Top 10 Crime Dramas Of The 2010s

Crime shows were incredibly popular during the 2010s, and though many were well-made, only a select few truly stood out. As the decade went on, television became more creative, especially with the rise of streaming services. These platforms allowed for complex storylines, ambitious productions, and series that wouldn’t have been possible on traditional networks, ushering in a new golden age for TV.

As a fan, it felt like we’d seen crime shows before, but the 2010s really expanded what was possible on TV. We started seeing more shows set in the past, and a lot of them had shorter seasons which made every episode feel really intense. Plus, the actors seemed eager to try out more film-like techniques, and it all added up to a truly amazing decade for the genre. I loved how different things felt!

10. Broadchurch

The British crime drama Broadchurch aired for three seasons from 2013 to 2017 and is widely considered one of the best acted in the genre. The show follows detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) as they investigate crimes in the fictional seaside town of Broadchurch, located in southwest England.

From the start, Broadchurch was designed as a three-part story, focusing on the personal lives of its characters while unraveling a larger mystery. The series begins with the investigation of a child’s death and explores themes of grief and broken trust. Featuring powerful performances from Olivia Colman and David Tennant, it’s a compelling and emotionally resonant crime drama.

9. Fargo

The TV series Fargo, based on the popular movie, aired for five seasons from the late 2010s to the early 2020s. It’s become a defining show of the 2010s, with three of its seasons premiering in that decade. Like the Coen Brothers’ film, the show features crime stories, but each season presents a brand new case and set of characters in the Midwest.

With its mix of dark comedy and violence, Fargo aims to evoke a wide range of feelings in viewers. Each season features new characters, which helps keep the show feeling fresh despite dealing with often grim subject matter. This unique atmosphere, influenced by both the stories and the setting, makes Fargo a captivating crime drama.

8. Justified

Running from 2010 to 2015 on FX, Justified was a six-season show that blended classic western themes with a modern crime drama. The series follows US Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) as he navigates life and law enforcement in rural Kentucky, capturing the unique culture of the Appalachian region while presenting a character who feels both timeless and contemporary.

The show’s Kentucky setting fits the character of Givens, but it also creates internal conflict, as he’s forced to operate within a town marked by his father’s criminal past. Featuring a brilliant cast, including Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder and Nick Searcy as Art Mullen, Justified delivers compelling characters and a unique narrative style.

7. Mindhunter

Mindhunter, a Netflix series that aired for two seasons from 2017 to 2019, takes place in the late 1970s. The show follows FBI agents as they develop the groundbreaking technique of criminal profiling by interviewing serial killers. Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv star as the team responsible for establishing the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit (BSU).

What made the show unique from the start was its focus on the why behind crimes, exploring the psychology of criminals instead of just solving the mystery. Produced by David Fincher and Charlize Theron, among others, the series built suspense through careful storytelling and character development, rather than relying on action. It was a brilliantly crafted show, with meticulous attention to detail.

6. Narcos

As a big fan of crime dramas, I really got into Narcos when it first dropped on Netflix. It was one of their early successes, running from 2015 to 2017 and eventually becoming a whole franchise. The show initially focused on the incredible, and terrifying, story of Pablo Escobar’s rise and eventual downfall. By the third season, it shifted gears to explore what happened after Escobar was taken down, and how the DEA then turned its attention to dismantling the Cali Cartel.

The series, led by Wagner Moura’s portrayal of Pablo Escobar, also launched Pedro Pascal into prominence as DEA agent Javier Peña. It combined actual events with compelling drama, offering a worldwide look at the illegal drug business. Throughout its run, the show was celebrated for its narration and use of both English and Spanish, which added to its realistic feel and made it a Netflix success.

5. Sherlock

The BBC’s Sherlock, which aired from 2010 to 2017, became a cultural phenomenon. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as John Watson, the four-season series updated the classic stories for a modern audience. The show was set in present-day London and featured the compelling partnership between Cumberbatch’s Sherlock and Freeman’s Watson.

BBC’s Sherlock successfully reimagined the classic stories for a modern audience, delivering fast-paced mysteries that felt exciting and original. Thanks to smart writing and excellent performances from the entire cast, the show quickly became a fan favorite throughout its run.

4. True Detective

The anthology series True Detective first appeared in 2014 and has featured a new story each season. With seasons released in 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2024, the show became a popular fixture of television in the 2010s, largely thanks to its critically acclaimed first season. True Detective centers around complex criminal cases that unfold carefully, often taking years to solve within each season’s storyline.

The first season of True Detective, featuring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, presented a complex case unfolding over almost twenty years. Since then, the show has consistently aimed for bold and unconventional storytelling to captivate its audience. Celebrated for its ambitious narratives and powerful acting, it’s considered one of the most impressive TV shows of the 2010s.

3. Bosch

Prime Video’s Bosch, starring Titus Welliver as Harry Bosch, ran for seven seasons, from 2015 to 2021. The show, based on Michael Connelly’s books, became one of Prime Video’s most popular series and launched a successful franchise, including the spinoff Bosch: Legacy. Bosch centers around an LAPD detective who carefully investigates challenging cases.

What makes the Bosch series so compelling is that the lead actor brings his own unique personality to the role. Bosch is a deliberate, thoughtful investigator – he really takes his time with each case. This approach lets him explore every angle, and it draws the audience into the mystery right alongside him.

2. The Americans

Running for six seasons on FX, The Americans is considered one of the best crime dramas of the 2010s. This series, set in the 1980s, centers on Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell), two KGB spies from the Cold War who are living undercover as an American married couple and raising a family. The show explores the challenges of their double lives over many years.

The Americans expertly mixes thrilling spy stories with the realistic challenges of family life, focusing on the complex relationships between Philip and Elizabeth and their growing children. Praised for its strong writing and outstanding acting, it’s widely considered one of the best TV shows of the past ten years.

1. Breaking Bad

Considered by many to be one of the greatest TV shows ever made, Breaking Bad aired for five seasons between 2008 and 2013. The series centers on Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher who starts a criminal life after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White, who starts making and selling methamphetamine with his ex-student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). As the series unfolds, Walter evolves into a cunning criminal. The show is famous for its incredible acting, with both Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul receiving numerous awards. Overall, Breaking Bad is a gripping and memorable crime drama.

2026-04-06 04:31