Top 20 Police Procedurals Ranked: Must-Watch Detective Shows

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Police procedural dramas have been a television staple for decades, and this list highlights the 20 best the genre has ever offered. Many of these shows rank among the greatest TV series of all time. Focusing on detectives and officers solving crimes, these programs are a cornerstone of serialized storytelling, and there’s a huge number of them to choose from.

There are so many police shows on TV that it can be tough to choose which ones are actually good. Fortunately, there are at least 20 standout series from the last 80 years of television that consistently deliver – you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Let’s first clarify what we’re looking for. While shows like House and Watson are excellent mysteries, they’re medical dramas and don’t involve police investigations. Similarly, crime shows such as Twin Peaks, True Detective, and Mindhunter lean more towards psychological thrillers than traditional police procedurals. We’re focusing on shows that specifically follow the step-by-step process of police investigations.

20. Lie to Me

Stream On: Hulu/Disney+

I’m a huge fan of police shows, and Lie to Me really stands out! Most shows try to do something different, but this one has a truly brilliant idea. It follows Dr. Lightman and his team as they figure out if people are lying by reading their behavior and body language. What makes it so good is that it’s not just a clever idea – it’s based on real science, and they use that to create incredibly compelling stories. It’s one of the best premises I’ve seen in the genre.

What makes the show Lie to Me so good is its surprisingly flexible concept. Over its three seasons, the series stays fresh because Lightman and his team consistently face challenges that go beyond just detecting lies. From suspects who are unable to speak to those with unique psychological profiles, Lie to Me continually expands on its core idea, much like the strongest crime shows do.

19. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Stream On: Hulu/Disney+

Most police dramas quickly move past the detailed forensic work involved in solving crimes, but CSI: Crime Scene Investigation put that work front and center. The show follows scientists who carefully gather and analyze evidence, like DNA, to catch criminals. Its success led to several spin-off series set in different cities, demonstrating just how popular and impactful the original CSI was.

One of the things that made CSI so successful was how it redefined the police procedural genre. Unlike other shows where detectives quickly mention lab results, CSI zoomed in on those tiny details. Plus, the characters weren’t the usual types you see in crime dramas, which made the show feel new and different. Overall, CSI just offered a refreshing take on the police procedural format.

18. Miami Vice

Buy On: Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, Etc.

Several police shows have truly changed the genre, and Miami Vice was a standout. The show centers on Sonny and Rico, two Miami detectives who work undercover to solve various crimes. What set Miami Vice apart from previous police shows was its distinct style, fully embracing the trends of the 1980s with its fashion, cars, and music.

What really made Miami Vice stand out was its distinctive style. It perfectly captured the spirit of the 1980s and appealed to young audiences. While the mysteries weren’t always complex, the show was more about showcasing the culture of the time and presenting incredibly cool characters. Ultimately, Miami Vice is like a snapshot of a specific, unforgettable era and location in American history.

17. Elementary

Stream On: Prime Video

Most police shows owe a debt to the stories of Sherlock Holmes created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Some, like the show Elementary, are directly inspired by the famous detective. Elementary is a fresh take on the classic Sherlock Holmes (played by Johnny Lee Miller) and Dr. Watson (Lucy Liu) pairing. While the basic idea is well-known, Elementary consistently manages to surprise and entertain viewers.

What sets Elementary apart from other Sherlock Holmes adaptations is the chemistry between its leads. Lucy Liu and Johnny Lee Miller truly inhabit their roles, bringing a unique energy to the characters. Their dynamic is particularly compelling because of Sherlock’s struggles with addiction, and their relationship evolves beautifully throughout the series. Plus, Elementary consistently delivers strong and engaging mysteries, giving the show a solid core.

16. NCIS

Stream On: Paramount+

As a huge fan of crime dramas, I always find myself going back to the original NCIS. It really kicked off this whole wave of procedural shows, much like CSI did before it. What I love about NCIS is that it centers on a special team – the Major Case Response Team – who investigate crimes involving Navy and Marine personnel. That focus on the military immediately sets it apart from your typical police show, and it allows them to create some truly interesting and unusual cases. It’s just a really solid show!

What’s truly remarkable about NCIS is how long it’s lasted. Even after completely changing the original cast, the show is still running for its 23rd season, and it’s also launched several successful spin-offs. That’s the key to NCIS‘s success: it features characters we care about, but the overall story is strong enough to continue even with cast changes. Very few crime shows can achieve that kind of staying power.

15. Quantum Leap

Stream On: Philo

A fresh idea is key for a good police procedural, and the show Quantum Leap certainly had one. The series centers around Dr. Sam Beckett, who works for the Department of Defense and travels through time to fix past errors. He does this by temporarily inhabiting the lives of people who were part of those mistakes, and then working to correct them.

Quantum Leap wasn’t like typical crime shows, and that’s a big part of why it’s so beloved. Every episode offered a unique spin on time travel, presenting a clever mystery you wouldn’t find anywhere else, all while building towards a larger, season-long puzzle.

14. Kojak

Stream On: Prime Video, Roku

Few police shows truly capture the public’s imagination, but Kojak is arguably the most famous. The series, starring detective Theo Kojak, introduced many iconic elements, like his constant snacking on lollipops and his memorable lines. Kojak is a hugely recognizable and important figure in television detective history, and the show has become a beloved classic.

One of the things that made Kojak stand out was its influence on future police shows. The series featured a hard-nosed detective who, despite coming from a tough background, showed compassion for even minor offenders like sex workers and troubled youth. He wasn’t afraid to bend the rules to ensure justice was served. For its time, Kojak was remarkably realistic and intense.

13. Poker Face

Stream On: Peacock

Image via Peacock

Similar to the show Lie to Me, Poker Face centers around Charlie Cale (Natasha Lyonne), who has a natural talent for detecting lies. However, Poker Face stands out – and arguably excels – because Charlie isn’t typically involved in solving crimes. Instead, she’s on the run and simply identifies when someone is being dishonest, without knowing the details of their deception. This leads to complex mysteries and compelling investigations.

Unlike most detective shows that focus on who committed the crime, Poker Face immediately reveals the murder and instead centers on how Charlie solves it. This is a tricky approach, but the show handles it brilliantly. Combined with a fantastic performance by Natasha Lyonne, insightful commentary on society, and a lot of humor, Poker Face is a truly excellent series.

12. Criminal Minds

Stream On: Paramount+, Hulu

Criminal Minds successfully blended elements from popular crime shows to create a compelling and likeable series. The show centers around the BAU, an FBI team that uses behavioral analysis to catch serial killers. It effectively combines the psychological insights of shows like Lie to Me with the strong team spirit found in series such as CSI and NCIS.

Even though Criminal Minds deals with dark and unsettling crimes, many people find it surprisingly comforting. This is largely thanks to the show’s characters. Each agent is highly skilled, but they also have individual flaws and strengths that balance each other out. Plus, the fantastic teamwork and relationships within the various versions of the BAU make the show genuinely enjoyable.

11. Broadchurch

Stream On: Netflix

British television has made significant contributions to the police procedural genre, and many consider Broadchurch to be their finest. The show revolves around the investigation of young Danny Latimer’s death in a small British town. While it features a compelling mystery and detailed police work, Broadchurch stands out by focusing on the personal lives of the lead detectives and the wider effects of the crime on the whole community.

What sets Broadchurch apart is its deliberate pace. Over three seasons, the show focuses on just three interconnected cases, fully exploring each one and its consequences. This approach gives each crime significant impact and allows the characters to grow in a believable and compelling way. It’s a consistently insightful and well-developed series, and stands out as one of the finest British crime dramas ever produced.

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2025-11-11 02:31