Television fans are captivated by the thrilling world of crime shows for countless reasons. These shows come in a variety of captivating forms, making it a challenge to determine the ultimate champion. Prepare to be entertained, as these shows can whisk you away into amusing, romantic, spine-chilling, or heart-pounding dramas. Brace yourself for exceptional police officers and detectives who possess extraordinary problem-solving skills, creating a mesmerizing perspective on crime.
One show that offers a tantalizing peek into the mind of a master criminal is Blacklist. Meanwhile, Blue Bloods and The Rookie take you deep into the psyche of law enforcement, as they tirelessly work to bring these criminals to justice.
While some of the finest crime series have concluded, leaving their mark on television history, such as The Mentalist and White Collar, let us not forget the iconic crime TV shows of yesteryear, like The Sopranos and Murder, She Wrote. However, fear not, as the past decade has delivered crime dramas that have proven their staying power. Luckily, there is an abundance of exceptional crime shows to choose from. Whether you seek investigations laced with humor or drenched in suspense, the world of crime dramas on TV has something extraordinary for everyone.
1. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has been a beloved fixture on American TV for more than twenty years. One of the key factors behind its success is the incredible performance of Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson. With an exceptional ensemble cast, this show tackles sensitive topics with a powerful combination of passion and expertise, establishing SVU as an iconic crime series.
Premiered: September 20, 1999
Actors: Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish
2. NCIS
Since 2003, NCIS has been keeping audiences entertained with its unique blend of humor and forensics. Led by the talented Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, this team of special agents takes on military-related crimes. What sets NCIS apart is its ability to strike a remarkable balance between lighthearted banter and the gravity of their work.
Premiered: September 23, 2003
Actors: Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen
3. Who Is Erin Carter?
Premiered: August 24, 2023
Actors: Evin Ahmad, Sean Teale, Douglas Henshall
4. Chicago P.D.
Chicago P.D. has become quite the sensation as part of Dick Wolf’s One Chicago universe. Led by the no-nonsense Sergeant Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe, the show takes us into the complex and morally ambiguous realm of crime and law enforcement. It has captivated audiences with its abundance of surprises, intricate plot twists, and clever collaborations with its sister shows.
Premiered: January 8, 2014
Actors: Jason Beghe, Patrick Flueger, LaRoyce Hawkins
5. The Rookie
The Rookie takes us on a ride with John Nolan, an officer who started his career a bit later in life. Nathan Fillion does a great job playing this character, making him lovable and relatable. People have really liked the show, and a big reason for that is Fillion’s portrayal of the determined protagonist. The series brings a new twist to the typical buddy-cop storylines, balancing exciting cases with the growth of its characters.
Premiered: October 16, 2018
Actors: Nathan Fillion, Mekia Cox, Alyssa Diaz
6. SWAT
SWAT is all about this badass group of cops who are basically the best of the best. Shemar Moore plays the main dude, Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. And let me tell you, this show is not just about chasing down bad guys and throwing them in jail. It’s got way more going on than that.
Yeah, you get all the heart-pounding action and intense takedowns of criminals that you’d expect from a police show. But what sets SWAT apart is how it digs into the personal lives and relationships of the team. You really get to know these characters and see how they navigate the ups and downs of their own lives while kicking butt on the job.
I know what you’re thinking, another cop show? But SWAT is different. It’s not just about solving crimes, it’s about the bond between the team members and the sense of responsibility they have towards each other. They’re not just colleagues, they’re like a family. And that camaraderie and accountability really shines through in the show.
So if you’re into action-packed shows with a side of personal drama, SWAT is definitely worth checking out. It’s got all the excitement you crave, but with a little something extra that sets it apart from the rest.
Premiered: November 2, 2017
Actors: Shemar Moore, Alex Russell, Jay Harrington
7. Blue Bloods
Blue Bloods, featuring the incredible Tom Selleck as police commissioner Frank Reagan, revolves around a tight-knit family of law enforcers who join forces to protect the city of New York. What sets this show apart is its recurring family dinner conversations, which not only give us a glimpse into the characters’ lives but also highlight the values that fuel their commitment to the risky realm of crime-fighting.
Premiered: September 24, 2010
Actors: Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan
8. FBI
FBI is an exhilarating crime drama brought to life by the renowned Dick Wolf. Starring Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki, it follows the gripping journey of two talented special agents who collaborate closely to crack complex and high-stakes cases. With its seamless integration of heart-pounding action and captivating plots, this top-rated show stands out amidst the vast landscape of crime procedurals.
Premiered: September 25, 2018
Actors: Missy Peregrym, Zeeko Zaki, Jeremy Sisto
9. Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom takes you on an exciting ride through the shady realm of a crime family in Southern California. At the helm is the sharp-witted matriarch, Janine “Smurf” Cody, expertly portrayed by Ellen Barkin. This show delves deep into the intricate dynamics of a family, while unraveling the mysteries of the criminal underworld. Brace yourself for an edge-of-your-seat experience that will keep you hooked.
Premiered: April 4, 2016
Shawn Hatosy, Ben Robson, Jake Weary
10. Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul is a prequel to the widely praised Breaking Bad, and it features Bob Odenkirk in the lead role as Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer who later transforms into the sleazy criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. This show skillfully combines crime, drama, and dark humor to create an engaging storyline that not only hooks viewers but also prompts them to ponder moral dilemmas surrounding justice.
Premiered: February 8, 2015
Actors: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael Mando
11. Criminal Minds: Evolution
Criminal Minds: Evolution continues the legacy of its predecessor by taking us into the twisted minds of criminals. Led by the talented Tony Award-winning actress Patina Miller, a fresh team of dedicated profilers comes together to put an end to their sinister acts. With its captivating storylines and spine-chilling criminals, this series solidifies the franchise’s reputation as a true crime classic.
Premiered: September 22, 2005
Actors: Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness
