If you want a crime drama that treats its mystery as more than a puzzle, Perry Mason is available in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Philo right now. Every one of its 9 seasons holds up. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Raymond Burr anchors it, but the writing does the real work. Start it on Amazon Prime Video whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Perry Mason is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Perry Mason treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. The cases of master criminal defense attorney Perry Mason and his staff who handled the most difficult of cases in the aid of the innocent. Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale lead a cast that never lets the mystery feel thin. 9 seasons (1957–1966) gave the story room most shows never get. What makes Perry Mason hold up is that the resolution matters less than how the characters get there. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

Viewers who think they have seen every crime drama tend to find Perry Mason proves them wrong. Fans of Agatha Christie's Marple will recognise the sensibility here immediately. 9 seasons is a lot, but the quality holds all the way through. Raymond Burr anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.

Perry Mason wrapped up in 1966, created by Erle Stanley Gardner — and 9 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.