Police dramas inspire the viewer to look deeply into the story on screen and try to unpick the criminal case alongside the characters on screen. In solving a puzzle, the viewer is allowed insight into the action and "behind the scenes" moments of a criminal investigation that real life does not afford most people. They are immensely popular mostly in part due to the insight that they give into everyday society and the human condition.
The television shows featured in this list are immersive and intelligent of equal measure as they use social issues and other problems within the world to tell a story. They have been praised for having realistic storylines, snappy scripts, and very impressive acting.
10 Tokyo Vice (2022- )
Intriguing and immersive from the offset, Tokyo Vice thrusts the viewer into the violent world of the Yakuza. Starring Ansel Elgort and Ken Watanabe, this slick police drama sees an American journalist thrust into the detective group seeking to infiltrate the criminal world within Tokyo. Intense and intelligent, while incredibly suspenseful, if viewers were to ignore the criminal aspect then it is still a clever show about a young man trying to make a life for himself in a new city.
The series sees journalist Jake becoming immersed in Japanese life and culture for work and the busy lively atmosphere of the capital city is brought to life in a very loud and vibrant way. It looks inviting, but as the viewer delves deeper into the criminal underworld with Jake, terror and suspicion lurk impatiently.
9 Lucifer (2016-2021)
Perhaps the odd one out on this list, Lucifer is a fun interpretation of a cop drama, with Lucifer The Devil helping to solve some heinous crimes with homicide detective Chloe Decker. With its fantasy mystery style, the show is incredibly binge-worthy and keeps the viewer constantly on the edge of suspense.
The chemistry between Tom Ellis and Lauren German is captivating as Lucifer and Chloe work together while learning more about each other along the way. As he spends more time with Chloe, Lucifer learns to see the good in humanity, which he is not accustomed to, and it makes for some engaging episodes.
8 Unforgotten (2015- )
This interesting police drama takes the viewer on a journey of puzzle-solving as detectives Cassie Stuart and Sunil "Sunny" Khan seek to solve cold cases. From disappearances to unsolved murders, Unforgotten handles some engaging twists and exciting performances. This is a story well delivered and with detailed direction and storylines that are truly memorable.
Cassie and Sunny's chemistry on screen is palpable as they are able to work so closely together and convey plenty of emotion to engage viewers. This is a police drama that very closely follows its characters so the story is all the more powerful.
7 Vigil (2021- )
Suranne Jones excels in her role in Vigil as a queer detective just trying to do the right thing. Set primarily on a submarine, HMS Vigil, off the coast of Scotland, Jones' character Detective Amy Silva is called onto the vessel to make inquiries concerning a death on board. However, far beyond a routine investigation, Amy confronts a much darker and deeper series of events.
Despite the script falling short in parts, the set design of the submarine and the visual effects used are exciting and unique for this type of police drama show. The eight-part series is completely immersive as viewers question how the plot will be resolved while none of its characters are able to leave the location.
6 Happy Valley (2014- )
Dark and unsettling at times, Happy Valley follows police officer Catherine Cawood who deals with various criminal cases in West Yorkshire, England. She, along with several supporting characters, must confront crime while dealing with dark personal tragedy. The bleak storylines set across the northern English landscape make for some compelling episodes across the show's seasons.
Although it looks and sounds like a basic drama, the incredible acting and unique location make Happy Valley feel exciting and foreboding in equal measure. With season three having just debuted, it will be interesting to see where Happy Valley goes next.
5 The Fall (2013-2016)
Starring powerhouse performers Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, The Fall is an incredibly macabre insight into the mind of a serial killer. Arguably like Killing Eve in style, but a lot more sinister, Anderson's character DSI Stella Gibson is investigating a prolific murderer around Belfast, Northern Ireland. The show ultimately becomes like a cat-and-mouse chase as scenes cut between Stella and the murderer, Paul Spector (Dornan), himself living a double life in plain sight.
With bone-chilling scenes and themes of mental health and murder, The Fall is a fascinating reinterpretation of a detective drama. It is unique in showing plenty of action from the perspective of the killer, which continually feels fresh and engaging.
4 The Missing (2014-2016)
Powerful and raw, The Missing handles missing children and the heart-breaking reality that this creates for their families. The first series handles parents Tony and Emily whose young child, Oliver, goes missing while they are on holiday in France. What happens next creates plenty of jaw-dropping and devastating moments that allow the viewer to question alongside Tony where Oliver could be.
Consisting of two series, and a spin-off Baptiste, The Missing is a powerful police drama that uses the thriller genre to travel backward and forwards in the story timeline to keep the viewer guessing. Despite mixed reviews concerning the ending, it is an engaging story that is worth a watch.
3 Broadchurch (2013-2017)
Dark and foreboding yet witty and intelligent writing from Doctor Who's Chris Chibnall sees a murder mystery police drama in a small English town in the English county of Dorset. Headlined by David Tennant and Olivia Colman, their characters Alec and Ellie are detectives assigned to uncover the criminal at large. In the process, they uncover plenty of secrets being held in the town.
With series one being the best without a doubt, heads roll as it feels like a race against time for Alec and Ellie to blow the case wide open. Featuring an impressive supporting cast with Jodie Whittaker, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Jonathan Bailey to name a few, Broadchurch is worth catching up on.
2 Criminal Minds (2005-2020)
Creating fifteen seasons across a fifteen-year period, Criminal Minds remains one of the most prolific police procedural crime drama shows that sees a group of FBI profilers analyze the nation's most dangerous criminals to anticipate their next move. Dark and unnerving, it became one of the most watched shows on its network, CBS, and was liked for its detailed storylines and ability to share personal insight into each character as well as tackling crime on screen.
The success of the show ultimately inspired a franchise, with spinoffs and a video game being created to expand the original criminal world.
1 Line Of Duty (2012-2021)
One of the best British police dramas to date, Jed Mecurio's Line of Duty is a fast and furious TV show that sees key characters Ted, Kate, and Steve as detectives seeking to uncover corruption within the police force. Exposing "bent coppers" as they are so called in the show, this drama continues to garner widespread critical acclaim for its action sequences and very complex plot twists.
Line of Duty is an incredible police show and, despite its commitment to incredible stories of corruption and deceit, it still feels incredibly realistic. A fun fact is that the police did not cooperate with the producers of the show. Instead, they were advised anonymously by serving and retired members of the British police. Its dedication to integrity sets it well apart from other dramas of its type.