Best TV Crime Shows: A Thrilling Journey Through Crime and Justice

The Best TV Crime Shows of the 21st Century

Crime shows have become a staple of popular entertainment, captivating audiences with their intricate plots, suspenseful storytelling, and complex characters. Over the past two decades, a plethora of crime shows has emerged, each with its unique take on the genre. In this article, we’ll delve into the best TV crime shows of the 21st century, exploring the most captivating and thought-provoking series that have left a lasting impact on viewers.

Table of Contents

The Appeal of Crime Shows

So, why do crime shows remain so popular? According to human nature, it’s our innate curiosity about criminal behavior and our desire to understand what drives individuals to commit heinous acts. Crime shows tap into this fascination, providing a platform for audiences to explore the darker aspects of human nature while also promoting a sense of justice and resolution.

The best TV crime shows have a unique ability to captivate audiences with their intricate plots, suspenseful storytelling, and complex characters. Over the years, we’ve seen a plethora of crime shows that have left a lasting impact on the television landscape.

The Power of Best TV Crime Shows

Best TV Crime Shows have become a staple of popular entertainment, captivating audiences with their intricate plots, suspenseful storytelling, and complex characters.

Characteristics of Best TV Crime Shows

Intricate Plots: Best TV crime shows have a unique ability to weave complex plots that keep audiences engaged.
Suspenseful Storytelling: Suspenseful storytelling is a key element of best TV crime shows, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Complex Characters: Complex characters are a hallmark of best TV crime shows, making them relatable and engaging.
Realistic Portrayals: Best TV crime shows often feature realistic portrayals of crime and its consequences, making them more believable and engaging.

Top-Rated Best TV Crime Shows

Good Girls

Good Girls is a crime drama that follows three suburban mothers who turn to crime to support their families. With its unique blend of humor and drama, Good Girls is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

How to Get Away with Murder

How to Get Away with Murder is a crime drama that follows a group of law students who become embroiled in a murder plot. With its complex characters and intricate plot, How to Get Away with Murder is a standout in the genre.

Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds is a crime drama that follows a team of FBI agents as they track down and profile serial killers. With its attention to detail and realism, Criminal Minds is a must-watch for fans of true crime stories.

True Detective

True Detective is a crime anthology series that follows different detectives and their cases over the course of several seasons. With its unique storytelling style and complex characters, True Detective is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Narcos

Narcos is a crime drama that follows the rise and fall of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. With its gripping storylines and complex characters, Narcos is a must-watch for fans of true crime stories.

Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad is a crime drama that follows a high school chemistry teacher who becomes involved in the world of drug trafficking. With its complex characters and intricate plot, Breaking Bad is a standout in the genre.

The Sopranos

The Sopranos is a crime drama that follows a New Jersey mob boss and his family as they navigate their lives in the criminal underworld. With its complex characters and intricate plot, The Sopranos is considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

The Best TV Crime Shows

With so many great crime shows out there, it’s challenging to narrow down the list to just a few. However, here are some of the most exceptional and critically acclaimed crime shows that have made a significant impact on the genre:

20. Good Girls (2018-2021)

Good Girls is a gripping crime dramedy that follows three suburban mothers who turn to crime to make ends meet. With its dark humor and relatable characters, this show is a must-watch for fans of the crime genre.

19. How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)

This high-stakes legal thriller follows Professor Annalise Keating and her students as they navigate the complexities of law and justice. With its intricate plot twists and suspenseful storytelling, How to Get Away with Murder is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

18. Criminal Minds (2005-)

This long-running procedural drama follows the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they investigate and profile serial killers. With its intense psychological profiling and complex characters, Criminal Minds is a standout in the crime genre.

17. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-2015)

This groundbreaking show revolutionized the crime genre by using forensic science to solve crimes. With its attention to detail and meticulous analysis, CSI is a classic in the making.

16. Bones (2005-2017)

Part crime procedural and part forensic anthropology, Bones follows Dr. Temperance Brennan and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth as they solve crimes using forensic evidence. With its quirky supporting cast and witty banter, Bones is a fan favorite.

15. Money Heist (2017-2021)

This Spanish heist series follows a group of thieves as they plan and execute complex robberies. With its intricate plot twists and high-stakes action, Money Heist is a global phenomenon.

14. Broadchurch (2013-2017)

This critically acclaimed show follows a murder investigation in a small English town. With its complex characters and nuanced storytelling, Broadchurch is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

13. Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

This unique show follows Ned, a pie-maker who can bring dead things to life, as he uses his ability to solve murder cases. With its witty banter and quirky characters, Pushing Daisies is a standout in the crime genre.

12. Hannibal (2013-2015)

This critically acclaimed show follows FBI Special Investigator Will Graham and psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter as they navigate their complex relationship. With its intricate plot twists and suspenseful storytelling, Hannibal is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

11. Ozark (2017-2022)

This dark drama follows Marty and Wendy Byrde as they navigate their complicated lives as criminals in the Ozarks. With its intense action sequences and complex characters, Ozark is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

10. Mindhunter (2017-2019)

This critically acclaimed show follows two FBI agents as they interview notorious criminals to understand their psychology. With its intense suspense and nuanced storytelling, Mindhunter is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

9. Dexter (2006-2013)

This iconic show follows Dexter Morgan, a vigilante serial killer who targets those who have evaded justice. With its dark humor and complex characters, Dexter is a classic in the making.

8. True Detective (2014-2020)

This anthology series follows different detectives as they investigate crimes across different time periods and locations. With its intricate plot twists and nuanced storytelling, True Detective is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

7. The Fall (2013-2016)

This critically acclaimed show follows Detective Stella Gibson as she hunts down serial killer Paul Spector in Belfast. With its intense suspense and complex characters, The Fall is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

6. Luther (2010-2019)

This critically acclaimed show follows Detective John Luther as he investigates crimes in modern-day London. With its intense suspense and complex characters, Luther is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

5. The Killing (2011-2014)

This critically acclaimed show follows Detective Sarah Linden as she investigates the murder of a young girl in Seattle. With its intricate plot twists and nuanced storytelling, The Killing is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

4. The Wire (2002-2008)

This critically acclaimed show follows detectives as they investigate crimes in Baltimore’s inner city. With its intense realism and complex characters, The Wire is a classic in the making.

3. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

This iconic show follows Walter White as he transforms into a ruthless drug kingpin in Albuquerque. With its intense suspense and complex characters, Breaking Bad is one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

2. Narcos (2015-2017)

This critically acclaimed show follows DEA agents as they investigate Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar’s empire. With its intense action sequences and complex characters, Narcos is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

1. The Sopranos (1999-2007)

This iconic show follows Tony Soprano as he navigates his life as a mob boss in New Jersey. With its intricate plot twists and nuanced storytelling, The Sopranos is one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Why Best TV Crime Shows are So Popular

Best TV Crime Shows have become a favorite among audiences, offering a thrilling ride through crime and justice. With their intricate plots, suspenseful storytelling, and complex characters, Best TV Crime Shows are a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The Impact of Best TV Crime Shows

Best TV Crime Shows have also been praised for their attention to detail and realism, making them feel more authentic and engaging.

Best TV Crime Shows like Breaking Bad and Narcos have gained international recognition for their exceptional storytelling and complex characters.

The Psychology Behind Best TV Crime Shows

Best TV Crime Shows often explore themes of morality, justice, and the human condition, making them more than just entertainment.

The Psychology Behind Serial Killers

Psychopathy: Many serial killers exhibit psychopathic traits, such as lack of empathy and impulsivity.
Sociopathy: Some serial killers exhibit sociopathic traits, such as lack of empathy and disregard for social norms.
Trauma: Many serial killers have experienced trauma in their past, which can contribute to their violent behavior.

The Impact on Society

Best TV Crime Shows have also had an impact on society, sparking conversations about crime and justice.

The Effect on Law Enforcement

Training: Law enforcement agencies have used best TV crime shows as training tools to help officers better understand criminal behavior.
Investigations: Investigators have used best TV crime shows as inspiration for their own cases.
Public Awareness: Best TV crime shows have raised public awareness about various crimes and their consequences.