There’s just something about a great crime TV series that grabs our attention. Maybe it’s the thrill of the mystery, the chase, or the mind games between criminals and detectives. Perhaps it’s our fascination with understanding how a criminal thinks or watching brilliant detectives crack seemingly impossible cases.
Whatever it is, crime tv shows never fail to keep us glued to the screen. Here’s a list of 25 incredible crime series that each bring something unique to the table from clever heists and thrilling investigations to deep explorations into the criminal mind.
25 Best Crime TV Shows to Watch
Here’s the ultimate list of crime TV series you need to watch. Whether you’re looking for a binge-worthy crime series on Netflix or a true crime TV show with an addictive storyline, we’ve got you covered.
1. Breaking Bad
High school chemistry teacher Walter White is faced with a cancer diagnosis that changes everything. Needing money for his family, he turns to cooking meth with former student Jesse. What starts as a way to make quick cash becomes an intense journey into crime, turning Walter into a ruthless drug lord. If you’re after intense character development and one of the best crime tv series, this one is for you.
2. The Sopranos
Ever wondered how a mob boss balances crime and family? Enter Tony Soprano, a complex character who fights to keep his family together while running a dangerous criminal operation. With an honest look at mental health and crime, The Sopranos combines dark humor with mafia life. It’s considered one of the best crime series ever and a must-watch for fans of the genre.
3. Fargo
Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ movie, each season of Fargo tells a different crime story with a mix of wit and violence. This show stands out with its unique setting, unusual characters, and the ability to keep you guessing. It’s one of those true crime tv shows that mixes humor and suspense perfectly, making it highly binge-worthy.
4. Mindhunter
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
Ever wondered how FBI agents study serial killers? Mindhunter takes a look into the early days of criminal psychology, where agents interview real-life killers to understand what makes them tick. It’s a chilling look into the minds of some of history’s most notorious criminals. Perfect for fans who crave psychological depth in their crime tv shows.
5. True Detective
- Platform: HBO Max
- IMDb Rating: 8.9
With each season offering a new story and cast, True Detective explores some of the most haunting crime cases. The first season, featuring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, set the bar high with its eerie atmosphere and complex characters. For those looking for a deep, moody crime series, this one delivers on every level.
6. Ozark
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
Money laundering for a drug cartel wasn’t part of the Byrde family’s plan, but here they are, caught up in the underworld. This crime series on Netflix shows how far a family will go to survive in a world of betrayal and crime. It’s suspenseful, dramatic, and keeps viewers on edge as their story goes on.
7. Peaky Blinders
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
Set in post-World War I Birmingham, Peaky Blinders follows the infamous Shelby family as they rise through the ranks of crime. With its stylish look and sharp dialogue, it’s a British crime series that has won over fans worldwide. The gang’s fierce loyalty, coupled with constant danger, makes it one of the best crime tv shows around.
8. Castle
- Platform: Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
When crime novelist Rick Castle teams up with NYPD detective Kate Beckett, things get interesting. What starts as a one-time partnership evolves into a humorous yet thrilling adventure. Castle combines crime-solving with a light-hearted twist, making it a refreshing option for fans of crime tv series who enjoy a bit of romance and comedy.
9. The Blacklist
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
The Blacklist stars James Spader as Raymond “Red” Reddington, a high-profile criminal who agrees to help the FBI catch some of the most dangerous people in the world. It’s a unique take on the crime series format, filled with secrets, betrayals, and a fascinating partnership that keeps fans guessing.
10. Only Murders in the Building
- Platform: Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
Three unlikely friends, all crime podcast fans, find themselves solving a murder in their own building. This comedy-filled crime tv series keeps things light while still delivering a solid mystery. With Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short leading the way, it’s a refreshing take on crime-solving.
11. Sherlock
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 9.1
This modern twist on Sherlock Holmes is as thrilling as it is witty. Set in contemporary London, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson tackle complex cases that challenge their intellect. It’s one of the best crime series on Netflix for fans of classic detective stories with a fresh twist.
12. Mare of Easttown
- Platform: HBO Max
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
Detective Mare Sheehan, played by Kate Winslet, investigates a murder in her small town while dealing with personal struggles. Mare of Easttown is a combination of gritty realism with heartfelt storytelling, making it one of the most engaging crime tv shows you can watch.
13. Dexter
- Platform: Showtime
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
Dexter Morgan is a blood-spatter analyst by day, vigilante serial killer by night. His mission? To eliminate killers who have escaped justice. With a mix of dark humor and tension, Dexter brings a unique angle to the crime tv series genre.
14. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- Platform: Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
CSI teams use forensic science to solve cases, bringing cutting-edge technology to crime-solving. This classic crime tv show set the standard for forensic dramas and still draws fans with its intricate cases and gripping storytelling.
15. Better Call Saul
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 9.0
A prequel to Breaking Bad, this crime series takes a look into the life of Jimmy McGill, the man who eventually becomes Saul Goodman. It’s a fascinating journey that’s as much about character as it is about crime, making it a must-watch.
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16. Money Heist
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
A professor leads a team of criminals to pull off the perfect heist in this Spanish crime series. With intense action and suspense, Money Heist has become a global sensation and is among the best crime series on Netflix.
17. Broadchurch
- Platform: Amazon Prime
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
Set in a tight-knit coastal town, Broadchurch follows two detectives as they investigate a boy’s death. It’s an emotional true crime tv show that takes viewers deep into the community’s reaction to tragedy and mystery.
18. Hannibal
- Platform: Hulu
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
Exploring the dark connection between FBI profiler Will Graham and psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter, this crime series offers a chilling and artistic view into the mind of a serial killer.
19. Criminal Minds
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
This long-running crime tv series explores the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit as they hunt down the nation’s most dangerous criminals. Known for its detailed profiling and intense cases, it’s a must-watch for crime fans.
20. Good Girls
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
Three suburban moms fall into a life of crime when they decide to rob a grocery store. What starts as a quick-fix plan soon spirals, making Good Girls a darkly humorous yet suspenseful crime series.
21. Pushing Daisies
- Platform: Max
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
A pie-maker with the power to revive the dead uses his gift to solve crimes. With quirky charm and humor, Pushing Daisies is a fun, offbeat crime tv show for those looking for something a little different.
22. Black Bird
Based on a true story, Black Bird follows a convict who helps the FBI get close to a suspected killer. It’s a dark and intense true crime tv show that shows the price of gaining trust in the world of crime.
23. How to Get Away with Murder
- Platform: Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
Viola Davis stars as a law professor who becomes involved in a murder case with her students. With twists and suspense in every episode, it’s one of the most thrilling crime tv shows out there.
24. The Wire
- Platform: HBO Max
- IMDb Rating: 9.3
A gritty look at Baltimore’s drug trade, The Wire is a deep, realistic exploration of crime’s impact on society. It’s a classic crime tv series that’s both thought-provoking and engaging.
25. True Detective: Night Country
- Platform: HBO Max
- IMDb Rating: 8.9
This True Detective season explores a dark, haunting case in a unique location with new characters. If you’re a fan of atmospheric crime and mystery, this is a great pick from the best crime tv series collection.
So, What Are You Watching Next?
Crime TV series have taken over our screens, each with its unique way of taking us into the dark and thrilling. From complex heists to deep insights into criminal psychology, there’s something for every type of crime fan in this list. So, if you’re ready to get lost in some criminally good storytelling, queue up one of these crime series and let the suspense begin.
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