5 Crime Thriller Shows That Hooked Me In The First 10 Minutes

by

I was immediately captivated by these five crime thrillers, and they kept me engaged throughout the entire series. Because there are so many great crime shows available, it’s rare for one to really stand out, but these five definitely did.

The first ten minutes of a TV show are crucial. They determine whether someone will keep watching – and potentially become a dedicated fan – or lose interest and switch to something else, like rewatching an old favorite such as The Great British Baking Show.

Crime thrillers face a challenge at the beginning of a story: should they first introduce the main characters so viewers can connect with them, or establish the setting first? The most effective shows manage to do both, giving audiences both characters and a world to invest in.

Mr. Robot (2015-2019)

The start of the show Mr. Robot is a masterclass in character introduction. The techno-thriller opens with Elliot Alderson (played by Rami Malek) subtly revealing to a man at a restaurant that he’s aware of the man’s illegal activity – specifically, trafficking in child pornography.

Elliot seems shy and easily surprised, which makes his clever and daring way of catching criminals even more striking. The show is smart, captivating, and ultimately rewarding, especially thanks to Rami Malek’s excellent acting. Once you start watching, you’ll be hooked and eager to see Elliot continue to bring down the villains.

Broadchurch (2013-2017)

The British crime drama Broadchurch starts with Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) returning to work after a break. She’s well-liked and respected by her colleagues, but she’s surprised and disappointed to learn that an outside detective has been brought in to lead the investigation – a position she expected to get herself.

The initial conflict is heightened by the introduction of DI Alec Hardy (David Tennant), a tense and unpleasant man who clashes with Ellie, yet shares a surprising connection with her. Shortly after his arrival, the death of a young boy sets the stage for the series’ unsettling central mystery.

Mindhunter (2017-2019)

The very beginning of Mindhunter—the first ten minutes—is a masterclass in character introduction and setting the mood. The show opens with FBI agent Holden Ford (played by Jonathan Groff) attempting to resolve a hostage crisis. The scene is grim, unsettling, and hints at escalating violence.

Holden tried to de-escalate the situation, but it tragically ended with the suspect taking their own life. Despite feeling like a failure, Holden is surprised to be asked to teach a negotiation class – he actually did succeed in saving the hostage. These ten minutes establish the show’s focus on a harsh, pragmatic approach to crisis situations.

True Detective (2014-Present)

The first episode of True Detective season one immediately grabs your attention, even though it doesn’t reveal the central mystery right away. The episode begins with interviews featuring Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson) and Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey), establishing that the main events of the story happened years earlier.

We quickly get a sense of Rust, specifically what Marty thinks of him, which hints at the interesting relationship these two characters will have – a bit like an old friend facing off against a troubled, mysterious figure. Then, a strange and disturbing crime unfolds in the unique setting of a Louisiana swamp, immediately grabbing our attention.

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

The opening of Breaking Bad is instantly recognizable, and it quickly grabs your attention. If the show doesn’t captivate you in the first ten minutes, it’s likely not your kind of series. The story starts with a scene from the past that gets explained in more detail as the episode unfolds.

The RV speeding across the New Mexico desert is only a hint of the trouble Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is about to cause. It instantly grabs your attention and makes you eager to see what happens next. Knowing it’s a glimpse into the future, you’re practically driven to understand how the story reaches this chaotic point in this thrilling crime drama.

Read More

2025-12-16 00:09