30 Overrated Crime Shows Everyone Seems To Like

The crime genre remains one of the most popular categories in television history with millions of viewers tuning in every week. These shows often dominate ratings and social media discussions while generating significant fan bases around the world. While many of these series receive critical acclaim and multiple awards they also face scrutiny for repetitive tropes and predictable plots. This list explores some of the most famous crime dramas that have captured public attention despite various criticisms of their execution.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

This modern adaptation brings the famous detective into the twenty first century to solve intricate cases in London. Benedict Cumberbatch plays a brilliant but socially detached investigator alongside Martin Freeman as his loyal partner. The show is known for its high production values and cinematic style which helped it gain a massive cult following during its run. Many viewers appreciate the fast paced dialogue and the updated versions of classic literary mysteries.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Set in Birmingham following the First World War this series tracks the rise of the Shelby crime family. Cillian Murphy stars as the ambitious leader who navigates political corruption and gang warfare to expand his empire. The program is celebrated for its distinctive fashion and moody soundtrack which have influenced modern popular culture. It blends historical events with fictional drama to create a stylized version of the British underworld.

‘True Detective’ (2014–)

This anthology series focuses on different sets of detectives as they investigate dark and ritualistic crimes across various regions. Each season features a new cast and a self contained story that explores the psychological impact of investigative work. The first season received immense praise for its philosophical themes and atmospheric storytelling style. Subsequent seasons have attempted to replicate this success with high profile actors and complex narrative structures.

‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)

This drama chronicles the rise and fall of the drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the Medellín cartel in Colombia. It combines archival footage with dramatized scenes to depict the intense efforts of law enforcement to take down criminal organizations. The show gained significant popularity for its gritty portrayal of the drug war and the complexities of international politics. It eventually transitioned into a wider look at the global narcotics trade through various spin off series.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

The story follows two FBI agents who develop new methods for profiling serial killers by interviewing incarcerated criminals. Based on real events the series explores the early days of criminal psychology and the development of the Behavioral Science Unit. David Fincher serves as an executive producer and director contributing to the meticulous visual style and slow burn pacing of the narrative. Fans often highlight the intense interrogation scenes and the psychological depth of the lead characters.

‘Sons of Anarchy’ (2008–2014)

This series focuses on an outlaw motorcycle club operating in the fictional town of Charming California. Charlie Hunnam plays a young man struggling to balance his loyalty to the club with his growing doubts about their criminal activities. The show explores themes of brotherhood and betrayal while depicting the violent conflicts between rival gangs. It maintained a loyal fan base throughout its seven season run due to its dramatic plot twists and complex character arcs.

‘Dexter’ (2006–2013)

A forensic technician for the Miami Metro Police Department lives a double life as a vigilante serial killer who targets other murderers. The narrative follows his attempts to maintain a normal appearance while satisfying his dark urges under a strict code of conduct. The series explores the morality of extrajudicial justice and the internal struggle of a protagonist without typical human emotions. While the early seasons received high praise the later years were often criticized for their narrative direction and character development.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

This prequel to another famous crime drama explores the transformation of an earnest lawyer into a morally flexible defense attorney. Bob Odenkirk reprises his role as Jimmy McGill as he navigates the legal world and the criminal underworld of Albuquerque. The show is noted for its character driven storytelling and slow builds that lead to significant narrative payoffs. It successfully expanded the universe of its predecessor while establishing its own unique tone and visual language.

‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

A financial advisor moves his family to the Missouri Ozarks after a money laundering scheme for a drug cartel goes wrong. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney star as a couple forced to navigate a dangerous criminal landscape while protecting their children. The series is characterized by its dark color palette and escalating tension as the characters descend further into illegal activities. It has been frequently compared to other prestige crime dramas for its exploration of family dynamics and moral decay.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

This police procedural takes a comedic approach to the daily lives of detectives in a New York City precinct. Andy Samberg leads an ensemble cast that balances humorous subplots with legitimate criminal investigations and character growth. The show gained a large following for its diverse representation and its ability to handle serious social issues within a sitcom format. It remained popular for its lighthearted tone and the strong chemistry between its core cast members.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

A mysterious man known as the Professor recruits a group of specialists to carry out an ambitious robbery of the Royal Mint of Spain. The Spanish series became an international sensation on streaming platforms due to its suspenseful plot and iconic red jumpsuits. It uses a non linear narrative structure with flashbacks to explain the detailed planning behind the heist. The show focuses on the interpersonal relationships and emotional conflicts that arise among the thieves during the high pressure operation.

‘The Mentalist’ (2008–2015)

A former psychic medium uses his keen observational skills to help the California Bureau of Investigation solve crimes. Simon Baker stars as Patrick Jane who seeks revenge against the serial killer who murdered his family. The procedural format features a variety of cases that are often solved through psychological manipulation and deduction. The long running search for the elusive Red John served as the primary overarching mystery for much of the series.

‘White Collar’ (2009–2014)

A brilliant con artist agrees to help an FBI agent catch other white collar criminals in exchange for his freedom. Matt Bomer and Tim DeKay star as an unlikely duo that develops a mutual respect while investigating high end thefts and forgeries. The show is known for its glamorous New York City setting and the charming dynamic between the lead characters. It combines episodic cases with a larger mystery regarding the past of the protagonist and his associates.

‘Castle’ (2009–2016)

A best selling mystery novelist teams up with a homicide detective to find inspiration for his new book series. Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic play the central pair whose professional partnership eventually evolves into a romantic relationship. The series blends police work with lighthearted banter and occasional comedic elements to appeal to a broad audience. It relied heavily on the chemistry of its leads and the procedural format of solving one case per episode.

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

A high profile defense attorney and law professor becomes entangled in a murder plot with five of her students. Viola Davis received critical acclaim for her performance as Annalise Keating who uses aggressive tactics to win her cases. The show is famous for its fast paced narrative and frequent use of flash forwards to build suspense. It often explores complex legal ethics and personal secrets that threaten to destroy the lives of everyone involved.

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

This long running procedural focuses on a specialized squad of detectives who investigate sexually based offenses in New York City. Mariska Hargitay has led the series for over two decades as her character rises through the ranks of the police department. The episodes often draw inspiration from real life headlines and social issues involving victims of crime. It has become one of the most recognizable brands in television history with a massive presence in syndication.

‘Criminal Minds’ (2005–2020)

The series follows an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country most dangerous criminal minds to anticipate their next moves. Unlike many other procedurals it focuses more on the psychology of the perpetrator rather than the physical evidence. The ensemble cast changed several times over its fifteen seasons but maintained a consistent focus on the Behavioral Analysis Unit. It is known for its dark themes and the personal toll that investigating serial killers takes on the team members.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

The Lord of Hell abandons his throne to move to Los Angeles where he becomes a consultant for the local police department. Tom Ellis portrays the title character who uses his supernatural abilities to assist a homicide detective in solving crimes. The show blends urban fantasy elements with the standard procedural format while exploring themes of redemption and identity. It gained a particularly dedicated fan base that successfully campaigned to save the series after its initial cancellation.

‘Chicago P.D.’ (2014–)

This drama follows the uniformed officers and the elite Intelligence Unit of the Chicago Police Department as they fight crime in the city. Jason Beghe stars as the tough and often controversial Sergeant Hank Voight who leads the team with his own brand of justice. The series is part of a larger franchise that frequently crosses over with other shows focused on firefighters and medical professionals. It emphasizes the gritty reality of urban policing and the personal sacrifices made by those in law enforcement.

‘The Rookie’ (2018–)

A middle aged man decides to pursue his dream of joining the Los Angeles Police Department and becomes the oldest rookie on the force. Nathan Fillion stars in this series that follows the challenges of starting a new career in a high pressure environment. The show combines action and drama with moments of humor as the protagonist learns the ropes of modern policing. It explores the different perspectives of seasoned officers and new recruits as they handle a wide range of calls.

‘The Blacklist’ (2013–2023)

A former government agent and high profile criminal turns himself in to the FBI and offers to help catch other dangerous fugitives. James Spader stars as Raymond Reddington who insists on working exclusively with a young profiler named Elizabeth Keen. The series features a list of criminals that the team must track down while uncovering a deep conspiracy involving the past of the protagonist. It is known for its elaborate mysteries and the enigmatic performance of its lead actor.

‘Elementary’ (2012–2019)

This contemporary take on Sherlock Holmes is set in modern day New York City and features a female Joan Watson. Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu star as the detective duo who assist the police with their most difficult and unusual cases. The show focuses on the recovery of the protagonist from addiction and the developing partnership between the two leads. It offers a more grounded and character focused version of the legendary detective stories than other recent adaptations.

‘NCIS’ (2003–)

Special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service handle cases involving the Navy and the Marine Corps across the globe. The series became a massive hit due to its mix of military drama and lighthearted character interactions among the team members. It has remained a staple of network television for many years and has produced multiple spin offs set in different cities. The show is often cited as a prime example of the enduring popularity of the procedural format on broadcast TV.

‘Bones’ (2005–2017)

A forensic anthropologist and an FBI agent team up to solve crimes by examining the remains of victims. Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz star as the central pair who use science and traditional investigative techniques to find the truth. The series ran for twelve seasons and built a large audience through the romantic tension between its lead characters. It often featured unusual crime scenes that challenged the team to use their specialized knowledge in creative ways.

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

This influential series focuses on a team of forensic scientists who use cutting edge technology to solve murders in Las Vegas. It popularized the use of scientific evidence in television dramas and led to a real world phenomenon known as the CSI effect. The show was known for its graphic visual style and detailed recreations of how crimes were committed. Its massive success paved the way for several other series set in cities like Miami and New York.

‘You’ (2018–)

A charming bookstore manager becomes obsessed with various women and uses social media and technology to insert himself into their lives. The thriller series explores the dark side of modern romance and the dangerous lengths a person will go to for what they perceive as love. Penn Badgley provides a constant internal monologue that gives viewers insight into the twisted logic of his character. The show has sparked significant debate about the romanticization of toxic behavior and the privacy risks of the digital age.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

A former White House communications director starts her own crisis management firm to protect the public images of the political elite. Kerry Washington stars as Olivia Pope who navigates complex power dynamics and romantic entanglements in Washington DC. The series is known for its fast paced dialogue and shocking plot twists that kept viewers engaged throughout its run. It blended political thriller elements with intense personal drama to create a highly addictive viewing experience.

‘Hawaii Five-0’ (2010–2020)

This reboot of the classic series follows an elite state police task force fighting crime in the tropical setting of Hawaii. Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan star as the lead partners who deal with everything from local gangs to international terrorism. The show is characterized by its high energy action sequences and the scenic beauty of its filming locations. It maintained a strong presence on network television for a decade by updating the original premise for a modern audience.

‘Blue Bloods’ (2010–)

The Reagan family has a long history in law enforcement with different members serving as the police commissioner a detective and an assistant district attorney. Tom Selleck stars as the patriarch of the family which gathers every week for a Sunday dinner to discuss their lives and work. The show focuses on the moral and professional challenges faced by a family dedicated to the New York City justice system. It appeals to a wide demographic by combining police procedurals with multi generational family drama.

‘Quantico’ (2015–2018)

A group of young FBI recruits undergoes training at the Quantico base while a hidden terrorist plot unfolds among them. Priyanka Chopra stars as a talented recruit who is eventually framed for a massive attack and must prove her innocence. The series uses a non linear timeline to show the characters during their training and in the present day as they deal with the fallout. It combined elements of a crime drama with the intensity of a soap opera to attract a younger audience.

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