Best Investigation TV Shows: Top Picks for Crime and Mystery Fans

Investigation TV shows have been popular for decades, captivating audiences with their suspenseful storylines and intriguing mysteries. From true crime to fictional dramas, these shows have become a staple in the entertainment industry. In this article, we will be discussing the best investigation TV shows that have kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

When it comes to choosing the best investigation TV show, there are several factors to consider. The most critical thing to keep in mind is the type of investigation portrayed in the show. Some shows focus on solving real-life crimes, while others are entirely fictional. Additionally, the format of the show can vary, with some being episodic and others having a season-long storyline.

Another essential factor to consider is the quality of the acting and writing. A well-written script and talented actors can make all the difference in creating a compelling and believable investigation story. Finally, the overall production quality, including cinematography and sound design, can elevate a show to the next level.

After extensive research and analysis, we have identified the top investigation TV shows that meet these criteria. Our team has spent countless hours watching and evaluating each show to provide you with an accurate and unbiased list of the best investigation TV shows available.

Best Investigation TV Shows

As investigative TV shows continue to gain popularity, we have compiled a list of the best ones to watch. From crime dramas to true crime documentaries, these shows will keep you on the edge of your seat with their gripping storylines and intriguing characters. Whether you’re a fan of classic detective work or modern forensic science, there’s something for everyone on our list. So grab some popcorn and settle in for some thrilling entertainment!

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

If you are looking for a thrilling and captivating investigation TV show, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is worth considering.

Pros

• The show is well-written with an intriguing storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
• The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to get invested in their stories.
• The show is educational, providing insight into the world of forensic science and crime investigation.

Cons

• Some episodes can be graphic and disturbing, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
• The show can be formulaic at times, with some episodes following a predictable pattern.
• The later seasons of the show may not be as strong as the earlier ones.

The show follows a team of forensic investigators who work for the Las Vegas Police Department, solving crimes by analyzing evidence found at crime scenes. Each episode focuses on a different case, with the team using their expertise to piece together clues and catch the culprit.

One of the things that sets CSI apart from other investigation shows is its attention to detail. The show’s writers work closely with real-life forensic experts to ensure that the science behind the investigations is accurate and realistic. This makes the show both entertaining and educational, providing insight into the fascinating world of forensic science.

The characters in CSI are also a major draw. From the quirky and lovable lab techs to the seasoned detectives, each character brings something unique to the show. The relationships between the characters are well-developed, making it easy to get invested in their personal lives as well as their work.

Overall, if you are a fan of investigation shows and are looking for a well-written and engaging series, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is definitely worth checking out.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

If you’re a fan of crime shows, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a must-watch for you. We highly recommend this show because of its realistic portrayal of forensic science, intriguing storylines, and talented cast.

Pros

• The show’s attention to detail when it comes to forensic science is impressive and adds to the realism of the show.
• The plotlines are well-written and keep you on the edge of your seat, making it difficult to stop watching.
• The cast, including William L. Petersen and Marg Helgenberger, are talented and bring their characters to life.

Cons

• The show can be graphic at times, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
• Some of the plotlines can be predictable, but the show’s overall quality makes up for it.
• The later seasons of the show can be hit or miss, but the earlier seasons are consistently good.

If you’re looking for a crime show that will keep you entertained and engaged, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a great choice. With its attention to detail, talented cast, and intriguing plotlines, it’s no wonder why this show has become a classic in the crime genre.

Friday the 13th: The Series – The Complete Series

If you’re a fan of horror, thriller, and mystery genres, then Friday the 13th: The Series – The Complete Series is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The show features 71 episodes, providing over 54 hours of thrilling content.
• The series has a cult following and is a classic among fans of the horror genre.
• The set includes all three seasons of the show, making it a complete collection.

Cons

• The packaging is poor and the discs are difficult to remove, which could damage them.
• The show’s special effects may appear outdated to some viewers.
• The stories are somewhat predictable as they use common horror and mystery tropes.

If you’re a fan of classic horror shows, Friday the 13th: The Series – The Complete Series is a must-have addition to your collection. The show’s cult following and thrilling content make it a great choice for anyone looking for an exciting watch.

The set includes all three seasons of the show, providing over 54 hours of content for you to enjoy. The episodes are well-written and feature a variety of supernatural and horror elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

However, the packaging can be frustrating, as the discs are difficult to remove and may get damaged in the process. Additionally, the special effects may appear outdated to some viewers, which could detract from the viewing experience. Finally, the stories are somewhat predictable, as they use common horror and mystery tropes.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of classic horror shows, Friday the 13th: The Series – The Complete Series is definitely worth considering. With its thrilling content and complete collection, it’s a must-have for any horror fan. Just be aware of the packaging and outdated special effects.

Automan: The Complete Series

If you’re a fan of 80s sci-fi television, Automan: The Complete Series is a must-have to add to your collection.

Pros

• The special effects still hold up and are impressive for the time.
• The campy nature of the show adds to its charm and makes it a fun watch.
• The bonus content, including interviews and galleries, adds value to the set.

Cons

• The show can be overly cheesy at times, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
• The plotlines can be predictable and formulaic.
• The show was cancelled after only one season, leaving some storylines unresolved.

We thoroughly enjoyed watching Automan: The Complete Series. The special effects, while dated, are still impressive and add to the overall enjoyment of the show. The campy nature of the show makes it a fun watch, and the bonus content included in the set adds value to the purchase.

That being said, the show can be overly cheesy at times, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Additionally, some of the plotlines can be predictable and formulaic, which can make the show feel repetitive. Finally, the show was cancelled after only one season, leaving some storylines unresolved.

Overall, if you’re a fan of 80s sci-fi television, we highly recommend picking up Automan: The Complete Series. It’s a fun and entertaining addition to any collection.

Matlock

If you’re in the mood for a classic legal drama with a twist of investigation, Matlock is the show for you. With its engaging storytelling and talented cast, this show is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Pros

• The show’s lead, Andy Griffith, delivers a standout performance as the titular character, Ben Matlock.
• The writing is top-notch, with each episode featuring a unique and intriguing case for Matlock to solve.
• The show strikes a perfect balance between legal drama and investigation, making it a great choice for fans of both genres.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the show’s pacing to be slow at times.
• The show’s production values may feel dated to modern audiences.
• The show may not be suitable for all viewers due to its mature content and themes.

If you’re a fan of classic legal dramas and enjoy a good investigation story, Matlock is definitely worth checking out. With its engaging characters, intriguing cases, and talented cast, this show is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?

CHELSEA DETECTIVE: SERIES 2

If you’re looking for a thrilling and suspenseful British detective series, then Chelsea Detective: Series 2 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The show features a talented and diverse cast that brings the characters to life in a believable way.
• The cases are intriguing and keep you guessing until the very end, making each episode a thrilling ride.
• The show is well-written and has a good balance of drama, suspense, and even some humor.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the show’s pace to be a bit slow at times, especially if they prefer more action-focused shows.
• The show’s format may be too formulaic for some viewers, as each episode follows a similar structure and pattern.
• The show’s focus on the wealthy and elite of Chelsea may make it less relatable for some viewers.

We thoroughly enjoyed watching Chelsea Detective: Series 2 and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. The show’s talented cast does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, and the writing is top-notch. Each episode features a new and intriguing case that keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish.

One of the standout features of the show is its cast, which is both talented and diverse. Adrian Scarborough does an excellent job in the lead role of DI Max Arnold, bringing a quiet intensity to the character that makes him both relatable and likable. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with each actor bringing their own unique energy and personality to their roles.

Another great aspect of the show is its writing, which is well-crafted and engaging. The cases are intriguing and keep you guessing until the very end, and the show strikes a good balance between drama, suspense, and even some humor. While the show’s format may be a bit formulaic for some viewers, we found it to be a comforting and familiar structure that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the world of Chelsea Detective.

That being said, some viewers may find the show’s pace to be a bit slow at times, especially if they prefer more action-focused shows. Additionally, the show’s focus on the wealthy and elite of Chelsea may make it less relatable for some viewers. Overall, however, we highly recommend giving Chelsea Detective: Series 2 a watch if you’re a fan of British detective shows.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Season 1

If you’re looking for a thrilling crime show that is based on real-life investigations, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Season 1 is a great option.

Pros

• The show is based on real-life Las Vegas crime scene investigators, making it realistic and intriguing.
• The cast is excellent and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in the show.
• The show combines cutting-edge technologies with the ingenuity of villains, making for an interesting and engaging viewing experience.

Cons

• Some of the scenes can be graphic and disturbing, so it may not be suitable for all viewers.
• The show can be complex at times, so it may require close attention to fully understand the plot.
• The DVD set doesn’t have many special features, so there isn’t much bonus content to enjoy.

If you’re a fan of crime shows, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Season 1 is definitely worth checking out. The show is based on real-life investigations, making it realistic and intriguing. The cast is excellent and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in the show. Additionally, the show combines cutting-edge technologies with the ingenuity of villains, making for an interesting and engaging viewing experience.

However, it’s important to note that some of the scenes can be graphic and disturbing, so it may not be suitable for all viewers. Additionally, the show can be complex at times, so it may require close attention to fully understand the plot. Finally, the DVD set doesn’t have many special features, so there isn’t much bonus content to enjoy.

Overall, if you’re looking for a thrilling crime show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: Season 1 is definitely worth checking out.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Complete Series

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

Pros

• The set includes all 337 episodes of the popular and influential CBS drama, allowing you to binge-watch for hours on end.
• The forensics experts of the Las Vegas Police Department’s CSI unit use high-tech science and old-fashioned detective work to solve Sin City’s most baffling and violent crimes.
• The set comes with subtitles in English (SDH) and Spanish, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Cons

• The set includes 93 discs, which may take up a lot of space in your home.
• The lack of captions on the discs may be a downside for some viewers who rely on them.
• The set is not suitable for DVD players in the UK, as it is region 1 and not 2.

If you’re a fan of crime investigation TV shows, this complete series set is a great investment. With over 244 hours of content, you’ll be entertained for days. The show’s blend of high-tech science and detective work makes for an engaging and thrilling viewing experience.

The inclusion of subtitles in English and Spanish is a nice touch that makes the set more accessible to a wider audience. However, the lack of captions on the discs may be a downside for some viewers who rely on them.

Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive collection of one of the most popular crime investigation TV shows of all time, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Complete Series is definitely worth checking out.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – Season 9

If you’re looking for a thrilling TV show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – Season 9 is a must-watch.

Pros

• The show’s fast-paced nature keeps you engaged throughout the entire season.
• The forensic investigators’ old-fashioned approach to solving crimes is a refreshing change from other shows.
• The show’s attention to detail and use of evidence makes it feel like you’re solving the crimes alongside the team.

Cons

• The show’s focus on crime scenes and evidence may not be for everyone.
• Some viewers may find the show’s graphic nature to be too intense.
• The show’s reliance on science and technology may make it feel less relatable to some viewers.

If you’re a fan of crime dramas, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – Season 9 is a show that you won’t want to miss. Throughout the season, you’ll follow a passionate team of forensic investigators as they solve crimes using evidence and attention to detail.

One of the pros of the show is its fast-paced nature. The team is always on the case, scouring the scene, and collecting irrefutable evidence to solve the mystery. This keeps viewers engaged and invested in the outcome of each case.

Another pro of the show is the team’s old-fashioned approach to solving crimes. Instead of relying solely on technology, the investigators use evidence and attention to detail to piece together the puzzle. This makes the show feel unique compared to other crime dramas.

However, the show’s focus on crime scenes and evidence may not be for everyone. Some viewers may find the show’s graphic nature to be too intense, and the show’s reliance on science and technology may make it feel less relatable to some viewers.

Overall, if you’re looking for a thrilling and engaging crime drama, then CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – Season 9 is a show that you should definitely check out.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Eighth Season

If you’re a fan of crime dramas, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Eighth Season is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The season features a great cast of actors, including Marg Helgenberger, William L Petersen, Jorja Fox, Eric Szmanda, and Gary Dourdan.
• The show’s writing is top-notch, with each episode being engaging and full of suspense.
• The DVD set includes 5 discs, providing over 12 hours of content to enjoy.

Cons

• While the show is entertaining, it may not be suitable for all viewers due to its graphic nature.
• Some viewers may find the show’s focus on forensic science to be too technical or dry.
• The DVD set is relatively expensive compared to other crime dramas available on the market.

If you’re looking for a crime drama that features a great cast, engaging writing, and plenty of suspense, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Eighth Season is definitely worth checking out. The show’s focus on forensic science may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy this type of content, it’s sure to be a hit.

The acting in the show is top-notch, with each member of the cast delivering strong performances throughout the season. The writing is also excellent, with each episode featuring a well-crafted storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

One potential downside of the show is its graphic nature. Some viewers may find the depictions of crime scenes and other violent content to be too disturbing. Additionally, the show’s focus on forensic science may be too technical or dry for some viewers.

Overall, if you’re a fan of crime dramas and are looking for a show that features great acting and writing, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: The Eighth Season is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its graphic nature and technical focus before making a purchase.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best investigation TV show, there are a few factors to consider. We’ve put together a list of features to look for to help you make an informed decision.

Genre

The first thing to consider is the genre of the show. Do you prefer a crime drama, a true crime documentary, or a police procedural? Each genre offers a different perspective and style of storytelling, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your interests.

Production Quality

The production quality of a TV show can greatly impact your viewing experience. Look for shows with high-quality cinematography, sound design, and editing. These elements can help to create a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.

Cast and Characters

The cast and characters of a TV show can also greatly impact your enjoyment of the series. Look for shows with well-developed characters and strong acting performances. This can help to create a more emotional connection between the viewer and the story.

Storyline

The storyline of a TV show is perhaps the most important factor to consider. Look for shows with well-crafted and engaging storylines that keep you invested from episode to episode. A good storyline should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and should be able to hold your attention throughout.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best investigation TV show that aligns with your interests and provides a high-quality viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some top-rated detective series currently available?

There are several top-rated detective series currently available, including “True Detective,” “Mindhunter,” “Broadchurch,” “The Killing,” “Sherlock,” and “The Wire.” These shows feature complex characters, intricate plotlines, and high-quality production values.

Which crime series have been critically acclaimed over the years?

Several crime series have been critically acclaimed over the years, including “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad,” “The Shield,” “The Wire,” and “The Americans.” These shows have won numerous awards and have been praised for their writing, acting, and direction.

Can you recommend any engaging crime thriller series to watch?

If you’re looking for an engaging crime thriller series to watch, we recommend “Ozark,” “Narcos,” “Peaky Blinders,” “Money Heist,” and “Breaking Bad.” These shows feature intense action, suspenseful plotlines, and memorable characters.

What are the standout crime investigation series on streaming platforms?

Some standout crime investigation series on streaming platforms include “Mindhunter,” “Broadchurch,” “The Killing,” “The Staircase,” and “Making a Murderer.” These shows delve into real-life cases and provide a fascinating look into the criminal justice system.

Are there any detective shows that delve into real-life cases?

Yes, there are several detective shows that delve into real-life cases, including “The Staircase,” “Making a Murderer,” “The Jinx,” “Evil Genius,” and “The Confession Tapes.” These shows provide a unique perspective on criminal investigations and the legal system.

What series would fans of Criminal Minds likely enjoy?

Fans of “Criminal Minds” may also enjoy “Mindhunter,” “The Blacklist,” “The Mentalist,” “Dexter,” and “Hannibal.” These shows feature complex characters, intense investigations, and thrilling suspense.