As one of the most successful genres on television, crime shows have focused on everything imaginable, from gangster shows like The Sopranos to serial killer stories like Mindhunters. Attracting some of the best stars and writers in the business, these series can also be among TV’s longest-running projects, as seen in the enduring success of shows like CSI and NCIS. Sometimes, however, less is more.
Crime shows are often at their best when audiences are treated to single stories decompressed into shorter formats, allowing people to get through the whole thing in a day. With these stories designed, typically by streaming services, to be binged all at once, these shows are closer to cinema, allowing for deeper stories and character development than normal. Fans are always looking for a great crime show, and some stand out ahead of the rest.
10
True Detective’s Seasons Are Their Own Stories
True Detective opens with a Louisiana serial killer case, one that involves the ritualistic murder of women. On the case are detectives Marty Hart and Rust Cohle who, despite firmly opposing personalities, work together to pursue a serial killer. Spanning three decades, the first story concludes with a seasoned Rust and Marty getting back together to hunt the killer by themselves.
While True Detective can’t be watched in a single day overall, its anthology format allows for each season to be watched as its own unique story. Considering how beloved the first season still is, and how disliked the subsequent ones are, the series is best enjoyed through the first story, which stands as one of the finest seasons in TV history.
9
Cross Brought James Patterson’s Signature Hero To TV
Based on the character created by James Patterson, Cross tells the story of detective Alex Cross, a brilliant investigator. Struggling to cope with life following the murder of his wife, Cross is assigned to a case of the murder of a political activist, which causes tensions in Washington DC. Caught between the political implications of the case, his search for justice and his own flaws, Cross tries to set aside the volatile climate to solve the murder.
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Cross stands out as a great depiction of Patterson’s detective hero, and is an excellent show for fans of the Morgan Freeman films. Using the tensions of modern-day politics as a backdrop, the series explores everything from personal mental health to good police work in the face of opposition. For audiences who want a series that’s as timely as it is thrilling, the eight-episode one-season show is a great place to start — with future seasons in the works.
8
The Gentlemen Blends Crime and Comedy
A continuation of Guy Ritchie’s film of the same name, The Gentlemen focuses on Eddie Horniman, a British soldier who, after leaving the service, inherits his father’s vast estate. Now the Duke of Halstead, Eddie learns that his land secretly houses a large marijuana farm underground, something arranged by his father with a notorious drug dealer. With the aid of the dealer’s daughter, Susie, Eddie navigates the criminal underworld, dealing with the fallout of his brother’s irresponsibility along the way.
The Gentlemen blends British humor with modern-day organized crime, continuing Ritchie’s unique blend of dark comedy, crime and drama. Through Eddie, audiences see the rise of a new gangster as he works tirelessly to raise the money needed to walk away from a life of crime — but incurs the wrath of international crime gangs along the way.
7
The Take Gave Tom Hardy An Underrated Drama
The Take follows the life of Freddie Jackson after his release from prison. Keen to enjoy his freedom, he tries to rekindle his relationship with his wife, but soon falls back into the carefree, partying lifestyle that landed him in trouble. Working at the behest of an incarcerated gangster, Ozzy, Freddie slowly tries to rebuild his status as a respected gangster.
The Take is as much a drama as it is a crime thriller, exploring the decline of a criminal’s life after leaving prison. Featuring a rising Tom Hardy, the series has been somewhat forgotten, but is an excellent story for fans of dramatic crime dramas like Goodfellas, albeit on a smaller scale. The miniseries does a great job of highlighting the pitfalls of a life of crime, and the effect it has on those involved, from a deteriorating family to personal resentment.
6
The Night Manager Explores the International Arms Trade
The Night Manager focuses on Jonathan Pine, a former British military officer now working as the manager of an elite hotel in Cairo. He’s approached by Angela Burr, a government counter-terrorist operative, who recruits him to infiltrate the operations of an international arms dealer, Richard Roper. Assuming a new identity for the mission, Pine meets and befriends Roper, using his new position to relay information back to the government.
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Based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré, The Night Manager takes the audience on a journey of international crime and espionage that never lets up in its tension. Thanks to Hugh Laurie’s chilling performance as Richard Roper, the series is a piece of can’t miss television, one that sees its hero constantly in danger.
5
Presumed Innocent Is An Overlooked Murder Mystery
Based on Scott Turow’s novel of the same name, Presumed Innocent focuses on a criminal prosecutor, Rusty Sabich, when he becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a colleague with whom he was having an affair. Caught between trying to hold onto his family and clear his name, Rusty is forced into an impossible position as the evidence mounts, and he investigates the case against him himself.
With Jake Gyllenhaal in the leading role as Rusty Sabich, Presumed Innocent is a brilliant adaptation of the story, arguably surpassing Harrison Ford’s film. The series does an excellent job of delivering twist after turn for unfamiliar audiences, leaving them guessing the truth until the very end — making for a brilliant TV murder mystery.
4
Sugar Is Neo-Noir With A Strange Twist
Sugar follows the work of a private eye, John Sugar, as he is hired by a prominent movie producer to find his missing granddaughter, Olivia. When he discovers a dead body in the trunk of the woman’s car, Sugar realizes there’s more to the case, soon crossing paths with gangsters, who attempt to dissuade him. Meeting a series of deceptive characters along the way, the detective closes in on the missing woman — revealing a shocking secret along the way.
Sugar gave audiences one of TV’s biggest and truly unexpected twists, blending more genres than originally suggested. As one of the most overlooked shows of 2024, it casts Colin Farrell in its titular role, delivering a unique take on the neo-Noir genre perfect for fans of movies like Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang or LA Confidential.
3
Black Bird Is An Excellent Serial Killer Drama
Black Bird tells the true story of a Chicago criminal, Jimmy Keene, as he is sent to prison following a successful FBI operation. There, he is given a unique chance to have his sentence commuted. In exchange, however, he must befriend a serial killer in prison, Larry Hall, and use their friendship to locate the missing bodies of his victims. Initially hesitant, Jimmy takes the deal and, the more he learns about Hall, the more resolved he becomes to draw out a confession.
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Black Bird is a gripping story that places the audience in Jimmy’s perspective, something that becomes more disturbing the more is learned about Larry Hall. As an adaptation of true events, the series dramatizes a remarkable operation to bring a serial killer to justice, highlighting its protagonist’s courage. For fans of shows like Mindhunters, Black Bird is a brilliant look at another murderer’s downfall.
2
Justified: City Primeval Brought Back Raylan Givens
Based on Elmore Leonard’s crime novels, Justified tells the story of Raylan Givens, a modern-day Western-style marshal who is sent back to his home in Harlan County, Kentucky. There, he reconnects with old friends, investigates criminal activity in the area and hunts down fugitives from the US government. In City Primeval, Givens returned for a miniseries, which follows him on the hunt for a dangerous criminal, the Oklahoma Wildman.
Although Justified: City Primeval is best with the full context of the main show, the miniseries continuation stands on its own legs incredibly well. For fans of neo-Western crime stories, the miniseries works incredibly well, following Givens as he balances his personal life with detective work, pursuing the Wildman until the end.
1
The Penguin Continues Matt Reeves’ Batman Continuity
A continuation of Matt Reeves’ The Batman continuity, The Penguin tells the story of Oz Cobb in the aftermath of the downfall of Carmine Falcone. With a criminal empire for the taking, the villain paints a target on his back when he kills Carmine Falcone’s son, Alberto, complicating his rise to power. With tensions rising between the mob bosses, Oz seizes his chance to build his operations, displaying unrivaled ruthlessness along the way.
The Penguin stands out as the greatest crime show of 2024, showing audiences the range of comic book universes when it comes to gritty and realistic stories. Whether for its depiction of organized crime or as an exploration of Reeves’ vision for Gotham, the series exceeded all expectations, leaving the audience wanting more.
