of Broadchurch with the intriguing mysteries of Midsomer Murders, the series offers a compelling mix of suspense, small-town secrets and personal drama.
First airing in the US and Canada in 2024, the show follows Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland), a big-city detective who leaves Minneapolis for a seemingly peaceful harbour town in Canada. Hoping to escape the psychological strain of his previous job, Karl expects a quieter life. Instead, he finds himself investigating a succession of murders in a community where appearances can be deceiving.
The good news for crime drama fans is that both series are available to watch on Apple TV in the US, making it easy to settle in for a mystery-filled evening.
With Rossif Sutherland leading the cast and Kristin Kreuk bringing warmth to the story as local librarian Cassandra Lee, Murder in a Small Town balances its darker cases with an engaging relationship at the heart of the series.
Here is everything you need to know about the drama, including its storyline, cast, trailer and where to watch it.
What Is Murder in a Small Town About?
Set in a picturesque Canadian coastal community, Murder in a Small Town centres on Karl Alberg, a highly capable detective who relocates from Minneapolis after the pressures of working in a major city take their toll.
His move is intended to give him a chance to recover and begin again. However, the town’s tranquil appearance hides a troubling number of secrets, and Karl soon finds himself facing a series of murder investigations that demand all his experience and instincts.
As he works to uncover the truth behind the crimes, the series explores the people and relationships that shape life in the community. The cases provide the suspense, while the town itself becomes an important part of the story, with its picturesque surroundings contrasting sharply with the disturbing events unfolding within it.
There is also a romantic thread running through the drama. Karl develops a connection with Cassandra Lee (Kristin Kreuk), the local librarian who gradually becomes an important presence in his life. Their relationship offers moments of warmth amid the darker investigations, giving the series an emotional dimension beyond its central mysteries.
Why Rossif Sutherland Almost Missed Out on the Role
Despite the success of Murder in a Small Town, Rossif Sutherland revealed to Deadline that he was initially hesitant about auditioning for Karl Alberg.
At first, he regarded the opportunity as just another audition. Having already played several detectives, he was reluctant to take on another similar role, although he liked the material.
The audition itself was conducted over Zoom, a format he admitted he was not particularly comfortable with. However, Sutherland recalled encouraging his son to be brave and do things that frightened him. He decided to follow that same advice himself and went ahead with the audition.
What ultimately attracted him to Karl was the character’s humanity.
Rather than relying on the traditional image of a police officer who uses his badge, gun or uniform to intimidate people, Karl approaches his work by connecting with them on a personal level. Sutherland described him as a detective who draws the truth out of people through his humanity, wears his heart on his sleeve and is not consumed by personal demons.
That approach gives Karl a different quality from the more hardened, troubled detectives often found in crime dramas. His ability to understand people is central to how he investigates cases, while his emotional openness helps make him a character viewers can connect with.
Who Is in the Cast of Murder in a Small Town?
The series features a cast of familiar television faces, led by Rossif Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk. Across its first two series, the ensemble brings the fictional coastal community and its investigations to life.
The main cast includes:
- Rossif Sutherland (Three Pines) as Karl Alberg
- Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) as Cassandra Lee
- Mya Lowe (My Life with the Walter Boys) as Corporal Edwina Yen
- Aaron Douglas (The Bridge) as Sid Sokolowski
- Cassandra Sawtell (Boy in the Walls) as Steph Alberg
- Fritzy-Klevans Destine (Superman & Lois) as Andy Kendrick
- Savonna Spracklin (Wildhood) as Isabella Harbud
- Dakota Guppy (Damaged) as Holly Alberg
- Fiona Vroom (Sailing into Love) as Phyllis Diaz
- Paloma Kwiatkowski (Riot Girls) as Bree
- Alisha Newton (Heartland) as Devon Travis
The second series also features several additional cast members:
- Bethany Brown (Operation Christmas Drop) as Laila Jackson
- Marcia Gay Harden (The Mist) as Christine Holman
- Marci T. House (Monster High 2) as Angela Clyburn
- Jacob Shoemay (Untamed) as Brett Holman
- Jodelle Ferland (Case 39) as Vanessa
Is There a Trailer for Murder in a Small Town?
Yes. The trailer offers a first look at the series, introducing its coastal setting, central characters and the murder investigations that disrupt the town’s quiet appearance.
For anyone deciding whether to give the drama a try, it provides a useful preview of the atmosphere and the combination of crime and character-driven storytelling that defines the show.
Is Murder in a Small Town Worth Watching?
For viewers who enjoy detective dramas with a strong sense of place, Murder in a Small Town has plenty to offer.
Its coastal scenery provides a striking backdrop for the murder cases, while the mysteries offer enough intrigue to keep viewers following Karl’s investigations. The relationship between Sutherland and Kreuk’s characters adds another layer to the story, balancing the darker elements with a more personal, romantic storyline.
The series has also attracted praise from viewers who appreciate its accessible storytelling, cosy atmosphere and picturesque setting. Although the subject matter revolves around murder, the show retains a certain warmth that distinguishes it from grittier crime dramas.
Fans of Broadchurch, Midsomer Murders and Shetland may find familiar elements in its blend of community secrets, complicated investigations and compelling characters.
If you prefer mysteries that combine suspense with an appealing setting and relationships that develop alongside the cases, this could be a worthwhile addition to your watchlist.
How Can You Watch Murder in a Small Town?
Both series of Murder in a Small Town are available on Apple TV in the US.
With two series to catch up on, viewers can follow Karl Alberg’s move to the coastal community, the murder cases that challenge him and the development of his relationship with Cassandra Lee.
What Other Detective Dramas Can You Watch?
If you finish Murder in a Small Town and want another crime series to dive into, there are several alternatives worth considering.
Chasing Shadows
For something darker and more unsettling, Chasing Shadows follows DS Sean Stone (Reece Shearsmith) and his professional partner Ruth Hattersley (Alex Kingston) as they investigate serial killers who target vulnerable people.
The ITV drama takes a disturbing look at these crimes, making it a suitable choice for viewers who prefer their detective stories with a darker edge.
You can watch Chasing Shadows on ITVX
Thorne
Fans of Shetland and Unforgotten may also enjoy Thorne, the crime drama adapted from the novels by author Mark Billingham.
David Morrissey stars as DI Tom Thorne, a detective confronted with a troubling series of murders. The adaptation draws on Billingham’s crime fiction to deliver another mystery-led series for viewers looking for something to watch next.
Thorne is available to stream on ITVX
Whether you prefer the eerie atmosphere of a coastal mystery, the darker investigations of a serial-killer drama or a detective working through a complex murder case, these series offer plenty of options for your next crime drama binge.
