The most captivating serial cop dramas of all time have enthralled viewers with their mix of mystery and suspense. If you’re a fan of police shows, you might also find true crime TV shows or British detective series intriguing. These exceptional TV cop dramas have been a mainstay of American television for decades and have retained their popularity. Feel free to share your favorites and express your disinterest for any shows that didn’t resonate with you.
A phenomenal cop drama combines intriguing storylines, action-packed sequences, and a well-crafted script. It’s always a bonus to have a talented ensemble cast. Some fans argue that the brilliant HBO drama, The Wire, is the ultimate cop show. Others believe that The Shield, featuring Michael Chiklis, deserves the crown. Criminal Minds, which delves into the profiling of criminals by FBI agents, is also an outstanding choice. Love them or hate them, the Law & Order franchise consistently draws a large audience.
This list also includes classic cop dramas that paved the way for modern police procedurals. Examples include The Untouchables and the iconic Dragnet. And let’s not forget Columbo, with the late Peter Falk portraying the beloved homicide detective, Lt. Frank Columbo.
Hopefully, you’ll discover at least one or two favorite cop series among these fantastic shows and support the ones you believe deserve the top spot!
1. The Wire
Get ready for a raw and intense series that delves deep into the intricate world of law enforcement in Baltimore. This ain’t your typical cop show, folks. Brace yourself for a gritty ride as we explore the dark underbelly of corruption, politics, and crime that plagues this city. Trust me, once you start watching, you won’t be able to peel your eyes away from the screen. Get ready for a gripping plot that unfolds over multiple seasons.
Premiered: June 2, 2002
Actors: Dominic West, John Doman, Frankie R. Faison
2. Criminal Minds
Do you think you have what it takes to delve into the minds of the most twisted criminals out there? Well, get ready for an exhilarating and mind-bending experience! In this gripping series, you’ll be joining a group of top-notch FBI profilers who will challenge you to solve the puzzle by unraveling the behavior and motives of some seriously disturbed individuals.
Every episode will test your skills and push you to think outside the box as you try to get inside the heads of these criminals. So, buckle up and prepare yourself for an intense ride filled with suspense and a thrilling exploration of the human psyche. Can you crack the code and understand the twisted minds of these bad guys?
Premiered: September 22, 2005
Actors: Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness
3. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Looking for a show that serves up justice with a side of heart? Look no further than this long-running spinoff! It takes on some of the most harrowing cases you can imagine. The unforgettable detectives and gripping stories make it no surprise that this show has become an institution.
Premiered: September 20, 1999
Actors: Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish
4. Blue Bloods
This show is truly something special when it comes to portraying a close-knit family committed to fighting crime. Set in New York City, it revolves around a multi-generational clan of law enforcement officers. What sets it apart is that it delves into their personal struggles and relationships just as much as the high-stakes cases they take on. It’s no surprise that dedicated fans can’t get enough and keep coming back for more.
Premiered: September 24, 2010
Actors: Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, Bridget Moynahan
5. NYPD Blue
Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of New York City with this revolutionary show that completely changed the game for cop dramas. This show pushed boundaries with its intense storytelling, well-developed characters, and its ability to tackle controversial topics with sensitivity. It’s no surprise that it quickly became a timeless masterpiece. Even today, it’s widely regarded as one of the greatest police dramas to ever grace our television screens.
Premiered: September 21, 1993
Actors: Dennis Franz, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gordon Clapp
6. Hill Street Blues
This groundbreaking series changed the game for modern-day police dramas. It gave viewers an unprecedented look into the daily lives of cops on the job. From the crazy chaos of the precinct to the personal lives of the officers, this show expertly portrayed the intricate reality of law enforcement.
Premiered: January 15, 1981
Actors: Daniel J. Travanti, Michael Warren, Bruce Weitz
7. Law & Order
Get ready to dive into the timeless combination of police procedural and courtroom drama with this legendary series that kickstarted it all. With its iconic “dun-dun” sound effect and expertly woven mix of investigation and legal battles, this show paved the way for numerous imitators, yet none can match up to the brilliance of the original.
Premiered: September 13, 1990
Actors: Hugh Dancy, Jeffrey Donovan, Odelya Halevi
8. The Rockford Files
Guess what? Private investigators totally count as cops, despite what some people may say. This awesome series is all about a PI who just can’t seem to catch a break and constantly ends up in the middle of really tricky cases. It’s got this super cool dry humor and old-school vibe that’s made it a total legend in the world of TV.
Premiered: September 13, 1974
Actors: James Garner, Noah Beery, Joe Santos
9. Sherlock
Get ready to have your mind blown by this incredible modern-day adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes. This captivating series truly breathes life into the beloved character like never before. Brace yourself for an experience filled with razor-sharp wit, mind-boggling cases that seem impossible to crack, and an unbreakable bond between the brilliant consulting detective and his loyal companion, Dr. Watson.
Premiered: July 25, 2010
Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Andrew Scott
10. The Shield
This cop show is not your typical grandma’s cup of tea. It’s got a morally conflicted antihero leading the way, and it’s breaking new ground with its raw and realistic portrayal of corruption and power dynamics within a police precinct. If you’re in the mood for a darker and more intense police drama, this is the one to watch.
Premiered: March 12, 2002
Actors: Michael Chiklis, Benito Martinez, CCH Pounder
11. Magnum, P.I.
Imagine cruising around Hawaii in the company of a charming private investigator. This show has it all – humor, action, and intrigue, creating the perfect mix that captures the relaxed island atmosphere. And that’s not all, it also keeps you hooked with its thrilling suspense and captivating mysteries. Trust me, once you start watching, you won’t be able to resist coming back for more.
Premiered: December 11, 1980
Actors: Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley
