The Best Current Crime TV Shows To Watch, Ranked

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has become a staple of American television, captivating viewers for over two decades.

NCIS, with its memorable mix of humor and forensics, has been entertaining audiences since 2003. Headlined by Mark Harmon as the inimitable Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the dynamic team of special agents tackles crimes involving the military, impressively maintaining a one-of-a-kind balance between light-hearted banter and the serious nature of their work.

The Rookie chronicles the journey of late-blooming officer John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion. While the premise may seem improbable, the series has been well-received largely due to Fillion's endearing portrayal of the determined protagonist. The show offers a fresh spin on traditional buddy-cop tropes, striking a balance between gripping cases and character development.

Chicago P.D. has made a name for itself as part of Dick Wolf's One Chicago universe. With a diverse and formidable cast led by the tough-as-nails Sergeant Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe, the show delves into the morally ambiguous world of crime and law enforcement. It has garnered a strong following with its copious twists and turns, and well-thought-out crossovers with sister shows.

FBI is a fast-paced crime drama created by the legendary Dick Wolf. Missy Peregrym and Zeeko Zaki take on the roles of skilled special agents who work closely together to solve high-stakes cases. This highly-rated show is lauded for blending thrilling action with engrossing storylines, making it a standout in the ever-growing world of crime procedurals.

9-1-1 is a procedural drama that remarkably intertwines the personal and professional lives of first responders. With a star-studded cast, including Angela Bassett and Peter Krause, the show offers an intimate insight into the courage and vulnerability of those who put their lives on the line to save others, all the while grappling with gripping and unusual emergencies.

Criminal Minds: Evolution follows in the legendary footsteps of its predecessor. It delves into the minds of the most twisted criminals, as a new team of dedicated profilers, led by Tony Award-winning actress Patina Miller, works together to stop them. In its pursuit of chilling criminals and engaging plotlines, the series further cements the franchise’s status as a true crime classic.

Death in Paradise takes a lighter approach to crime-solving, featuring detective after detective taking on intriguing cases on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. With its mix of comedy and drama, Death in Paradise serves as a breath of fresh air in the crime genre, while the exotic backdrop adds to the show's undeniable charm.

Will Trent, based on the books by Karin Slaughter, delves into the cases of a dedicated GBI detective who faces demons from his past while tackling the most dangerous criminals. This show, set amid the dark underbelly of Georgia, keeps viewers enthralled with its complex characters, surprising twists, and a fair share of chilling cases.

Murdoch Mysteries, a Canadian period drama set in late 19th-century Toronto, follows Detective William Murdoch, who uses groundbreaking methods to solve perplexing cases. The show charms viewers with its mix of history, scientific exploration, and captivating mysteries, offering a refreshing departure from the typical modern-day crime drama.

The Chelsea Detective offers a refreshing approach to the classic British crime show. As a warm-hearted detective and his partner solve cases set amid the colorful world of London's exclusive Chelsea neighborhood, the series captivates audiences with its engaging mysteries and charming characters.

Accused chronicles the gripping stories of those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, presenting a fresh perspective on the often murky world of crime and punishment. The series showcases powerful performances and thought-provoking storylines, leaving viewers questioning the meaning of justice.

My Life Is Murder, a lighthearted crime drama, features a retired detective who finds herself pulled back into crime-solving. As she returns to the fray, the show offers a perfect mix of crime, humor, and character development, all while exploring the complexities of the protagonist's personal life.

Godfather of Harlem, a prequel to the classic American Gangster, stars Forest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson, a crime boss fighting for control in early 1960s Harlem. The show skillfully blends historical events and larger-than-life characters, drawing viewers in with its complex portrayal of organized crime's heyday.

The Thaw shows a small Arctic town whose secrets are exposed when a melting glacier reveals gruesome evidence of past crimes. This series weaves a captivating narrative that takes viewers on a chilling journey through mystery, loss, and redemption.

The Bay follows a detective sergeant as she investigates a slew of high-stakes cases while dealing with the challenges of her personal life. The show is both riveting and poignant, unfolding against the backdrop of an atmospheric seaside locale.

Woman of the Dead follows a successful surgeon as she seeks revenge for the brutal murder of her sister. As the story unfolds, the showmasterfully interweaves intense action, dark secrets, and raw, emotional exploration, making Woman of the Dead a uniquely gripping crime drama.