Crime TV Shows: A Fascination for All
The crime genre is one of the most beloved and widely accepted of all genres in the entertainment industry. Whether it’s real life police dramas, investigations of organized criminals, or criminal activities in the past, crime stories are thrilling and captivating. Here, we’ll explore some of the best crime TV shows of all time and discuss why these particular shows are so popular and well loved.
The 10 Best Crime TV Shows of All Time
- Law & Order: SVU (1999-Present)
Starting in 1999, this long running series follows an elite squad of New York City detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. This show has won both Emmy awards and Golden Globes for its compelling storylines, which cover everything from rape to murder.
- The Wire (2002-2008)
This show follows a team of police officers and detectives in Baltimore, Maryland and explores the inner workings of criminal organizations. It received numerous awards and critical acclaim due to its realist take on crime.
- True Detective (2014-Present)
This show offers a unique and captivating look into the lives of detectives and the investigation of unsolved cases. Every season focuses on new cases, which come with their own unique and often gritty characters.
- Dexter (2006-2013)
This show centers around a forensic-scientist and a secret life that he is unknowingly leading. The enthralling story follows his journey as he navigates his malevolent and “serial-killer” actions, while attempting to remain undetected from the Miami police department.
- Criminal Minds (2005-2020)
This show follows a special unit of the FBI that are called upon to investigate serial killers and other criminals, using their powers of psychological analysis and behavioural profiling. Since 2005, Criminal Minds has been a staple of crime fiction and has won numerous awards.
- The Killing (2011-2014)
Set in Seattle, this show follows an investigation of the murder of a young girl. It has been praised for its strong female characters and its multiple mysteries that see the characters navigate difficult moral waters.
- Luther (2010-2019)
Idris Elba stars in this show as a detective, who has to operate even outside of the law at times in order to bring criminals to justice. The series attracted fans with its intriguing stories, often focusing on high-profile cases with psychopathic criminals.
- Mindhunter (2017-Present)
This show is set in the late 70s and introduces us to the FBIs Behavioral Science Unit. They are assigned to get into the minds of serial killers to understand why they become killers. It has been nominated for multiple Emmy awards.
- Sherlock (2010-2017)
This modernized classic tells the stories of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his trusty sidekick Watson (Martin Freeman) as they investigate a series of crimes in London. With great performances and clever writing, this show won a number of Emmy’s and even an Oscar.
- Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Breaking Bad is a story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a humble chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime in order to bring financial security to his family. The show was praised for its well-crafted storylines, great performances and its unmatched ability to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.
Why are Crime TV Shows so Popular?
The popularity of crime shows can be attributed to their compelling storylines and intense action that keeps viewers hooked, as well as their ability to explore some of society’s most pressing issues.
Catchy Storylines: A crime show needs to be unpredictable, keep the viewer’s attention and provide some action. As a result, the writers are often coming up with creative and interesting stories and twists in order to keep viewers coming back for more.
Connection to Reality: Crime shows often deal with topics that are timely and real, making them more relatable to the viewers. Unlike other genres, crime shows deal with the real world, allowing us to explore the deep issues that society faces.
Exploration of Psychology: When one criminal is caught, the job isn’t done; a good crime show will explore why a criminal behaves the way they do. This show allows viewers to get into the minds of criminals and understand motives and thought processes, teaching us what it takes to solve a case.
Surprising Results: One of the benefits of a crime show is its ability to surprise the viewer with unexpected results. Many times, even if we think we know the answer, the show may surprise us with the outcome. This adds to our mental stimulation and keeps us hooked.
The crime genre is one of the most captivating genres of all time and its popularity speaks volumes. Crime TV shows often deal with topics that are timely and realistic, exploring difficult topics in society, as well as moral and legal dilemmas. They explore the psychology of criminals and keep viewers on their toes with unexpected surprises and creative storylines. If you’re looking for a show that mixes intense action with realistic drama, the crime genre is for you.
