10 Procedural TV Shows That Totally Rocked the Genre from Doctor Who To Suits

Procedural TV shows have long held a special place in the hearts of viewers, providing captivating one-shot narratives that allow for easy entry and exit. While the traditional format often revolves around criminal activity, court cases, or medical dramas, a new wave of shows has redefined the genre by infusing it with creativity and breaking away from the norm. In this exploration, we’ll delve into 10 modern procedural TV shows that have pushed boundaries and transformed the genre into something truly extraordinary.

Table of Contents

1. Doctor Who: A Time-Traveling Odyssey

1963 – 1989, 1996, 2005 – Present

Procedural TV shows find a unique manifestation in the time-traveling adventures of Doctor Who. While the show retains its procedural roots, it has gracefully evolved with the times, captivating multiple generations. The Doctor, an alien with a fondness for Earth, navigates through time and space, facing alien threats, human dilemmas, and inner conflicts in each episode. Despite the standalone nature of the stories, subtle threads of a larger narrative weave through each season, rewarding dedicated viewers.

2. The Flash: Superhero Procedurals with a Twist

2014 – 2023

Taking the crime procedural format to new heights, The Flash introduces Barry Allen and his team as they tackle metahuman threats in Central City. Balancing crime-solving with superhero elements, the show seamlessly weaves in comedy and romance, creating a dynamic viewing experience.

3. Suits: Legal Drama Beyond the Norm

2011 – 2019

Breaking away from the conventional procedural mold, Suits introduces Harvey Specter and Mike Ross, lawyers who operate on the fringes of ethical boundaries. This legal drama challenges the typical portrayal of good versus bad, offering a refreshing perspective on the genre.

4. Psych: A Comedy Twist on Procedurals

2006 – 2014

In a genre often dominated by drama, Psych takes a lighthearted approach. Shawn Spencer, armed with faux psychic powers, teams up with his friend Burton Guster to solve crimes through unconventional methods, injecting humor and adventure into the procedural landscape.

5. iZombie: A Unique Blend of Crime and the Supernatural

2015 – 2019

iZombie* transforms the crime procedural by introducing Olivia Moore, a zombie assisting the police with her ability to absorb memories. The series takes unexpected turns while maintaining a crime-solving structure, offering a fresh take on the genre.

6. Lucifer: From Hell to Crime-Solving

2016 – 2021

Departing from his devilish duties, Lucifer Morningstar immerses himself in Earthly crime-solving. Lucifer masterfully combines elements of fantasy and crime procedurals, anchored by Tom Ellis’s compelling performance.

7. Chuck: Espionage and Crime in a Modern Context

2007 – 2012

Chuck introduces a tech-savvy twist to procedural drama as the titular character becomes a government asset with classified information. Espionage, romance, and crime converge in a modern narrative that captivates audiences.

8. House: Medical Procedural with a Dramatic Edge

2004 – 2012

Bucking the trend of lighthearted medical procedurals, House delves into dramatic storylines and tense medical situations. With an unconventional diagnostic team, the series balances life-threatening cases with character exploration.

9. Quantum Leap: Time-Traveling Investigations

1989 – 1993, 2022 – Present

Shaking up the crime procedural formula, Quantum Leap introduces time travel into the mix. Sam Beckett, and in the modern reboot, Ben Song, leap through time, resolving people’s issues in diverse settings, offering a unique blend of sci-fi and human stories.

10. Monk: OCD and Meticulous Crime-Solving

2002 – 2009

Adrian Monk, a former detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder, lends his expertise to the police in Monk. This series elevates the procedural genre by exploring mental health themes while delivering meticulous crime-solving.

In conclusion, these 10 modern procedural TV shows have redefined the genre, showcasing its versatility and adaptability. Whether through time travel, supernatural elements, or unconventional characters, each show brings a fresh perspective to the traditional procedural format, proving that innovation is key to the genre’s enduring popularity.