Best Police TV Shows to follow: Check out the ranking
Looking for crime TV series to watch? Check out this list and find your favorite!
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Police procedural shows have long been a staple of television, captivating audiences with thrilling cases, dynamic characters, and intense action.
Whether you enjoy the drama of solving intricate crimes or the personal stories of the detectives themselves, police series offer a gripping mix of suspense and character development.
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In this article, we’ll explore some of the best police series to follow, delving into their themes, key characters, and what makes them stand out in the crowded genre.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, this ranking will introduce you to timeless classics and modern hits alike.
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1. Chicago P.D.
Chicago P.D. is one of the most popular police shows on television today, part of the larger One Chicago universe.
Premiering in January 2014, this action-packed series follows the officers and detectives of the 21st District’s Intelligence Unit as they combat organized crime, drug trafficking, and high-profile cases in the city of Chicago.
The show features a strong ensemble cast led by Jason Beghe as Sergeant Hank Voight, a character with a complicated moral compass who often toes the line between justice and vigilantism.
Voight’s leadership style and willingness to break the rules to protect his team are central to the drama.
What sets Chicago P.D. apart is its gritty portrayal of the personal lives of the officers, the ethical dilemmas they face, and its crossover episodes with other series like Chicago Fire and Chicago Med.
The show consistently delivers high-octane action while exploring relevant social issues, such as police brutality and corruption, making it a must-watch for fans of both action and character-driven storytelling.
2. Law & Order
No discussion of police dramas is complete without mentioning Law & Order, one of the longest-running and most influential series in television history.
Originally premiering in 1990, the series revolutionized the police procedural format by splitting each episode between the investigation of a crime by detectives and the prosecution of the accused by district attorneys.
This unique structure sets Law & Order apart from other shows, providing viewers with a comprehensive look at the criminal justice system.
Law & Order introduced iconic characters like Detective Lennie Briscoe (played by Jerry Orbach) and ADA Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston), whose memorable performances helped define the series.
Known for its “ripped from the headlines” approach, the show tackled controversial issues and real-life events, providing thought-provoking commentary on law, ethics, and justice.
With multiple spin-offs, including the hugely successful Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the original series remains a cornerstone of the genre.
3. Bones
Premiering in 2005, Bones stands out in the police procedural genre by blending forensic science with criminal investigation.
The series focuses on Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Emily Deschanel), a brilliant but socially awkward forensic anthropologist, and her partnership with FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz).
Together, they solve complex murder cases by examining the remains of victims, often using cutting-edge science to crack the case.
What makes Bones unique is its balance of scientific intrigue and character development. The show delves into the personal lives of Brennan, Booth, and their quirky team at the Jeffersonian Institute.
Additionally, Bones infuses humor into its storytelling, which provides a refreshing break from the often grim subject matter of police dramas.
Its 12-season run is a testament to the show’s engaging characters and innovative approach to crime-solving.
4. True Detective
True Detective is a critically acclaimed anthology series that debuted in 2014, known for its dark and philosophical approach to crime drama.
Each season features a new cast, storyline, and location, with the first season being widely regarded as one of the finest television achievements of the 2010s.
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star as detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart in a deeply atmospheric investigation of a series of ritualistic murders in Louisiana.
The show’s unique format allows it to explore complex themes, such as the nature of evil, morality, and the human condition.
Its slow-burn storytelling, combined with a cinematic aesthetic, makes True Detective stand out from other police dramas.
While subsequent seasons have been more divisive, the show’s dedication to character depth and thematic exploration keeps it compelling for viewers looking for more than just a typical procedural.
5. Criminal Minds
For fans of psychological thrillers, Criminal Minds offers a gripping blend of crime-solving and behavioral analysis.
Debuting in 2005, the series focuses on the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they profile and catch serial killers and other dangerous criminals.
Led by a rotating cast of characters, including Special Agent Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) and Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), Criminal Minds dives deep into the minds of both the criminals and the investigators.
What sets Criminal Minds apart is its focus on the psychological aspect of crime-solving.
Rather than simply following a “whodunit” format, each episode presents a psychological puzzle, often exploring disturbing and complex cases.
The show’s longevity—spanning over 15 seasons—demonstrates its enduring appeal and ability to keep viewers on edge.
6. The Wire
Often hailed as one of the greatest television series of all time, The Wire offers a raw and realistic portrayal of crime, law enforcement, and society in the city of Baltimore.
Premiering in 2002, the series is unique in its scope, covering not only police work but also the drug trade, politics, education, and the media.
Created by former police reporter David Simon, The Wire is known for its nuanced characters and its refusal to offer easy answers to the problems it portrays.
Each season of The Wire focuses on a different aspect of Baltimore’s social and political structure, from the streets and drug dealers to the police and government officials.
With its complex storytelling and morally ambiguous characters, the show offers a deep examination of institutional dysfunction and social inequality, making it not just a police show but a profound social commentary.
7. Justified
Based on the stories of crime novelist Elmore Leonard, Justified is a modern Western with a law enforcement twist. Premiering in 2010, the series follows Deputy U.S.
Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), who returns to his hometown in rural Kentucky to enforce justice with his own brand of old-school, gunslinging law.
His primary adversary is Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins), a former coal miner turned criminal mastermind.
Justified is known for its sharp writing, rich dialogue, and complex character dynamics. Givens’ morally ambiguous methods and his personal connection to the people and places he policies create tension throughout the series.
The show blends elements of crime drama, character study, and dark humor, making it a standout in the genre.
8. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
A defining series of the early 2000s, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation revolutionized the police procedural by focusing on forensic science.
Premiering in 2000, the show follows a team of crime scene investigators in Las Vegas as they use cutting-edge technology and meticulous analysis to solve a wide array of crimes.
Led by the enigmatic Gil Grissom (William Petersen), the team navigates the glitzy yet gritty world of Vegas, uncovering secrets hidden in the minutiae of crime scenes.
CSI became a cultural phenomenon, spawning multiple spin-offs and inspiring a wave of forensic-themed shows.
Its success can be attributed to its slick production, high-tech crime-solving techniques, and the tension-filled dynamics of its core cast.
Even after its original run ended, CSI remains a reference point for crime dramas that blend science and investigation.
9. Southland
Southland offers a more grounded, realistic portrayal of life as a police officer. Premiering in 2009, the series focuses on the lives of LAPD officers and detectives as they patrol the dangerous streets of Los Angeles.
Rather than following a typical case-of-the-week format, Southland opts for a more character-driven narrative, exploring the personal and professional struggles of its ensemble cast, including officers played by Michael Cudlitz and Regina King.
The show’s gritty, documentary-style approach and focus on the psychological toll of police work set it apart from other series in the genre.
Its exploration of race, class, and corruption within the LAPD resonates deeply, making Southland a must-watch for viewers seeking a more nuanced, realistic police drama.
From the high-octane action of Chicago P.D. to the philosophical depths of True Detective and the gritty realism of The Wire, police dramas offer something for every type of viewer.
Whether you prefer forensic science, psychological thrillers, or character-driven narratives, these shows highlight the diverse ways in which law enforcement stories can be told.
Dive into these series for a thrilling ride through the complex world of crime, justice and the human condition.
