The 80+ Best Current Crime TV Shows - Ranker
Over 7K TV viewers have voted on the 80+ Best Current Crime TV Shows. Current Top 3: Animal Kingdom, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NCIS.
Popular cop shows
Among this engaging ensemble,American crime drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit stands out with its ensemble cast, often inspired by real-life stories, while NCIS intrigues viewers with its blend of humor and forensic science. <anchor>Popular cop shows</anchor> like The Rookie, Blue Bloods, and FBI take us into the tight-knit world of law enforcement, replete with complexities and camaraderie. For those eager to embark on these thrilling journeys, seamless streaming options are available below each list entry, be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, or Max. Each entry offers easy accessibility, ensuring your next binge-watch is just a click away.
The 120 Best Cop TV Shows Of All Time, Ranked
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Book 'Em, Danno In the entertainment industry, shows and movies about cops and lawyers are considered especially great. These are their stories.

# The Best Cop TV Shows Of All Time

Ranker Community

Updated September 1, 2024233.3K views122 items

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69.1K votes

7.4K voters

19 reranks

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite police dramas that unfold their complex stories episode-by-episode.

Latest additions: Bad Monkey, The Mallorca Files, Candice Renoir

Most divisive: CSI: Miami

Over 7.4K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Cop TV Shows Of All Time

For decades, television has been the go-to medium for thrilling crime dramas, offering viewers a captivating peek into the world of law enforcement. The best cop TV shows of all time have kept us on the edge of our seats, offering intense drama, complex characters, and gripping storylines. These series dive deep into the world of law enforcement, showcasing the challenges and triumphs faced by those who protect and serve. With their mix of suspense, intrigue, and realism, these shows have become staples in television history.

The Wire is often hailed as a masterpiece, offering a gritty, unflinching look at the drug trade in Baltimore through the eyes of both law enforcement and those they pursue. Law & Order: SVU has captivated audiences for over two decades with its compelling cases and the remarkable dedication of its detectives, particularly Olivia Benson. The Shield broke new ground with its portrayal of corrupt yet captivating anti-hero Vic Mackey, pushing the envelope and redefining the crime drama genre. These shows are just a few examples of how cop dramas have evolved and maintained their hold on viewers.

Now, it's your turn to contribute. Vote on the top shows about cops and help us create the definitive list. Your input will highlight the series that have left an impact and guide fellow fans to the best in police dramas. Cast your vote and celebrate the excellence of these unforgettable cop TV shows!



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1

## The Wire

Dominic West, John Doman, Frankie R. Faison

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2,019 votes

A gritty, hard-hitting series that takes a deep dive into the complexities of law enforcement in Baltimore. It's not your everyday cop show, instead, it focuses on the intricate web of corruption, politics, and crime across the city. You won't be able to tear yourself away as the gripping plot unfolds over multiple seasons.

- Premiered: June 2, 2002

- Genres: Crime,Drama

- Dig DeeperThe Best Things Cast Members of The Wire Have Done Since the Genius Show Ended

- Also ranks #7 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series

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2

## Criminal Minds

Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness

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1,823 votes

Think you've got what it takes to get inside the heads of the most twisted criminals? Then buckle up for this mind-bending ride. Following a team of elite FBI profilers, each episode dares you to solve the puzzle by understanding the behavior and motives of some seriously disturbed bad guys.

- Premiered: September 22, 2005

- Genres: Crime,Drama,Drama,Mystery,Thriller

- Dig Deeper28 Posts By 'Criminal Minds' Fans Who Can’t Get Enough Of The BAU

- Also ranks #22 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

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Women in Blue

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2 votes

3

## Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish

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1,824 votes

When you need a heavy dose of justice with a side of heart, look no further than this long-running spinoff that tackles some of the most harrowing cases imaginable. With its unforgettable detectives and gripping stories, it's no wonder this show has become an institution unto itself.

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4

## The Shield

Michael Chiklis, Benito Martinez, CCH Pounder

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1,667 votes

This ain't your grandma's cop show. Featuring a morally conflicted antihero at its center, this groundbreaking series pushes the envelope with its gritty exploration of corruption and power dynamics within a police precinct. Anyone craving a darker, more intense police drama should look no further.

- Premiered: March 12, 2002

- Genres: Crime,Drama

- Dig DeeperThe Best Seasons Of 'The Shield,' Ranked

- Also ranks #44 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series

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5

## NCIS

Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen

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1,652 votes

You've got crime scene investigators, and then you've got the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, who tackle serious crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. With its memorable cast and intriguing cases, this long-running show has managed to keep viewers hooked for years.

- Premiered: September 23, 2003

- Genres: Action,Adventure,Crime,Drama,Mystery

- Dig DeeperThe Best Episodes of NCIS

- Also ranks #50 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

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6

## NYPD Blue

Dennis Franz, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gordon Clapp

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1,467 votes

Take a bite out of the Big Apple with this groundbreaking show that redefined what a cop drama could be. With its raw intensity, complexly drawn characters, and sensitive handling of controversial subjects, it became an instant classic. After all, there's a reason it's still considered one of the best police dramas to ever hit the small screen.

- Premiered: September 21, 1993

- Genres: Crime,Drama

- Also ranks #210 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

- Also ranks #141 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing

- Also ranks #49 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons

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