30 Overrated Crime Shows Everyone Seems To Like

Crime shows are consistently among the most-watched programs on television, attracting millions of viewers and sparking widespread conversation online. Though often praised and award-winning, these series sometimes get criticism for relying on familiar storylines and predictable twists. This list highlights some of the most well-known crime dramas that have captivated audiences, even with these common critiques.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

This updated take on the classic detective brings the iconic character to modern-day London, where he tackles complex cases. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as the exceptionally intelligent, yet socially awkward, investigator, with Martin Freeman playing his steadfast companion. The show is celebrated for its high quality production and movie-like feel, which contributed to its large and devoted fanbase. Viewers particularly enjoy the quick, clever dialogue and fresh interpretations of well-known mysteries.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

This series, set in post-World War I Birmingham, follows the Shelby family as they build their criminal empire. Cillian Murphy plays the driven leader who uses cunning and force to rise through a world of political corruption and gang violence. The show is known for its unique style – from the clothing to the music – which has become very popular and influential. It combines real historical events with a fictional story to create a dramatic and visually striking depiction of British crime.

‘True Detective’ (2014–)

This show presents a new group of detectives and a new crime each season. Every installment follows a separate, self-contained investigation into disturbing and ritualistic crimes in different locations. The series delves into the mental toll these cases take on the investigators. The first season was highly acclaimed for its thought-provoking themes and haunting atmosphere, and later seasons have tried to recapture that magic with well-known actors and intricate storylines.

‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)

This series tells the story of Pablo Escobar, a powerful drug lord, and his cartel in Colombia, showing how they rose to power and eventually fell. It uses real footage alongside acted scenes to illustrate the difficult work of police and authorities trying to dismantle these criminal groups. The show became well-known for its realistic and often disturbing depiction of the drug trade and the complicated political issues surrounding it. Later, the story expanded to explore the worldwide drug trade through several related shows.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

I’m completely captivated by this series! It tells the story of two FBI agents who were really pioneers in understanding what makes serial killers tick. They started interviewing prisoners to build profiles, and it’s fascinating to see how they developed those early techniques in criminal psychology – it’s all based on true events, which makes it even more compelling. David Fincher’s involvement really shines through; the show is visually stunning and builds suspense so brilliantly. What really gets me are the incredibly tense interrogation scenes and how deeply the show explores the minds of the agents themselves – it’s just brilliant psychological storytelling.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ (2008–2014)

The show centers around a motorcycle club and its members in the made-up town of Charming, California. It follows a young man, played by Charlie Hunnam, who is torn between his dedication to the club and his concerns about their illegal actions. The series dives into the bonds of brotherhood and the pain of betrayal, showcasing the intense and often violent clashes between competing gangs. Over its seven seasons, the show kept viewers engaged with unexpected plot turns and well-developed characters.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

This series centers on a Miami Metro Police forensic technician who secretly leads a double life as a vigilante, hunting down and killing other murderers. The story follows his efforts to appear normal while secretly acting on his dark impulses, guided by a personal code. It delves into questions of justice outside the legal system and the inner turmoil of a protagonist who lacks typical empathy. Though initially highly acclaimed, the show’s later seasons faced criticism for its story and character arcs.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

This series, a companion to a well-known crime show, tells the story of how a well-intentioned lawyer evolves into a more adaptable, and sometimes ethically questionable, criminal defense attorney. Bob Odenkirk returns as Jimmy McGill, navigating both the legal system and the criminal side of Albuquerque. The show is praised for focusing on its characters and building stories gradually, leading to satisfying conclusions. It cleverly expands on the world of the original series while also developing its own distinct style and look.

‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

I was completely hooked by this show! It follows a financial advisor who uproots his family to the Ozarks, thinking he’s just giving them a better life. But it quickly becomes clear things are much darker than they seem – he’s involved in a seriously messed-up money laundering operation gone wrong. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are fantastic as this couple desperately trying to shield their kids while getting deeper and deeper into a dangerous criminal world. The show is visually stunning, really moody with its dark look, and the suspense just builds and builds with every episode. It reminds me of those other great crime dramas, the ones that really dig into what happens to families and people’s morals when they’re pushed to the limit.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

This show is a funny take on the everyday work of detectives in New York City. Led by Andy Samberg, the series combines lighthearted stories with real crime investigations and develops its characters along the way. It became popular for its diverse cast and its clever way of addressing important social issues in a comedic format, all while maintaining a cheerful tone and showcasing the great connection between the main actors.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

A man called the Professor brings together a team of experts to attempt a daring robbery of Spain’s Royal Mint. The Spanish series quickly became popular worldwide on streaming services, thanks to its thrilling storyline and the team’s memorable red jumpsuits. The show tells the story using flashbacks, revealing the complex planning that went into the heist. It also explores the relationships and emotional struggles of the robbers as they carry out the dangerous operation.

‘The Mentalist’ (2008–2015)

The show follows a former psychic, Patrick Jane, played by Simon Baker, who now uses his exceptional ability to read people to assist the California Bureau of Investigation with their cases. Driven by a desire for revenge against the serial killer who harmed his family, Jane solves crimes through clever psychological tactics and careful reasoning. A major storyline throughout the series is the hunt for a mysterious and dangerous killer known as Red John.

‘White Collar’ (2009–2014)

A clever con man makes a deal with the FBI: his freedom in exchange for helping them catch other financial criminals. Starring Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay, the show follows this unlikely pair as they work together to solve cases of high-end theft and forgery, developing a surprising respect for each other along the way. Set against the backdrop of glamorous New York City, the series features both self-contained cases and a larger, ongoing mystery about the main character’s past and the people connected to it.

‘Castle’ (2009–2016)

A popular mystery writer and a homicide detective join forces, hoping to spark ideas for the writer’s next book series. The show stars Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic as the two leads, whose working relationship blossoms into a romance. It’s a blend of crime investigation and witty conversation, with touches of humor to entertain a wide range of viewers. The series depended on the strong connection between the main actors and followed a familiar format of solving a new case each episode.

‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014–2020)

The legal drama centers around Annalise Keating, a renowned defense attorney and law professor, who finds herself caught up in a murder mystery alongside five of her students. Viola Davis received widespread praise for her portrayal of Keating, a character known for her fierce courtroom strategies. The show is celebrated for its quick-moving plot and skillful use of flashbacks and flashforwards to create tension. It delves into challenging questions of legal morality and the hidden personal lives of its characters, where secrets could ruin them all.

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ (1999–)

This popular crime drama follows an elite group of New York City detectives who investigate sexual assault cases. Mariska Hargitay has starred in the show for over twenty years, playing a detective who steadily climbs the ranks within the police force. Many episodes are based on real-life events and address important social issues surrounding victims of crime. The series has become a television icon and is widely shown in reruns.

‘Criminal Minds’ (2005–2020)

This show centers around a highly skilled team of FBI profilers who study the nation’s most dangerous criminals to predict what they’ll do next. What sets it apart from typical crime shows is its emphasis on understanding why criminals commit their crimes, rather than just focusing on clues and evidence. Though the team members changed over the show’s fifteen seasons, it consistently followed the work of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. The series is known for its intense, dark storylines and how deeply the investigations affect the personal lives of those involved.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

The series follows the Lord of Hell, who surprisingly gives up his throne to start a new life as a consultant for the Los Angeles Police Department. Tom Ellis plays the lead role, a supernatural being who helps a homicide detective solve tough cases. The show combines police procedural drama with fantasy elements, and delves into themes of finding redemption and discovering who you are. It became incredibly popular, and fans rallied together to bring the show back after it was initially canceled.

‘Chicago P.D.’ (2014–)

This show portrays the everyday lives of Chicago police officers – both those in uniform and the detectives in the Intelligence Unit – as they work to solve crimes. Jason Beghe plays Sergeant Hank Voight, a strong-willed and sometimes unconventional leader who pursues justice his own way. The series is connected to other shows about Chicago firefighters and medical personnel, often featuring characters from those programs. It offers a realistic look at the challenges and personal costs faced by police officers.

‘The Rookie’ (2018–)

This series follows a man in his middle years who decides to chase a lifelong dream: becoming a police officer with the LAPD. He finds himself as the oldest rookie on the force, and the show stars Nathan Fillion as he navigates the difficulties of starting a demanding new career. Combining action, drama, and humor, the series depicts his journey learning modern policing while also showcasing the contrasting viewpoints of experienced officers and fresh recruits as they respond to various calls.

‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)

A notorious criminal and ex-government agent unexpectedly surrenders to the FBI, offering his help in capturing other dangerous criminals. The show centers around Raymond Reddington, played by James Spader, who demands to work only with a rookie profiler named Elizabeth Keen. Each episode features a new criminal for the team to hunt down, all while a larger, mysterious conspiracy about Reddington’s past unfolds. The series is famous for its complex storylines and the captivating performance of its lead actor.

‘Elementary’ (2012–2019)

This modern update of the Sherlock Holmes stories takes place in present-day New York City and stars Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu. They play a detective duo – Holmes and a new character, Joan Watson – who consult on the NYPD’s toughest cases. The show explores Holmes’s journey to sobriety and the evolving relationship between the two leads, offering a more realistic and character-driven take on the classic tales than other recent versions.

‘NCIS’ (2003–)

NCIS agents investigate crimes involving the Navy and Marine Corps worldwide. The show became incredibly popular by blending serious military investigations with the fun, everyday interactions of the team. It’s been a long-running success on television and has even spawned several spin-off series set in different locations. Many consider it a perfect example of why procedural dramas continue to be so popular on network TV.

‘Bones’ (2005–2017)

The show follows a forensic anthropologist and an FBI agent who work together to solve crimes by analyzing human remains. Starring Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz, the series combined scientific analysis with classic detective work. Over twelve seasons, it gained a loyal audience, partly due to the chemistry between the two lead characters. Each case presented unique and challenging crime scenes, requiring the team to apply their expertise in innovative ways.

‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ (2000–2015)

This popular show follows a team of investigators in Las Vegas who use advanced scientific methods to solve murder cases. It’s famous for bringing forensic science to the forefront of TV crime dramas and even influenced real-life court cases—a phenomenon known as the ‘CSI effect.’ The series was also known for its realistic and sometimes intense depictions of crime scenes and how investigations unfolded. Its huge popularity led to the creation of spin-off shows set in cities like Miami and New York.

‘You’ (2018–)

Okay, let me tell you about this show. It centers around a seemingly sweet bookstore manager who, let’s just say, has some serious issues with boundaries. He becomes fixated on different women and, in a truly unsettling way, uses social media and technology to manipulate his way into their lives. It’s a thriller, but it’s also a really disturbing look at how warped someone’s idea of love can become, and just how far they’ll go to pursue it. What’s really clever is Penn Badgley’s voiceover – he basically lets us into the mind of this creepy guy, so we understand, though certainly don’t condone, his twisted reasoning. It’s sparked a lot of conversation, and rightly so, about whether we’re sometimes too forgiving of obsessive behavior in romance, and about how vulnerable we all are in this digital age. It’s a chilling watch, and it definitely stays with you.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

The show centers around Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, a former White House communications director who now runs a firm dedicated to fixing the public image of powerful people. Set in Washington D.C., the series follows Olivia as she deals with tricky political situations and complicated relationships. Known for its quick wit and unexpected turns, the show captivated audiences by combining a thrilling political storyline with compelling personal drama, making it incredibly addictive.

‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010–2020)

Hawaii Five-0 is a reimagining of the original series, centering on a specialized police unit dedicated to fighting crime in Hawaii. Starring Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan, the show features a pair of detectives tackling cases ranging from local criminal activity to global threats. Known for its fast-paced action and stunning Hawaiian landscapes, the series successfully ran for ten years by bringing a fresh take to the classic concept.

‘Blue Bloods’ (2010–)

The Reagan family has deep roots in law enforcement, with various members working as police commissioner, detectives, and assistant district attorneys. The show centers around the family, led by Tom Selleck, who come together for weekly Sunday dinners to share updates on their personal and professional lives. It explores the ethical and professional dilemmas faced by a family committed to upholding justice in New York City. By blending crime investigations with a heartwarming multi-generational family story, the show attracts a broad audience.

‘Quantico’ (2015–2018)

The series follows a group of new FBI recruits training at Quantico, as a dangerous terrorist scheme secretly develops within their ranks. Priyanka Chopra plays a gifted recruit who is wrongly accused of a major attack and fights to clear her name. The show jumps between the recruits’ training days and the present, revealing the consequences of the attack. It blends the suspense of a crime thriller with the dramatic flair of a soap opera, aiming to appeal to a wider, younger audience.

Share your thoughts on which crime series you believe are the most overrated in the comments.

2026-01-06 13:48