25 Best Crime Drama TV Shows You Have Never Seen

Crime dramas have a way of pulling you in with their intense stories and complex characters. I’ve always been drawn to shows that mix gritty investigations with personal struggles, and there are so many out there that don’t get the attention they deserve.

This list uncovers 25 lesser-known crime drama TV shows that deserve a spot on your watchlist. From dark psychological thrillers to small-town mysteries, these series offer fresh takes on the genre. Each one brings something unique, whether it’s a standout performance or a story that keeps you guessing.

25. ‘The Undoing’ (2020)

This miniseries follows a wealthy New York therapist, played by Nicole Kidman, whose perfect life unravels when her husband becomes a suspect in a brutal murder. The show dives into privilege, secrets, and betrayal with a sleek, suspenseful vibe.

Hugh Grant’s chilling performance as the charming yet questionable husband keeps you hooked. It’s a tight six episodes that blend courtroom drama with psychological twists, perfect for a quick binge.

24. ‘Your Honor’ (2020-2023)

Bryan Cranston stars as a New Orleans judge whose son is involved in a hit-and-run that spirals into a web of lies and crime. The show explores how far a father will go to protect his child, even if it means bending the law.

It’s tense and morally complex, with Cranston delivering a powerhouse performance. The stakes keep rising, making it hard to look away from this underrated gem.

23. ‘Goliath’ (2016-2021)

Billy Bob Thornton plays a washed-up lawyer who takes on cases against powerful corporations while battling his own demons. Set in Los Angeles, the show mixes legal drama with noir-style crime.

Each season feels like a gritty novel, with Thornton’s rough charm carrying the story. It’s a slow burn that rewards patient viewers with sharp writing and unexpected twists.

22. ‘The Night Of’ (2016)

A young man’s one-night stand leads to a murder charge in this gripping HBO miniseries. Riz Ahmed shines as Naz, a Pakistani-American student caught in a flawed justice system.

The show examines race, class, and the legal process with raw intensity. John Turturro’s role as a scrappy lawyer adds heart to this dark, compelling story.

21. ‘Rectify’ (2013-2016)

After 19 years on death row, Daniel Holden is released when new evidence questions his guilt in a small-town murder. This slow-paced drama focuses on his struggle to rebuild his life.

Aden Young’s quiet, haunting performance anchors the show. It’s less about the crime and more about the emotional fallout, making it a unique entry in the genre.

20. ‘Hap and Leonard’ (2016-2018)

Set in 1980s Texas, this series follows two misfit friends—a white ex-con and a Black Vietnam vet—who stumble into crime-filled adventures. James Purefoy and Michael Kenneth Williams have electric chemistry.

The show blends dark humor, gritty action, and Southern gothic vibes. It’s a fun, under-the-radar ride that never takes itself too seriously.

19. ‘Tin Star’ (2017-2020)

Tim Roth plays a British cop who moves to a small Canadian town, only to face corruption and violence. The show leans into chaotic energy, with Roth’s unhinged performance stealing the spotlight.

It’s a wild mix of family drama and brutal crime, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. The twists keep coming, making it a binge-worthy surprise.

18. ‘City on a Hill’ (2019-2022)

This Boston-set drama pairs a corrupt FBI agent, played by Kevin Bacon, with an idealistic prosecutor to take on crime in the 1990s. The show captures the city’s gritty underbelly.

Bacon’s morally gray character drives the tension, while the cases reflect real-world issues. It’s a solid, character-driven story that deserves more love.

17. ‘The Outsider’ (2020)

Based on Stephen King’s novel, this miniseries follows a detective investigating a child’s murder that defies logic. Ben Mendelsohn and Cynthia Erivo lead a cast that grapples with supernatural elements.

The show starts as a straightforward crime drama but veers into eerie territory. Its slow build and haunting atmosphere make it a standout.

16. ‘Perry Mason’ (2020-2023)

A reimagined take on the classic lawyer, Matthew Rhys stars as a 1930s private investigator tackling dark cases in Los Angeles. The show dives into corruption and moral ambiguity.

Rhys brings grit and heart to the role, with lush period visuals adding flair. It’s a fresh spin on a familiar name, perfect for noir fans.

15. ‘Wentworth’ (2013-2021)

This Australian drama follows Bea Smith, a woman navigating life in a tough women’s prison after a violent crime. It’s raw, intense, and packed with complex characters.

The show balances power struggles, alliances, and betrayals with emotional depth. Danielle Cormack’s performance as Bea makes it a gripping, underseen gem.

14. ‘Mr. Inbetween’ (2018-2021)

Scott Ryan stars as Ray Shoesmith, an Australian hitman juggling his criminal life with family duties. The show mixes dark comedy with tense crime drama.

Its short episodes and tight storytelling make it highly bingeable. Ryan’s understated performance gives Ray a surprising amount of heart.

13. ‘Animal Kingdom’ (2016-2022)

This series follows a teen who joins his criminal family in California after his mother’s death. Ellen Barkin shines as the ruthless matriarch of the Cody clan.

The show blends heist thrills with dysfunctional family dynamics. Its sunny setting contrasts with the dark deeds, making it a unique crime saga.

12. ‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010-2014)

Set during Prohibition, this HBO series follows Enoch ‘Nucky’ Thompson, a politician running Atlantic City’s underworld. Steve Buscemi leads a stellar cast.

The show’s rich historical detail and complex characters make it a slow-burn masterpiece. It’s a crime epic that often flies under the radar.

11. ‘Banshee’ (2013-2016)

A thief posing as a small-town sheriff gets caught in a web of crime and corruption. Antony Starr’s intense performance drives this action-packed series.

The show leans into over-the-top violence and wild twists, but its heart lies in the characters’ relationships. It’s a guilty pleasure worth discovering.

10. ‘The Bridge’ (2011-2018)

This Scandinavian series follows a Swedish detective and her Danish counterpart solving a murder on the border between their countries. Sofia Helin’s portrayal of Saga Norén is unforgettable.

The show’s bleak tone and intricate mysteries set the standard for Nordic noir. Its cross-cultural dynamic adds a fresh layer to the genre.

9. ‘Ray Donovan’ (2013-2020)

Liev Schreiber stars as a Hollywood fixer cleaning up messes for the rich and powerful while battling his own family’s dark past. The show mixes crime with personal drama.

Schreiber’s brooding intensity carries the series, with strong supporting performances. It’s a gritty look at loyalty and redemption that deserves more buzz.

8. ‘Justified’ (2010-2015)

Timothy Olyphant plays Raylan Givens, a U.S. Marshal enforcing his own brand of justice in rural Kentucky. The show’s sharp dialogue and colorful characters shine.

Based on Elmore Leonard’s stories, it blends Western vibes with modern crime. Its mix of humor and tension makes it a hidden classic.

7. ‘Luther’ (2010-2019)

Idris Elba stars as a brilliant but troubled London detective tackling gruesome crimes. His cat-and-mouse game with a psychopath, played by Ruth Wilson, is electric.

The show’s dark tone and Elba’s magnetic performance make it a must-watch. It’s a psychological thriller that keeps you on edge.

6. ‘Gangs of London’ (2020-2022)

This British series dives into London’s criminal underworld, where rival gangs fight for control after a mob boss’s death. The action is brutal and cinematic.

Gareth Evans’ kinetic direction and a strong ensemble cast elevate the show. It’s a visceral, high-octane drama that’s flown under the radar.

5. ‘The Fall’ (2013-2016)

Gillian Anderson plays a detective hunting a serial killer, portrayed by Jamie Dornan, in Belfast. The show’s slow-burn tension builds a chilling atmosphere.

Anderson’s steely performance and Dornan’s unsettling charm create a gripping dynamic. It’s a dark, character-driven thriller that deserves more attention.

4. ‘Top Boy’ (2011-2023)

Set in London’s drug trade, this series follows two dealers navigating power and betrayal. Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson deliver raw, authentic performances.

Revived by Netflix after a cancellation, it’s a gritty look at urban life. The show’s emotional depth and realism make it a standout.

3. ‘Unforgotten’ (2015-2025)

Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar star as London detectives solving cold cases. Each season uncovers a new mystery with emotional weight.

The show’s strength lies in its human stories and stellar guest casts. It’s a quiet but powerful drama that hooks you from the start.

2. ‘Happy Valley’ (2014-2023)

Sarah Lancashire plays a tough Yorkshire police sergeant dealing with personal tragedy and local crime. The show balances intense cases with raw family drama.

Lancashire’s commanding performance carries the series, with James Norton as a chilling villain. It’s a masterful blend of heart and suspense.

1. ‘The Wire’ (2002-2008)

This Baltimore-set drama follows cops, dealers, and residents caught in the drug trade. Its ensemble cast, led by Dominic West and Michael K. Williams, is phenomenal.

The show’s realistic portrayal of systemic issues and rich storytelling make it a masterpiece. Often overlooked by mainstream audiences, it’s a must-watch for crime drama fans.

Which hidden crime drama are you adding to your watchlist, or did I miss a gem you love? Share your picks in the comments!