Best Crime TV Series to Binge-Watch in 2024

Crime TV series have become increasingly popular in recent years, captivating audiences with their thrilling storylines and suspenseful plot twists. From classic whodunits to gritty police procedurals, crime TV series offer a diverse range of sub-genres to suit every taste. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best crime TV series currently available, highlighting the standout shows that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

When it comes to choosing the best crime TV series, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the plot should be engaging and well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep viewers guessing. Secondly, the characters should be well-developed and relatable, with strong performances from the cast. Finally, the production values should be high, with attention paid to details like cinematography, music, and set design.

With these criteria in mind, we’ve scoured the streaming platforms to bring you our top picks for the best crime TV series. Whether you’re a fan of classic murder mysteries or gritty police dramas, there’s sure to be something on this list to satisfy your appetite for suspense. So settle in, grab some popcorn, and get ready to be captivated by the best crime TV series around.

Best Crime TV Series

We’ve scoured the depths of Amazon’s streaming library to bring you the very best crime TV series. From gritty police procedurals to mind-bending psychological thrillers, this list has something for every fan of the genre. So grab a snack, settle in, and get ready for some edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

The Best British TV Crime Series

If you’re a fan of British crime series, then this book is worth considering.

Pros

• Provides an overview of 100 British crime series from 1980 to 2013
• Helps readers discover new shows they may not have heard of before
• Written in an accessible and informative style

Cons

• Only covers shows from a specific time period
• Some readers have reported issues with the Kindle version
• May not be comprehensive enough for die-hard fans of British crime series

As someone who enjoys British crime series, I found this book to be a useful resource. It provides a comprehensive overview of 100 different shows, giving readers a sense of what each series is about and whether it’s worth watching. I appreciated that the book covers shows from a specific time period, as it helps narrow down the options and makes it easier to find something new to watch.

That being said, some readers have reported issues with the Kindle version of the book, so it may be worth opting for the paperback instead. Additionally, while the book covers a lot of ground, it may not be comprehensive enough for die-hard fans of British crime series who are looking for something more in-depth.

Overall, if you’re looking for a starting point for your British crime series binge-watching, this book is a solid choice. It’s informative, accessible, and provides a good sense of what each show is about.

101 Best TV Crime Series

If you’re a fan of crime TV series, then you might want to check out “101 Best TV Crime Series” by Mark Timlin. This book provides a comprehensive list of the best crime shows that you can watch.

Pros

• Provides a list of the best crime TV series
• Offers insights and analysis of each show
• Easy to navigate and read

Cons

• Limited to TV series, no movies or documentaries included
• Some readers may disagree with the author’s choices
• No images or screenshots included

In “101 Best TV Crime Series,” Mark Timlin shares his opinions on the best crime shows that you can watch. The book is well-organized, making it easy to find your favorite shows. Each entry includes a brief summary of the show, along with the author’s insights and analysis.

One of the best things about this book is that it covers a wide range of crime TV series, from classic shows like “Columbo” and “The Rockford Files” to more recent hits like “Breaking Bad” and “The Wire.” Whether you’re a fan of police procedurals, detective dramas, or true crime documentaries, you’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy in this book.

While some readers may disagree with the author’s choices for the best crime TV series, it’s clear that he has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the genre. His insights and analysis are thoughtful and well-reasoned, making this book a great resource for anyone looking to delve deeper into the world of crime TV.

Overall, if you’re a fan of crime TV series, then “101 Best TV Crime Series” is definitely worth checking out. It provides a comprehensive list of the best shows, along with insightful analysis and commentary.

Banacek: The Complete Series Box Set

If you’re a fan of classic TV series, Banacek: The Complete Series Box Set is a must-have.

Pros

• The show features a great cast of actors, with guest stars such as Stephanie Powers, Margot Kidder, and Victoria Principal.
• The episodes are well-written and engaging, with intriguing mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
• The bonus features, including the original pilot episode, photo gallery, and TV trivia crossword puzzles, add value to the set.

Cons

• The show is dated and may not appeal to younger viewers who are used to more modern TV shows.
• The premise of the show, with Banacek being called in to solve crimes too difficult for insurance investigators, may seem a bit far-fetched to some.
• The show only lasted for 17 episodes, which may leave viewers wanting more.

We highly recommend Banacek: The Complete Series Box Set for anyone who loves classic TV shows. The show features a great cast of actors, with guest stars such as Stephanie Powers, Margot Kidder, and Victoria Principal. The episodes are well-written and engaging, with intriguing mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The bonus features, including the original pilot episode, photo gallery, and TV trivia crossword puzzles, add value to the set.

However, the show is dated and may not appeal to younger viewers who are used to more modern TV shows. Additionally, the premise of the show, with Banacek being called in to solve crimes too difficult for insurance investigators, may seem a bit far-fetched to some. Finally, the show only lasted for 17 episodes, which may leave viewers wanting more.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of classic TV shows and enjoy a good mystery, Banacek: The Complete Series Box Set is definitely worth adding to your collection.

Cannon//The Complete Collection/5 Seasons ,122 Episodes

If you’re a fan of classic crime TV series, then you should definitely consider purchasing this complete collection of the hit show “Cannon.”

Pros

• The complete collection includes all five seasons and 122 episodes, providing hours of entertainment.
• The show stars William Conrad as the tough and fearless private detective Frank Cannon, who always gets his man.
• Created and produced by Quinn Martin, who also produced other award-winning crime shows such as “Barnaby Jones” and “The Fugitive.”

Cons

• The quality of the transfer to DVD is not as good as some other shows from the same era, such as “The Fugitive.”
• Some episodes have slightly poor screen quality.
• The show may not appeal to those who prefer more modern crime dramas.

If you’re a fan of classic TV shows, “Cannon” is definitely worth checking out. The show features great acting, engaging storylines, and a tough and charismatic lead character. While the quality of the transfer to DVD isn’t the best, it’s still a great value for the price, and the complete collection provides hours of entertainment. However, if you’re looking for a more modern crime drama, this show may not be for you.

Major Crimes: Season 1

If you’re looking for a thrilling crime TV series, Major Crimes: Season 1 is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• Gripping storyline that keeps you engaged from start to finish
• Impressive acting performances from the cast
• High-quality production values that make the show feel cinematic

Cons

• Some viewers may find the pace of the show a bit slow at times
• The show’s focus on police and legal procedures may not be everyone’s cup of tea
• Some of the characters can be a bit one-dimensional

From the moment we started watching Major Crimes: Season 1, we were hooked. The show picks up where The Closer left off, following the same squad of detectives as they work to solve complex and often grisly crimes in Los Angeles. Led by Captain Sharon Raydor (played by Mary McDonnell), the team faces a number of challenges as they work to build airtight cases against their suspects.

One of the things we loved about Major Crimes: Season 1 was the quality of the acting. McDonnell is a standout as Raydor, bringing a level of complexity and nuance to the character that makes her feel like a real person rather than a caricature. The rest of the cast is equally impressive, with each actor bringing their own unique style to their roles.

Another thing that sets Major Crimes: Season 1 apart is the show’s production values. From the cinematography to the editing, everything about the show feels top-notch. It’s clear that a lot of care and attention went into making the show look and feel like a high-quality production.

Of course, no show is perfect, and Major Crimes: Season 1 is no exception. Some viewers may find the pace of the show a bit slow at times, particularly if they’re used to more action-packed crime dramas. Additionally, the show’s focus on police and legal procedures may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Finally, some of the characters can be a bit one-dimensional, which can be frustrating for viewers who are looking for more depth.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Major Crimes: Season 1 to anyone who is a fan of crime TV series. It’s a well-crafted show with great acting and production values that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

The Untouchables: The Complete Series

If you’re a fan of classic crime dramas, then The Untouchables: The Complete Series is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The entire series is included, providing hours of entertainment.
• The video and audio quality is great, making it a pleasure to watch.
• The price is very affordable, especially considering the number of episodes included.

Cons

• The packaging is not ideal, with all the discs stacked on top of each other.
• The lack of subtitles or dubbing in languages other than English may be a downside for some viewers.
• Some of the episodes may not be entirely accurate, but the action is always sharp and lively.

We were impressed with the quality of this complete series set. The video and audio are both top-notch, and the price is very reasonable for the number of episodes included. However, the packaging could be improved as the discs are stacked on top of each other. Additionally, the lack of subtitles or dubbing in languages other than English may be a downside for some viewers.

That being said, if you’re a fan of classic crime dramas, then The Untouchables: The Complete Series is definitely worth considering. The entire series is included, providing hours of entertainment, and the action is always sharp and lively. While some of the episodes may not be entirely accurate, they are still enjoyable to watch. Overall, we would recommend this set to anyone looking for a great crime drama.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Complete Series

If you’re a fan of crime dramas, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Complete Series is a must-have for your collection.

Pros

• With 93 discs and over 300 episodes, this set offers endless hours of entertainment.
• The set includes lots of extras, such as commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with producers and cast members.
• The show features a talented cast, including William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, and Laurence Fishburne, who deliver strong performances throughout the series.

Cons

• The set doesn’t include closed captions, which could be a drawback for some viewers.
• The packaging is somewhat bulky, which could be an issue for those with limited storage space.
• The show’s later seasons received mixed reviews, with some fans feeling that the quality declined in later years.

If you’re a fan of crime dramas, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Complete Series is a great investment. The set offers hours of engaging content, and the extras provide an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show. While the lack of closed captions could be a drawback for some viewers, the talented cast and strong performances make this set a must-have for fans of the genre.

In terms of cons, the packaging is somewhat bulky, which could be an issue for those with limited storage space. Additionally, some fans felt that the later seasons of the show didn’t live up to the earlier ones, which could be a drawback for those who prefer the show’s earlier episodes.

Overall, if you’re a fan of crime dramas, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Complete Series is definitely worth checking out. With its engaging storylines, talented cast, and hours of entertaining content, this set is sure to provide hours of entertainment for years to come.

Forever: The Complete Series

If you’re looking for a unique crime TV series that will keep you engaged from start to finish, Forever: The Complete Series is a great option.

Pros

• The show’s premise of an immortal medical examiner who helps solve crimes is intriguing and keeps you wanting more.
• The chemistry between the cast, particularly Ioan Gruffudd and Judd Hirsch, is excellent and adds depth to the characters.
• The show’s mix of crime-solving and character development makes it a well-rounded viewing experience.

Cons

• The show was cancelled after only one season, leaving some loose ends that may be frustrating for viewers.
• Some of the crime-solving plotlines can feel formulaic and predictable.
• The show’s supernatural elements may not be for everyone.

Overall, we recommend giving Forever: The Complete Series a chance if you’re a fan of crime dramas with a unique twist. The show’s premise and excellent cast make it an enjoyable viewing experience, despite its cancellation after one season.

Justified: The Complete Series

If you’re a fan of Western drama, we highly recommend Justified: The Complete Series.

Pros

• The acting is outstanding, and the storylines are gripping.
• The box set includes all six seasons, so you can binge-watch to your heart’s content.
• The video and audio quality are excellent, and the box set comes with multiple subtitles.

Cons

• The packaging could be better, as some customers have reported receiving sets with the discs out of order.
• The DVD region is not specified on Amazon, so make sure it’s compatible with your player before purchasing.
• Some viewers may find the violence and language to be too intense.

We were thoroughly impressed with Justified: The Complete Series. Timothy Olyphant delivers a standout performance as Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, and the supporting cast is equally strong. The show’s mix of action, drama, and humor keeps you engaged throughout all six seasons.

The box set includes 19 discs, so you get plenty of content for your money. The video and audio quality are top-notch, and the box set comes with multiple subtitles, which is a nice touch.

However, some customers have reported issues with the packaging, with some discs arriving out of order. Additionally, the DVD region is not specified on Amazon, so make sure it’s compatible with your player before purchasing. Finally, some viewers may find the violence and language to be too intense, so keep that in mind before buying.

Overall, we highly recommend Justified: The Complete Series to anyone looking for a thrilling Western drama.

Luther: The Complete Series (DVD)

If you’re a fan of crime dramas, Luther: The Complete Series is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The performances by Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson are outstanding.
• The show is not your typical police procedural drama.
• The character development is excellent.

Cons

• The interpretation of modern day British policing may not be for everyone.
• The show can be a little wacky in spots.
• The DVD holder may not be the most durable.

We thoroughly enjoyed Luther: The Complete Series. The performances by Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson are outstanding, and the supporting cast is also excellent. The show is not your typical police procedural drama, and what separates it most from the pack is the outstanding acting of the two main characters: Idris Elba as Luther and Ruth Wilson as the Moriarty-like Alice Morgan. The character development is excellent, and the show is not afraid to take risks.

The interpretation of modern day British policing may not be for everyone, but we found it refreshing. The show can be a little wacky in spots, but it’s hugely entertaining. The DVD holder may not be the most durable, but that’s a minor issue. Overall, we highly recommend Luther: The Complete Series for anyone who loves crime dramas.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best crime TV series, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Genre

The first thing to consider is the genre of the crime TV series. Do you prefer a classic detective show or a more modern crime drama? Are you interested in a series that focuses on a specific type of crime, such as murder or white-collar crime? By identifying your preferred genre, you can narrow down your options and find a series that truly interests you.

Cast and Characters

Another important factor to consider is the cast and characters of the crime TV series. Do you prefer a show with a strong lead character or an ensemble cast? Are you interested in a series with complex, morally ambiguous characters or a more straightforward “good versus evil” dynamic? Pay attention to the actors and characters in a series to ensure that they will keep you engaged and invested in the story.

Writing and Plotting

The quality of the writing and plotting in a crime TV series can make or break the viewing experience. Look for a series with well-written dialogue, strong character development, and intricate plotlines that keep you guessing. Avoid shows with predictable or clichéd storylines, as they can quickly become boring and unengaging.

Production Value

Finally, consider the production value of the crime TV series. Does the show have high-quality cinematography, music, and special effects? Is the production design and wardrobe historically accurate (if applicable)? A series with strong production values can enhance the viewing experience and immerse you in the world of the show.

By considering these factors, you can find the best crime TV series for your tastes and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated crime series to watch on Netflix?

If you’re looking for some of the best crime series on Netflix, we recommend checking out “Mindhunter,” “Narcos,” “Ozark,” “Breaking Bad,” “Peaky Blinders,” and “Stranger Things.”

Which crime TV series is considered the best of all time?

The best crime TV series of all time is a subjective topic, but some of the most popular and highly acclaimed series include “The Wire,” “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad,” “True Detective,” “The Killing,” “Broadchurch,” and “Sherlock.”

What are the most binge-worthy crime series currently available?

If you’re looking for a crime series that will keep you hooked and binge-watching for hours, we recommend checking out “Money Heist,” “Ozark,” “Narcos,” “Breaking Bad,” “Peaky Blinders,” and “Stranger Things.”

Can you recommend some gripping crime investigation series?

If you’re interested in crime investigation series, we recommend checking out “Mindhunter,” “True Detective,” “Broadchurch,” “The Killing,” “Criminal Minds,” and “The Mentalist.”

What are the highest-ranked crime thriller series according to IMDb?

According to IMDb, some of the highest-ranked crime thriller series include “Breaking Bad,” “The Wire,” “The Sopranos,” “True Detective,” “Sherlock,” and “Fargo.”

Which TV series based on true crime stories would you suggest?

If you’re interested in TV series based on true crime stories, we recommend checking out “Mindhunter,” “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story,” “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” “Narcos,” and “Making a Murderer.”