Crime Series Where the Detective Is the Real Criminal

Most crime shows draw a firm line between good cops and bad criminals. However, some of the most fascinating series turn this idea on its head, featuring detectives who are also breaking the law. These shows delve into the murky ethics of characters who use their positions of power to commit terrible deeds. The suspense builds as the main character has to cover up their own crimes and avoid getting caught. This often puts viewers in a difficult spot, as they might find themselves supporting someone who really belongs in prison.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

Dexter Morgan secretly lives a double life. By day, he’s a meticulous blood spatter analyst for the Miami police. But at night, he’s a vigilante killer, targeting criminals who’ve slipped through the cracks of the legal system. He follows a strict moral code instilled by his father. This creates a constant struggle as he investigates crimes while simultaneously covering his tracks. His position within law enforcement allows him to hide in plain sight, fueling his dark impulses. This unusual setup challenges viewers to sympathize with a character who is, at his core, a dangerous killer.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Dr. Hannibal Lecter is a highly skilled psychiatrist who helps the FBI catch dangerous criminals. However, he’s secretly a terrifying killer himself, and he eats his victims. Throughout the series, he expertly manipulates the FBI team, including criminal profiler Will Graham, diverting investigations to cover his tracks or blame others. He views the agents around him as pieces in his complex psychological games, and his trusted position makes his predatory behavior even more frightening.

‘The Shield’ (2002–2008)

In Los Angeles, Vic Mackey heads a special police unit called the Strike Team, who use harsh and unlawful tactics to control crime in their district. They essentially function as criminals within the police force, stealing drug money and manipulating evidence. The series opens with Mackey killing a colleague to hide their wrongdoing, immediately establishing the show’s dark tone. Mackey believes his actions, though corrupt, are justified because they keep the streets safe, while also benefiting him personally. The show delves into how easily people can cross moral lines when those in power operate outside the law.

‘Banshee’ (2013–2016)

A skilled thief takes over the life of Lucas Hood after the elected sheriff is killed. He tries to act as law enforcement in the Amish town of Banshee while secretly continuing his criminal work and evading a powerful and dangerous crime boss. As sheriff, he often delivers his own rough brand of justice, ignoring the rules. Throughout the series, his hidden past threatens to be exposed as he gets caught up in the town’s local conflicts. The show is a fast-paced mix of intense action and the suspense of a man trying to keep his true identity a secret.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

Okay, so ‘Death Note’ is this incredible thriller I recently watched. It’s about Light Yagami, a really bright student who finds a notebook with the power to kill anyone just by writing their name in it. He starts this whole campaign to rid the world of criminals, calling himself Kira, but here’s the twist – he also joins the police task force trying to catch Kira! It’s a total mind game as he tries to outsmart this brilliant, quirky detective named L, all while secretly working against the investigation from within. What’s really fascinating is watching Light’s character change; he starts believing he’s some kind of god, even manipulating people close to him like his own dad and coworkers. It’s a seriously gripping story where you’re constantly guessing, and the hunter and the hunted are often right next to each other – it’s just brilliant!

‘Line of Duty’ (2012–2021)

This gripping series centers on AC-12, a police unit dedicated to uncovering corruption within the force. Each season follows their investigations into detectives who are often involved in organized crime, going to extreme lengths – including covering up murders – to protect their partners. These corrupt officers are skilled at manipulating the system and exploiting police procedures to avoid getting caught. The show creates intense suspense as the team tries to identify ‘H’, the mastermind behind the widespread corruption, revealing how seemingly trustworthy officers abuse their power for personal gain.

‘We Own This City’ (2022)

This miniseries tells the shocking true story of the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force. It follows Sergeant Wayne Jenkins and his team of undercover officers who abused their power to steal from people and resell drugs, all while collecting extra pay. For years, they operated without consequences, preying on those who couldn’t defend themselves. The show reveals a deeply flawed system that allowed these officers to act like criminals, and how the focus on making arrests actually encouraged their illegal behavior.

‘Shades of Blue’ (2016–2018)

Harlee Santos is a compelling detective and mother working with a group of corrupt police officers in Brooklyn. To support her gifted daughter, she takes bribes and offers protection in exchange for money. When the FBI catches her, she’s forced to become an informant, turning against her colleagues and the officer who taught her everything. Harlee finds herself in a dangerous position, balancing loyalty to those she cares about with the threat of imprisonment. As her criminal actions and the FBI investigation become intertwined, the situation grows increasingly tense.

‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)

Raymond Reddington, a famous criminal, turns himself in to the FBI and offers to help them catch other criminals. While working with FBI profiler Elizabeth Keen, he secretly builds his own criminal network, protected by a deal that gives him immunity from prosecution. He cleverly gets rid of rivals by giving their names to the FBI, making it look like he’s helping with justice. The series centers on what Reddington is really trying to achieve and the nature of his connection to Keen, as he exploits government resources for his own benefit.

‘White Collar’ (2009–2014)

Neal Caffrey is a skilled con artist and forger who makes a deal with the FBI: he’ll help them catch white-collar criminals if they let him out of prison. While working with the FBI, he often uses his talents for personal gain and to settle scores. His FBI handler, Peter Burke, has to keep a close watch on him to make sure he doesn’t revert to a life of crime. Their partnership is built on the constant push and pull between Caffrey’s criminal tendencies and his duty to the bureau, proving that sometimes you need a little bit of a bad guy to catch another.

‘Too Old to Die Young’ (2019)

By day, Martin Jones is a police officer haunted by loss. But by night, he works as a hired killer for a powerful cartel. Set in the dangerous criminal world of Los Angeles, the series follows Jones as he crosses paths with other assassins and members of the Yakuza. The show uses long, unbroken shots and a dark, moody style to highlight the protagonist’s growing moral emptiness. Jones remains cold and distant as he carries out brutal acts for money, and the story delves into his search for meaning amidst a world of crime and corruption.

‘Low Winter Sun’ (2013)

Detroit detective Frank Agnew thinks he’s gotten away with murder when he kills a fellow officer. But his ‘perfect crime’ quickly spirals into a complex web of lies as the investigation uncovers ties to the city’s criminal underworld. Now, Agnew is forced to investigate his own crime, all while trying to evade suspicion from internal affairs and cover his tracks. The show offers a dark and realistic portrayal of police corruption and the heavy emotional burden of guilt, revealing how one lie leads to another in a desperate attempt to stay hidden.

‘City on a Hill’ (2019–2022)

Jackie Rohr is a seasoned, but corrupt, FBI agent working in 1990s Boston. He benefits from a system built on favors and secret agreements. When an armored car robbery case arises, he unexpectedly teams up with a young, principled assistant district attorney. Rohr consistently cuts corners and acts unethically to stay in power and protect his image. The show explores how deeply ingrained corruption was within Boston’s law enforcement. Rohr embodies the established, old-fashioned way of doing things and resists much-needed reforms to the justice system.

‘Tin Star’ (2017–2020)

Jim Worth, a retired London police detective, tries to start a new life as the police chief of a quiet town in the Canadian Rockies. But he battles a dangerous secret: when he drinks, he transforms into Jack Devlin, a violent and vengeful personality. As Jim slips back into alcoholism, Jack takes over, committing terrible acts against anyone who threatens his loved ones. The conflict between his two identities intensifies, and the town is thrown into turmoil as Jim loses control. The series portrays a man locked in an internal struggle, where his darker side often prevails.

‘StartUp’ (2016–2018)

Phil Rask is a dishonest FBI agent who uses his power to blackmail a tech company owner and a gang leader from Haiti. He gets involved in their illegal money laundering operation using cryptocurrency, all while trying to enrich himself. Rask will do anything – including kill or betray others – to protect himself and make a profit. The series follows his downward spiral as he loses control of his job and his life, revealing him as a dangerous villain who uses his position as a federal agent to hide his crimes.

‘Graceland’ (2013–2015)

In Southern California, a team of undercover law enforcement agents share a beach house seized from criminals. Paul Briggs, the experienced FBI agent in charge, has a hidden secret: he’s been stealing drugs and money from the cases he oversees. New agent Mike Warren arrives with a secret mission – to investigate Briggs. The show explores the close bonds between the agents while also building suspense around the possibility that their leader is deeply involved in criminal activity. As the investigation unfolds, the agents begin to suspect the corruption goes much further than they initially thought, putting their loyalty to the test.

‘Sneaky Pete’ (2015–2019)

Marius Josipovic is a criminal pretending to be a man named Pete Murphy to escape a dangerous gangster. He worms his way into Pete’s family, who own a bail bonds company, and gets a job tracking down people who’ve skipped bail. While using his shady skills to catch fugitives, Marius is also running scams to pay off his own debts. This creates a lot of stress because he’s constantly lying to the family he’s starting to care for – he’s acting like a law enforcement type while actually being on the run himself.

‘Your Honor’ (2020–2023)

Michael Desiato, a well-respected judge in New Orleans, bends the law when his son is involved in a deadly car accident. He uses his understanding of the legal system to hide evidence and throw off the police. This leads him into a risky partnership with a local crime family. The show explores the lengths a father will go to for his child and how quickly someone admired in the community can turn to crime, as Desiato abandons all the principles he once stood for in the courtroom.

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ (2021–Present)

Mike McLusky is a key player in a town heavily reliant on its prison system. While not a police officer, he acts as a go-between for gangs, prison guards, and the police, often breaking the law to keep things stable both inside and outside the prison walls. He delivers his own brand of justice, bypassing legal procedures and rights. The show portrays a world where the law is often ignored and people must resort to crime to survive.

‘Luther’ (2010–2019)

John Luther is a gifted detective haunted by the darkness he encounters in his work. He develops a complex and forbidden connection with Alice Morgan, a brilliant but dangerous killer he couldn’t bring to justice. Luther frequently bends or breaks the rules and manipulates evidence, believing it’s necessary to deliver justice. While his methods make him an outcast among his peers, they also make him a highly effective investigator. The series explores the question of whether someone can maintain their own morality when constantly surrounded by evil.

Tell us which corrupt detective shocked you the most by leaving your opinion in the comments.

2025-12-26 05:18