Sherlock fans can’t stop binge watching ‘addictive’ Netflix crime drama

If you’re searching for a bingeable mystery thriller series as clever and gripping as Sherlock, this little-known gem is the answer.

The underrated gem is available to stream on Netflix (Image: Emmanuel Guimier / Netflix)

Those on the hunt for a slick, clever, entertaining and thoroughly bingeable series in the vein of Sherlock need look no further, as Netflix has just the answer.

Hailed as the ‘most bingeable series ever made’ by countless critics and viewers alike, one underrated mystery thriller is captivating audiences right across the globe.

The French heist series Lupin is being celebrated as “refreshingly original” and endlessly compelling viewing, and with very good reason.

The first series made its debut on Netflix in January 2021 with five episodes, swiftly followed by a further five episodes landing in June of that same year.

A third season arrived on the streaming platform in October 2023, with the fourth series pencilled in for a release in autumn 2026, reports Wales Online.

The show has an average rating of 98% across all three seasons (Image: Emmanuel Guimier/Netflix)

Created by George Kay and François Uzan, Lupin follows the story of Assane Diop, a professional thief drawn inspiration from the adventures and exploits of master thief Arsène Lupin.

Arsène Lupin was a celebrated gentleman thief character brought to life by French novelist Maurice Leblanc in the early 1900s, widely regarded as the French equivalent of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

Lupin features the magnetic Omar Sy in the lead role as Assane, alongside Ludivine Sagnier, Ludmilla Makowski, Antoine Gouy, Adrian Valli de Villebonne, Soufiane Guerrab, Shirine Boutella, and Etan Simon in supporting roles.

Following its worldwide release in January 2021, right in the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown, Lupin was viewed by roughly 76 million households within its opening month, establishing it as Netflix’s most-watched non-English language series at that point.

The underrated programme has since collected numerous accolades, securing a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Foreign Language Series and earning nominations in the Best Drama Series category at both the International Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.

The show’s official synopsis states: “Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief Assane Diop sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family.”

Boasting a near-perfect 98% average rating on Rotten Tomatoes across all three seasons, Lupin stands as both a critical and fan-favourite darling, though many remain unaware of the series.

The little-known show is being compared to Sherlock (Image: Netflix)

Fans of BBC’s acclaimed Sherlock will adore Lupin, as the programme delivers ingenious twists and turns guaranteed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats throughout.

One critic’s review of the series reads: “Lupin is a thrilling and witty series with a refreshingly original story. If you enjoy action, adventure, mystery, and heist genres then I highly recommend giving this series a watch.”

Another reviewer said: “Lupin ranks among the most bingeable TV series ever made. The first three out of five episodes that dropped this month, all directed by Louis Leterrier, are master classes in slick, glamorous suspense.”

While one review of the show added: “It’s a magnificent concoction and, with an uncanny timing, it is captivating in a way that connects to the time we live in.”

Another critic said: “Lupin is an addictive, clever puzzle that combines elements from Luther, Sherlock Holmes, and Inside Man for an engrossing experience.”

While one thoroughly impressed reviewer wrote: “Every episode is compulsive viewing, a wild ride from minute one to the closing credits, each a cliffhanger that leaves you slamming that “watch next episode” button, because waiting another 10 seconds for the autoplay to kick in would be too long.”

The programme has also garnered considerable praise on IMDB, with one viewer saying: “I absolutely loved it. The series, featuring the talented Omar Sy, was so engaging and thrilling that I found myself binge-watching all of the episodes in just one day. The writing was top-notch, creating a captivating storyline with well-developed characters.

“Omar Sy was fantastic in his role as Assane Diop, bringing the character to life with his charismatic performance. The show also had stunning cinematography, with gorgeous shots that added to the overall aesthetic. Overall, I highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining and thrilling series to watch. Absolutely loved and looking forward for next season.”

Another IMDB user review states: “This is a fantastic series, it is interesting, suspenseful at times and really is a joy to watch. Omar Sy is a brilliant actor and shows it by captivating the viewer’s attention. The Cinematography and overall production value is absolutely mind-blowing! The French Netflix scene is being universalised at a swift pace; just the way it should be!”

All seasons of Lupin are available to stream on Netflix.