The best cop shows have captivated audiences for decades, providing a thrilling mix of action, drama, and mystery. Crime dramas focusing on police forces often explore the intricate workings of law enforcement, from the gritty realities of the street to the psychological depth of criminal minds. Whether through procedural investigations or character-driven narratives, cop shows have become a cornerstone of television, reflecting societal issues and human nature's complexities. A huge number of cop shows have left a significant mark on the genre, setting benchmarks for storytelling and character development.

From the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii to the cold, dark alleys of Baltimore, the shows offer diverse settings and perspectives on crime and justice. They have not only entertained but also sparked conversations about morality, justice, and the human condition in an ever-evolving society that has rightfully scrutinized law enforcement in recent years. Celebrated for their influential storytelling, compelling characters, and enduring legacies, these cop shows have left an indelible mark on television, engaging audiences with their thrilling crime-solving, deep character studies, and poignant social commentary.

25 Columbo (1971-1978)

A Seemingly Bumbling Detective Excels At Being Underestimated

When it comes to TV detectives, Columbo is one of the most unique as well as one of the most influential of all time. While these types of characters, going back to the days of noir movies, have always been stoic and serious characters, Columbo took another path in creating a police sleuth who was somewhere between a genius and a bumbling oaf. Peter Falk plays the part perfectly, delivering a hilarious and exciting character.

Columbo is not a mystery show in the typical sense as the episodes always begin with the audience seeing the crime being carried out and the guilty party clearly identified. However, the fun comes from these characters thinking they have gotten away with it only for Columbo to begin sniffing around and asking questions. He makes for an unassuming threat only for it to become clear that he is not as absent-minded or disorganized as he lets on.

24 We Own This City (2022)

A Look At Corruption In Baltimore's Police Department

While many of these cop shows display the heroism and competence of people on the job, We Own This City is a look at the very real issues of police corruption and abuse of power. From the creators of The Wire, We Own This City is also set in Baltimore and stars Jon Bernthal as Wayne Jenkins, a powerful and celebrated leader of a Gun Trace Task Force in the police department who has assembled a team of morally bankrupt and self-interested police officers who go by their own rules.

The series is a captivating, frustrating, and eye-opening look at the way these cops can rise to this level of corruption, how the system protects them, and the work that is done to bring them to justice. There are a lot of cast from The Wire who appear on the show, but Bernthal has the standout performance as a man who does not understand that he is the villain.

23 Bosch (2014-2021)

A Hardened Detective Plays By His Own Rules

Based on the character created by author Michael Connelly, Harry Bosch is the kind of tough and dedicated detective character that fans of cop shows were used to seeing back in the day. Bosch follows the talented detective as he investigates homicides in Los Angeles while also dealing with constant criticism and trouble from his superiors for his rouge and reckless approach to police work.

Titus Welliver is excellent in the lead role, bringing levels of depth to a character who could have easily been very one-note. Bosch has his own demons that lead him down dark paths in the series and motivate his personal sense of justice. However, he is also a loving father who would do anything to protect his loved ones. It makes for a captivating character to follow throughout the entire series as well as continue following in Bosch: Legacy.

22 Happy Valley (2014-2023)

A Troubled Police Offers Deals With Crimes And Personal Tragedy

British crime shows have helped to redefine the cop show in the 21st century. What used to be a genre filled with standard police procedurals about hardened and flawless cops chasing clear-cut criminals developed into something more complex in these British productions. While there are countless British detective shows to choose from, Happy Valley is often named as the best of the bunch.

The series follows various crimes such as serial killers and ransom plots in an English county. However, the real focus of the show is on the struggles of the protagonist, Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood. As she deals with divorce, the loss of a child, and caring for her grandchild, she maintains her professionalism and dedication to seeing justice done in her community. It is a riveting saga with an engrossing performance from Sarah Lancashire.

21 Mare Of Easttown (2021)

A Police Investigation Rocks A Small Community

Mare of Easttown feels like the American answer to character-driven British cop shows like Happy Valley. Kate Winslet stars as Mare, a police officer in a small Pennsylvania town who continues to deal with her perception as a local sports hero while also avoiding the trauma of a past tragedy. It all comes to a head when Mare begins to investigate a murder in her town which rocks the close-knit community and forces her to look at those around her.

The series is a deep examination of the main character and the trauma she has been avoiding her whole life. However, it is also a gripping mystery with plenty of twists and turns along its path to a shocking and effective reveal. Winslet gives an incredible performance in the lead role, and she is ed by the likes of Jean Smart, Angourie Rice, and Cailee Spaeny.

20 Hawaii Five-0 (2010-2020)

A Modern Reimagining Of The Classic Hawaii-Based Series

A modern reboot of the classic series, Hawaii Five-0 brought a fresh, action-packed approach to the crime procedural genre. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii’s beaches and lush landscapes, the show follows an elite task force led by Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) and Danny Williams (Scott Caan) as they tackle high-stakes crimes ranging from terrorism to organized crime. The chemistry between the Hawaii Five-0 cast, particularly the bromance between McGarrett and Danny, provided a perfect blend of humor and drama.

Running for a decade, Hawaii Five-0 managed to stay relevant by continually evolving its storylines and characters. The show also earned praise for its diverse cast and for addressing social issues within its episodes. With its thrilling chases, explosive action scenes, and emotional depth, Hawaii Five-0 became a beloved staple of television, offering a perfect escape into the sun-soaked, high-octane world of Hawaiian law enforcement.

19 The Closer (2005-2012)

A Golden Globe-Winning Cop Show

The Closer revolves around Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick), a brilliant investigator known for her sharp interrogation skills and determination to close cases. Set in Los Angeles, the show focuses on Johnson’s ability to solve high-profile crimes, often through intense and psychologically astute interrogations. Sedgwick’s portrayal of Johnson, with her Southern charm and fierce resolve, made her one of television’s most memorable detectives.

The series delves into the personal and professional challenges Johnson faces, highlighting her complex relationships with her team and her struggles to balance her demanding career with her personal life. The Closer garnered critical acclaim for its strong character development, compelling storylines, and Sedgwick’s standout performance, which earned her a Golden Globe. The show’s success paved the way for its spin-off, Major Crimes, continuing its legacy in the crime drama genre.

18 Southland (2009-2013)

A Gritty Portrayal Of The LAPD Officers With A Documentary-Style Aesthetic

Southland offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of the lives of LAPD officers, capturing the raw and often harsh realities of policing in Los Angeles. The show’s documentary-style filming and focus on the personal and professional struggles of its characters set it apart from traditional cop shows. It features an ensemble cast, including Michael Cudlitz as Officer John Cooper and Regina King as Detective Lydia Adams, whose performances bring authenticity and depth to their roles.

The series tackles a range of issues, from the impact of crime on communities to the personal toll on officers. Its unflinching depiction of the challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement provides a compelling and often sobering look at life on the streets. Despite its initial struggle with ratings, Southland gained a dedicated following and critical acclaim for its realistic storytelling and strong performances, making it a standout in the genre.

17 Bones (2005-2017)

A Combination Of Crime-Solving & Forensic Science

Bones combines forensic science with crime-solving to create a unique procedural drama. The show follows Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel), a forensic anthropologist, and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) as they solve murders by examining the remains of victims. Their partnership, marked by a blend of scientific rigor and investigative intuition, forms the heart of the series.

Over Bones's 12-season run, the series developed a loyal fanbase, drawn to its mix of mystery, humor, and character development. The show skillfully balances its procedural elements with ongoing character arcs, exploring the personal lives and relationships of its main characters. Brennan’s scientific approach often contrasts with Booth’s gut instincts, creating a dynamic and engaging partnership that drives the series forward. Bones stands out for its innovative approach to the crime drama genre, making forensic science a central and fascinating element of its storytelling.

16 The Rookie (2018-Present)

A Light-Hearted Cop Show Starring Nathan Fillion

The Rookie follows John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), a 40-year-old man who, after a life-changing incident, pursues his dream of becoming a police officer. The show explores the challenges and triumphs of starting a new career in law enforcement later in life, with Nolan navigating the physical and emotional demands of the job. Fillion’s charismatic performance brings humor and heart to the series, making Nolan’s journey relatable and engaging.

The show blends elements of drama, action, and comedy, offering a fresh take on the cop show genre. It addresses serious issues such as police corruption and systemic racism while maintaining a light-hearted tone through its character interactions and witty dialogue. The Rookie has garnered praise for its diverse cast and for portraying the complexities of modern policing, making it a compelling and entertaining addition to the genre.