Police procedurals have been a staple of television for decades, captivating audiences with dramatic storylines and relatable characters. These shows often tackle modern-day social issues, reflecting the complexities of the real world. They also delve into the emotional toll police work can take, with characters facing loss, heartbreak, and moral dilemmas.
The best police shows manage to strike a balance between thrilling crime-solving and character development. This list explores 20 of the most iconic and engaging police procedurals ever to grace the small screen.
1. Hill Street Blues (1981-1987)
This groundbreaking show from the 1980s is considered a pioneer of the police procedural genre. Hill Street Blues broke away from the formulaic one-case-per-episode structure, instead focusing on longer arcs and character development. It also addressed social issues and featured a diverse cast, making it a landmark show.
2. NYPD Blue (1993-2005)
NYPD Blue offered a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the NYPD. The show tackled tough subjects like police brutality and corruption, while also showcasing the struggles and triumphs of its flawed but dedicated detectives. NYPD Blue is known for its innovative use of handheld cameras and its unflinching portrayal of the complexities of police work.
3. Law & Order (1990-2010)
Law & Order is a long-running procedural that takes a two-part approach to storytelling. The first half of each episode focuses on the investigation of a crime, while the second half follows the prosecution of the suspect in court. This format allows the show to explore both the investigative and legal aspects of the criminal justice system. Law & Order spawned numerous successful spin-offs, solidifying its place as a television institution.
4. The Shield (2002-2008)
The Shield took the police procedural genre in a dark and daring direction. The show follows a rogue police unit known as “The Strike Team,” led by the morally ambiguous Vic Mackey. The Shield blurred the lines between good and evil, forcing viewers to question the methods used by law enforcement to maintain order.
5. Southland (2009-2013)
Southland offered a raw and unfiltered look at the lives of LAPD officers. The show used a unique storytelling approach, presenting cases from multiple perspectives, showcasing the different ways officers interpret and experience events. Southland was praised for its gritty realism and its focus on the emotional toll police work can take on officers.
6. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine brought humor and lightheartedness to the police procedural genre. Set in a quirky Brooklyn precinct, the show follows a group of detectives with distinct personalities who work together to solve crimes. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is known for its witty dialogue, slapstick humor, and its portrayal of a diverse and lovable cast of characters.
7. Justified (2010-2015)
Justified blended elements of the Western genre with the police procedural format. The show follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a tough-as-nails lawman who enforces his own brand of justice in his rural Kentucky hometown. Justified offered thrilling shootouts, complex characters, and a unique setting, making it a standout show.
8. Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Mindhunter took a different approach to the police procedural genre, delving into the minds of serial killers. The show follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they interview notorious criminals in an attempt to understand their motivations. Mindhunter is a fascinating and unsettling exploration of the dark side of human behavior.
9. White Collar (2009-2014)
White Collar offered a unique twist on the police procedural format. The show follows FBI Agent Peter Burke as he partners with a charming con artist named Neal Caffrey to catch other white-collar criminals. White Collar combined the thrill of the chase with the playful banter between the unlikely duo, making it an entertaining and engaging show.
