One of the most successful hybrid genres that popular culture has to offer,Crimedramashave accounted for some of thegreatest television shows of all time. Upping the stakes associated with typical dramatic offerings by introducing the perilous element of criminality makes for endlessly watchable viewing, a state of affairs that has been exemplified by television’s best crime dramas. Throw in a raft of compelling characters and a collection of riveting storylines, and audiences are left with one of the most exciting brands of television available.
The diverse nature of these shows' subject matter means there is no set formula to create a perfect crime drama. Encompassing a wide range of settings, characters, and times, television’s standout offerings from this genre have focused on topics frominexplicable murder mysteriesto the shadowy organizations run byruthless TV drug lords. Earning critical acclaim from fans and critics alike against the backdrop of a successful multi-season run,the best crime dramas represent indispensable viewing for any self-respecting student of popular culture.
Top Boy
Cast
Across 5 seasons of Top Boy, two veteran drug dealers - played by Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson - run the gritty streets of London’s drug industry. Ruling their empire together, their pursuit of power is threatened at every turn by rivals, betrayal and tragedy.
A deep dive into London’s murky world of organized crime,Top Boyreceived critical acclaim across a five-season run spanning more than a decade. While the series was initially dropped by Channel 4, Netflix revived the show in 2019 following considerable interest from rapper Drake. This proved to be an inspired decision, with the superb crime drama roaring back onto the scene bigger and better than ever before, producing three magnificent seasons of television before concluding in 2023.
Top Boy Cast & Character Guide: Where You’ve Seen Dris & The Other Actors Before
Dris and the other characters in Top Boy are played by an ensemble of actors who are notable names in movies, TV, and even the music industry.
Capturing a visceral snapshot of London’s criminality,Top Boyis an unflinching look into the darkest aspects associated with drug dealing and gang violence.The show’s adrenaline-fused narrative is loaded with gripping twists and turns, making for endlessly compelling viewing; a status quo aided byTop Boy’scast of rich charactersand masterful performances. Throw in a killer soundtrack to boot, and viewers are left with one of British television’s most electrifying offerings.
True Detective
True Detective is an anthology series exploring intricate criminal investigations through multiple timelines. Each season examines dark personal and professional secrets revealed during the course of solving complex cases, highlighting the impact of crime on individuals both within and outside the law enforcement community.
Television’s preeminent authority for crime anthologies,True Detectivehas had its ups and downs across a four-season run to date, but still rightfully retains its status as one of television’s best crime dramas.True Detective’sfirst season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is widely regarded as one of the single best installments of television ever made. 2024’s fourth outing, the Jodie Foster-ledTrue Detective: Night Country,has also received a similarly effusive response from critics.
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Presenting each new season as a self-contained narrative with a new setting and different characters, the show’s innovative approach proved the perfect shake-up for a played-out premise like true crime. Leveraging an array of performances so intense that they border on visceral against the backdrop of a diverse array of thrilling crime-based storylines,True Detectiveis such a first-rate crime drama that even the show’s weaker seasons still make for gripping viewing.
Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy is centered around the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (SAMCRO), exploring the tensions between President Clay and Vice President Jax in the town of Charming. The narrative focuses on their differing visions for the club’s operations, blending legal and illegal enterprises.
An epic crime family saga with heavy Shakespearean overtones,Sons of Anarchychronicles the turbulent life and times of the titular motorcycle gang.Boasting a wickedly talented ensemble cast who utterly lose themselves in bringing these colorful outlaws to life, Kurt Sutter’s Hamlet-on-Harley-Davidsons offering received highly positive reviews throughout a seven-season run. Making for an even more interesting blend of genres,Sons of Anarchyis also considered a neo-Western.
Providing an immersive window into the shadowy world of biker culture and modern criminality, Sutter’s show depends on authenticity; an unsurprising aspect, given that the showrunner spent time with a real-life outlaw motorcycle gang as research for his show. A glorious cocktail of intense drama, shocking moments, and thrilling action sequences,Sons of Anarchyeven boasts a brilliant soundtrack that further cements its status as an iconic crime drama.
Boardwalk Empire
Based on Atlantic City in the 1920s and 1930s, Boardwalk Empire follows political heavyweight “Nucky” Thompson as he battles mobsters, politicians, government agents, and the common folk who look to take him on. Now, with the federal government cracking down on bootlegging and other illegal activities, and everyone looking to take over control of the city, Nucky’s lavish lifestyle is in danger of collapsing.
Set during the Prohibition era of the 1920s,Boardwalk Empiredepicts the rise and fall of Steve Buscemi’s Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a political figure, bootlegger, and career criminal who serves as the de facto ruler of Atlantic City.One of HBO’s most consistently underrated offerings,Boardwalk Empirereceived highly positive reviewsacross a five-season run. Particular praise was singled out for the show’s arresting visual style, its dramatization of various historical figures, and Buscemi’s superb leading bow.
Heavily channeling executive producer Martin Scorsese’s inimitable influence throughout proceedings, Boardwalk Empire remains a timeless triumph.
While Terence Winters' crime drama regrettably never fully recovered from the loss of Michael Pitt’s Jimmy Darmody in the second season, it speaks volumes toBoardwalk Empire’swider quality that it still managed to deftly sidestep this creative loss to produce three more acclaimed seasons of television. Heavily channeling executive producerMartin Scorsese’s inimitable influencethroughout proceedings,Boardwalk Empireremains a timeless triumph.
The Shield
The Shield is a crime drama series set in an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct, exploring the complex moral landscape where officers sometimes resort to bending rules and engaging in unscrupulous activities to maintain order and protect their own interests.
An explosive crime drama looselybased on a true story,The Shieldhas been labeled by many critics as one of the greatest television shows of all time. Focusing on the conduct of corrupt police officers in the LAPD,The Shieldwas critically acclaimed, running for seven highly successful seasons before concluding in 2008. The show has arguably been overshadowed by the slew of more modern crime dramas that followed, but has lost none of the watchability that made it such a success in the first place.
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Spearheaded by a career-best performance from Michael Chiklis as amoral detective Vic Mackey,The Shieldis loaded with violence, suspense, and high stakes,a unique recipe of anti-hero drama that makes for a masterful crime series. The show also features some exemplary supporting performances and is also notable for casting prominent A-Listers like Michael Peña or Glenn Close in extended roles throughout the show’s run, which only serves to underline the inherent quality.
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama created and written by Steven Knight and starring Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, and Helen McCrory. The television show is based on the gang, Peaky Blinders, a group that banded together after the end of World War I.
The crime drama that defined a generation of young British people, it’s hard to overstatePeaky Blinders’impact on popular culture. Chronicling the turbulent existence of the titular Birmingham crime gang, the show’s influence on fashion and haircut trends spread like wildfire.Peaky Blinders’cultural footprint arguably distracts from what a magnificent offering of television Steven Knight’s acclaimed show was; an iconic crime outing that manywill never get tired of rewatching on TV.
The Immortal Man, a feature film continuation ofPeaky Blinders, will be distributed by Netflix.
Renowned for its soundtrack,Peaky Blinderspresents a visually arresting snapshot of pre-WWII Birmingham that renders the city’s filth and grime in remarkably authentic fashion.That’s to say nothing of the gripping adventures Knight sends his cast out on across six seasons, although Cillian Murphy’s mesmerizing bow as Tommy Shelby undoubtedly serves asPeaky Blinders’crowning jewel. The Irishman produces a consistently exceptional performance, bringing this haunted gangster to life in an unforgettable style.
Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul follows small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill as he navigates the legal world to make ends meet. The series, set six years before his encounter with Walter White, chronicles Jimmy’s evolution into Saul Goodman, with notable interactions alongside fixer Mike Ehrmantraut.
Focusing on the origin story of the individual who would go on to become known as Saul Goodman,hopes were high for theBreaking Badprequel seriesBetter Call Saulwhen the show debuted in 2015.With that being said, even the most optimistic individual in the world would likely have done a double take to find out that not only did the Bob Odenkirk-led enterprise receive similarly effusive critical praise, but many fans have argued thatBetter Call Saulis better thanBreaking Bad.
Being labeled as superior to one of the greatest television shows ever conceived is no small praise, whichBetter Call Saulwears like a badge of honor. The prequel doesn’t place the same emphasis on criminality thatBreaking Baddoes, choosing to focus its efforts on cultivating intrigue and nuanced character development in an exemplary fashion instead. Odenkirk’s iconic lead performance as a character who was onlyoriginally written as a TV minor roleis the stuff of legend; a career-best performance that the actor will always find his name inextricably linked to.
The Wire
The Wire, debuting in 2002, is a series that explores the complex world of Baltimore’s narcotics scene, presenting perspectives from both law enforcement and their targets. It delves into how the war on drugs has evolved into a self-perpetuating institution, blurring moral boundaries between right and wrong.
Earning rave reviews for its unflinching depiction of the drug trade and organized crime in Baltimore, Maryland,HBO’sThe Wireset a new bar for authenticity in crime dramas.Despite a slight drop-off in positive reviews during the final season, this first-rate piece of television steadily rose in quality, to the point that David Simon’s universally lauded piece of work frequently appears on top ten lists, narrowing down the candidates for the greatest television show of all time.
A seminal piece of television that has aged like a fine wine,The Wireremains as relevant and impactful in 2024 as it did throughout its initial run.
Groaning under the weight of a wickedly talented ensemble cast tasked with bringing Baltimore’s human tapestry to life,The Wirealso plays host to one of thebest television characters of all timein the late Michael K. Williams' whistling killer, Omar Little. A seminal piece of television that has aged like a fine wine,The Wireremains as relevant and insightful in 2024 as it did throughout its initial run.
The Sopranos
The Sopranos follows New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano as he navigates the challenges of managing his family and criminal enterprise. He seeks guidance from psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi while dealing with complex dynamics involving his wife Carmela, cousin Christopher Moltisanti, and other Mafia associates. Released in 1999, this series delves into organized crime and personal struggles.
Heavily inspired by Martin Scorsese’sGoodfellas,The Sopranosis frequently touted as a near-flawless television show. Running for six seasons,David Chase’s epic crime drama follows the life of Italian-American mobster Tony Sopranoas he attempts to juggle his responsibilities as a family man with his role as the leader of a criminal organization. Earning countless awards and glowing reviews throughout its run, there are few television shows that can even begin to rival this HBO offering.
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The Sopranoshas been praised across the board, from the quality of the ensemble cast’s performances to the captivating nature of the show’s various storylines. Spearheaded by a masterful lead turn from the late James Gandolfini, Chase’s offering has also been praised for its take on fraught social topics. Deftly balancing astute social commentary with the trappings of an exemplary crime drama,The Sopranosrubber-stamped its own status as one of popular culture’s most beloved and universally revered television shows.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, follows a chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) as he attempts to provide for his family following a fatal diagnosis. With nothing left to fear, White ascends to power in the world of drugs and crime, transforming the simple family man into someone known only as Heisenberg.
A devastating criminal saga with no equal,Breaking Badisn’t just the best crime drama television show of all time.Vince Gilligan’s iconic tale charting the rise and fall of Walter White from terminally ill high school teacher to the methamphetamine kingpin “Heisenberg” is a front-runner for the greatest television show ever made, five seasons of flawless viewing ending with a final act that may never be topped in terms of drama or spectacle.
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One scene from the critically-acclaimed pilot episode of Breaking Bad is underrated and actually features Jesse referencing the show’s title.
Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Anna Gunn all deliver generational performances throughout their time on the show, breathing life into some of the most complex and compelling characters that television has ever witnessed. Gilligan’s unique cinematography and inspired use of Albuquerque’s natural landscape serve as a visually arresting backdrop to one of the most electrifyingcrime dramastories of all time, a timeless classic that gets better with every watch.
