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The 50+ Best TV Detectives Of All Time

From Sherlock Holmes's legendary deductions to Columbo's signature "just one more thing," television's greatest detectives have kept us glued to our screens for decades. These unforgettable characters don't just solve crimes – they've become part of our cultural DNA, making us all believe we too could crack the case from our living rooms. Whether it's the rain-soaked streets of London or the sun-drenched highways of Magnum P.I.'s Hawaii, these masterful investigators have taken us on unforgettable journeys through the art of deduction. Some rely on razor-sharp intuition, others on cutting-edge forensics, but all share that rare ability to see what others miss. Every detective on our list has earned their place through memorable cases, iconic moments, and performances that transcend the typical procedural formula. These aren't just cops with badges – they're complex characters whose personal demons and brilliant insights have redefined what we expect from crime television.

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71
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Updated
6 days ago

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Source: Ranker, ranked by its voters.

  1. 1

    Columbo

    68% upvoted
  2. 2

    Sherlock Holmes

    67% upvoted
  3. 3

    Adrian Monk

    61% upvoted
  4. 4

    Perry Mason

    62% upvoted
  5. 5

    Leroy Jethro Gibbs

    61% upvoted
  6. 6

    Lennie Briscoe

    61% upvoted
  7. 7

    Olivia Benson

    61% upvoted
  8. 8

    Thomas Magnum

    61% upvoted
  9. 9

    Jim Rockford

    61% upvoted
  10. 10

    Spencer Reid

    61% upvoted