Crime detective TV shows offer viewers a gripping mixture of suspense, drama, and intellectual challenges hence these shows have long captivated audiences with their thrilling storylines, mind blowing twists, and complex characters out of the viewer’s imagination. With OTT platforms making these drama more accessible than ever, fans can binge-watch timeless classics and discover emerging gems. This blogs is a complete list of best crime drama tv shows of all time if you are a fan of investigations, gripping courtroom dramas, or psychological mind game thrillers. Each crime drama has its storyline, the release date, and the OTT platform where you can watch it online. Let’s deep dive into the details of best crime drama series / crime tv shows.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is one of the best crime drama tv shows of all time. The show explores a chemistry teacher Walter White turns to making methamphetamine after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Alongside his former student Jesse Pinkman, Walter White navigates the dangerous drug trade spiraling into moral corruption and chaos. Breaking Bad explores the themes of morality and the corrupting influence of power masterfully. The show is driven by compelling dialogue and the gripping storylines which keeps the viewers constantly on the edge of their seats. It is a cautionary tale of how one’s intentions can ultimately lead to unexpected and devastating consequences.
- Total Seasons: 5
- Total Episodes: 62
- Release Date: January 20, 2008
- Major Characters: Walter White (Bryan Cranston), Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) Anna Gunn (Skyler White), Dean Norris (Hank Schrader), Bob Odenkirk (Saul Goodman).
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The Sopranos (1999-2007)
The Sopranos is all about Tony Soprano who is a New Jersey mob boss grappling with the pressures of his criminal life and the anxieties of his family life. Further he seeks therapy from Dr. Jennifer Melfi and the series then delves into his complex relationships and the violence inherent in his world. Tony Soprano manages his crime world while balancing personal struggles and therapy sessions. This show is seamlessly mixture of dark humor with moments of profound sadness and violence which challenges the audience perception of good and bad.
- Total Seasons: 6
- Total Episodes: 86
- Release Date: January 10, 1999
- Major Characters: Tony Soprano, Carmela Soprano, Dr. Jennifer Melfi, Livia Soprano, Christopher Moltisanti, Paulie “Walnuts” Gualtieri.
- Streaming Platform: HBO Max
True Detective (2014-Present)
True Detective is one of the best crime drama tv shows of all time. True Detective is a famous anthology series with each season featuring a different cast and a new storyline. It focuses on the dark side of human nature explored through the lens of often troubled and complex detectives. The Season 1 was a sensation for its philosophical reflections and its outstanding performances. The show delves into deep mysteries often touching on themes of existentialism, spirituality, and the negative corrupting power of evil. Every season creates a unique and gripping experience that keeps the audience engaged and guessing until the end of the series.
- Total Seasons: 4 (Each Season is an Anthology)
- Total Episodes: Varies by season
- Release Date: January 12, 2014
- Major Characters: Varies by season, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson (Season 1), Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, and Taylor Kitsch (Season 2), Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff (Season 3), Jodie Foster and Kali Reis (Season 4)
- Streaming Platform: Max
The Wire
This show is true portray of the drug trading. The show examines the drug trade in Baltimore. It deals with the law enforcement and systemic corruption. Each season focuses on a different aspect from the streets to the docks, schools and politics.
- Total Seasons: 5
- Total Episodes: 60
- Release Date: June 2, 2002
- Major Characters: Dominic West (Jimmy McNulty), Idris Elba (Stringer Bell), Lance Reddick (Cedric Daniels), Michael K. Williams (Omar Little)
- Streaming Platform: Max
Fargo
Fargo has an unique crime story with characters which blends dark humor and chilling drama. The show is well-known for the intricate plots, unforgettable performances, and the exploration of dark themes with a satirical edge. The show portrays the absurdity of crime, the effects of ambitions and the way in which ordinary people can get entangled in violent circumstances. With its cinematic style and unique dialogues Fargo has achieved a milestone as a must-watch anthology in the crime drama genre.
- Total Seasons: 5 (Each Season is an Anthology)
- Total Episodes: Varies by season
- Release Date: April 15, 2014
- Major Characters: Varies by season, Billy Bob Thornton (Season 1), Kirsten Dunst (Season 2), Ewan McGregor (Season 3), Chris Rock (Season 4), and Juno Temple (Season 5)
- Streaming Platform: Hulu
MindHunter
Mindhunter is Inspired by the real-life events. This show focuses on the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit as agents interview notorious serial killers to understand criminal psychology and solve cases. Mindhunter is not just a crime drama, however it is psychological thriller that focuses on the darker aspects of the human mind and how these insights are applied to crime investigations.
- Total Seasons: 2
- Total Episodes: 19
- Release Date: October 13, 2017
- Major Characters: Jonathan Groff (Holden Ford), Holt McCallany (Bill Tench), Anna Torv (Wendy Carr)
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Prison Break TV Series
Prison Break is a famous American television drama series that was aired from 2005 to 2017. This show is a masterpiece and combination of drama, action and suspense which revolves around the themes of justice and survival. Because of its gripping storyline and compelling characters Prison Break became a cultural phenomenon and a fan favorite in United States.
It is a story of Michael Scofield, a brilliant structural engineer who deliberately gets himself into a prison to break out his wrongfully convicted brother named Lincoln Burrows. There is an allegation on Lincoln for killing the Vice President’s brother. However Michael believes that his brother is innocent and he put all his efforts to save his brother which makes this story quite interesting to watch.
- Total Seasons: 5
- Total Episodes: 90
- Release Date: August 29, 2005
- Major Characters: Michael Scofield, Lincoln Burrows, Sara Tancredi, T-Bag, Fernando Sucre, Alexander Mahone
- Streaming Platform: Hulu and Disney+
