Crime Shows have been around for a very long time. The first crime show was called “Dragnet” and was released on-screen in 1951. This came about after a popular radio show began airing under the same name in 1949. As one of the first crime shows out there, Dragnet was shot like a modern documentary.
Dragnet focused on the families and how these crimes affected their lives forever. In the early days of crime shows, there was a wide range of genres, from old-western and spy dramas to good old-fashioned detectives and fugitives. Some early examples include The FBI, The Fugitive, Bonanza, and I Spy.
According to Edison’s research, 84% of U.S. people older than 12 are crime consumers. True crime is its own entirely separate genre, in my opinion. True crime is wholly based upon the fact that everything on-screen happened. There is no extra drama or crazy plot twists; everything is accurate, unedited horror. Many true crime documentaries interestingly bring people a sense of comfort. If you are a fan of true crime, check out these shows!
According to psychologists, there are two theories regarding the cause of comfort in true crime. Some say watching true crime can make someone feel safe and in control. You may even feel or view very real danger; however, be truly secure in the process. Other experts suggest it could be due to unresolved trauma.
Crime Shows
Yet another genre of crime television is simply fictional crime shows. The drama is every bit as intense as necessary, often with crazy plot twists, insane storylines, and incredible actors and actresses. Good old-fashioned crime shows are the best. But what crime shows outrank them all? Surely, the list could be endless, so I wanted to name specifically the six crime shows you must watch in your lifetime. Any fan of crime will want to keep reading and check out this list!
Cold Case
It’s a pretty unique crime show that was on-air for 7 years. Strictly following homicidal crimes that have never been solved, or “cold cases.” This show follows a tough yet troubled female detective battling personal and professional trauma throughout the series. I highly recommend this series to any crime show lover.
BURBANK, CA – 2007: Kathryn Morris and Danny Pino star in the CBS drama series Cold Case, broadcast Sundays (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Criminal Minds
Incredible acting performances, evolving creativity, and longevity on TV networks. Celebrating its 20th year of being on-air in 2025, Criminal Minds must be watched by all crime show lovers.
LOS ANGELES – MARCH 6: “Date Night” — After a father and daughter get kidnapped, a former foe of the BAU returns with very specific demands for Dr. Reid that give a whole new meaning to the phrase “wheels up,” on CRIMINAL MINDS, Wednesday, Feb. 5 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Rachel Leigh Cook returns as Maxine. Pictured: Joe Mantegna as David Rossi (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images)
NCIS
NCIS has been on the air in many different versions since 2003. It’s a show that is witty, suspenseful, and always compelling. It’s one of the all-time best crime shows that is worth checking out.
LOS ANGELES – MARCH 10: “The Arizona” — The team tries to verify the identity of Joe Smith (Christopher Lloyd), who claims he served on the U.S.S. Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and wants to be buried there upon his death, on NCIS, Tuesday, April 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Wilmer Valderrama as NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres, Mark Harmon as NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Emily Wickersham as NCIS Special Agent Elizabeth “Ellie” Bishop. (Photo by Michael Yarish/CBS via Getty Images)
Blue Bloods
Blue Bloods is one of the most recent crime shows on this list. I think one of the biggest reasons this show is so excellent is that it does an incredible job of making cops seem like humans. Which I believe is often lost among many people in the world.
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: “No Good Deed” Danny and his nephew Joe Hill (Will Hochman) investigate the homicide of a delivery driver who may have been connected to an illegal narcotics ring in the city. Also, Eddie is determined to save the job of a probationary police officer who may be fired for responding to a crime; Frank faces a hard decision when he discovers Gormley is non-compliant with NYPD residency requirements; and Erin clashes with her boss, D.A. Crawford, when a seemingly rehabilitated criminal from an old case becomes the subject of an armed robbery investigation, on BLUE BLOODS, Friday, Nov. 15 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs). Pictured (L-R): Will Hocham as Joe Hill and Donnie Wahlberg as Danny Reagan. (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS via Getty Images)
