Over the past decade, there has been a surge in the popularity of crime TV shows. From serial killers to drug lords, these shows have kept audiences on the edge of their seats with each episode. But amidst the sea of crime dramas, which ones stand out as the best? In this article, we will be exploring the top crime TV shows of the last 10 years that have captivated audiences and left them wanting more.
Firstly, it’s impossible to talk about the best crime TV shows without mentioning Breaking Bad. This critically acclaimed show follows the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer. With its gritty storyline and incredible character development, Breaking Bad has become a staple in the world of crime TV shows.
Another standout show is Mindhunter, which takes a deep dive into the psyche of some of America’s most notorious serial killers. With a focus on the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, the show offers a unique perspective into the minds of killers like Ed Kemper and Ted Bundy.
And of course, we can’t forget about Narcos. This gripping drama chronicles the rise and fall of the infamous Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. With its intense action scenes and powerful performances, Narcos has become one of the most popular crime TV shows of the last decade.
In conclusion, the last 10 years have brought us some of the best crime TV shows to date. Whether it’s the dark and twisted world of Breaking Bad, the psychological exploration of Mindhunter, or the action-packed drama of Narcos, these shows have kept audiences hooked and desperate for more.
Introduction
Crime TV shows have been a popular genre for several decades, and the last ten years have been no exception. With thrilling storylines and suspenseful plot twists, these shows have kept audiences on the edge of their seats. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best crime TV shows of the last decade.
1. Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is an American crime drama television series created and produced by Vince Gilligan. Breaking Bad follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a struggling high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He turns to a life of crime, producing and selling methamphetamine, in order to secure his family’s financial future before he dies.
2. True Detective
True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series created and written by Nic Pizzolatto. The series follows two detectives, Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Martin Hart (Woody Harrelson), as they investigate a series of bizarre ritualistic murders in Louisiana.
3. Narcos
Narcos is an American crime drama web television series created and produced by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro. The series is based on the life of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, who became a billionaire through the production and distribution of cocaine.
4. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is an American crime thriller television series created by Joe Penhall, based on the true-crime book Mind Hunter: Inside FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit written by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. The series follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they interview serial killers to understand their psychology and behavior in order to solve ongoing cases.
5. The Night Of
The Night Of is an American crime drama television miniseries created by Richard Price and Steven Zaillian. The series follows the story of a Pakistani-American college student, Nasir Naz Khan (Riz Ahmed), who is accused of murdering a young woman and his journey through the criminal justice system.
6. Broadchurch
Broadchurch is a British crime drama television series created and written by Chris Chibnall. The series focuses on the impact of the murder of 11-year-old Danny Latimer on a small seaside town in England.
7. The Killing
The Killing is an American crime drama television series created by Veena Sud. The series follows the investigation into the murder of a young girl, Rosie Larsen, and the subsequent police investigation.
8. Luther
Luther is a British crime drama television series created by Neil Cross. The series follows Detective Chief Inspector John Luther (Idris Elba) as he investigates some of the most heinous crimes in London.
9. Ozark
Ozark is an American crime drama web television series created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams. The series follows financial planner Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), who moves his family from Chicago to the Ozarks in order to launder money for a drug cartel.
10. Fargo
Fargo is an American black comedy-crime drama anthology television series created and primarily written by Noah Hawley. The series is inspired by the 1996 film of the same name, which was directed by the Coen brothers. Each season follows a different set of characters and storylines, all interconnected by their location in Fargo, North Dakota.
Conclusion
The last ten years have seen the release of some of the best crime TV shows ever produced. From the gritty realism of Breaking Bad to the dark humor of Fargo, these shows have kept audiences captivated with their intricate storylines and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a fan of true crime or fictional murder mysteries, there is sure to be a show on this list that will leave you wanting more.
Best Crime TV Shows of the Last 10 Years
Crime TV shows have always been a popular genre among viewers. They offer a glimpse into the criminal world, the minds of killers and investigators, and the complexities of law enforcement. In the last decade, some crime shows have stood out for being intense, thrilling, intricate, realistic, compelling, unique, timeless, dark, chilling, and edgy. Here are 10 of the best crime TV shows of the last 10 years, each with its own distinctive qualities:
1. Intense and Gripping: Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is a crime drama that aired from 2008 to 2013 and won numerous awards for its brilliant acting, writing, and direction. The show follows the transformation of high school chemistry teacher Walter White (Bryan Cranston) into a ruthless drug kingpin after he is diagnosed with cancer and decides to secure his family’s future by cooking meth with his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). Through five seasons, Breaking Bad delivers intense and gripping scenes of violence, suspense, and moral ambiguity, as well as a poignant exploration of human nature and identity.
2. Thrilling and Suspenseful: Narcos
Narcos is a true crime series that premiered in 2015 and ran for three seasons. It chronicles the rise and fall of the Medellin and Cali cartels in Colombia in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the efforts of the DEA and Colombian police to bring them down. With its mix of historical events, fictional characters, and documentary-style narration, Narcos offers a thrilling and suspenseful portrayal of the drug trade and its impact on society, as well as a nuanced portrayal of the people involved.
3. Intricate and Smart: Mindhunter
Mindhunter is a crime thriller that premiered in 2017 and ran for two seasons. It is based on the true crime book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. The show follows two FBI agents, Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), as they interview serial killers in the 1970s to understand their psychology and behavior and apply it to criminal investigations. Mindhunter is known for its intricate and smart storytelling, sharp dialogue, and superb performances, as well as its exploration of the dark side of human nature.
4. Realistic and Impactful: The Wire
The Wire is a crime drama that aired from 2002 to 2008 and is widely regarded as one of the best TV shows of all time. Set in Baltimore, the show depicts the interconnected worlds of drug dealers, police officers, politicians, journalists, and ordinary citizens, and explores themes of poverty, corruption, race, and power. The Wire is known for its realistic and impactful portrayal of urban life, its complex and flawed characters, and its social commentary on the American system.
5. Compelling and Emotional: Ozark
Ozark is a crime thriller that premiered in 2017 and is still ongoing. It stars Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, a financial planner who relocates his family from Chicago to the Ozarks in Missouri after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. In the Ozarks, Marty must navigate a dangerous world of drug lords, money launderers, and local politics while trying to keep his family safe and his business afloat. Ozark is known for its compelling and emotional storytelling, its strong performances, and its dark humor.
6. Unique and Memorable: True Detective
True Detective is a crime anthology series that premiered in 2014 and has aired three seasons so far. Each season features a new cast, setting, and storyline, but all explore the themes of crime, morality, and identity. The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Louisiana detectives investigating a bizarre murder case, is widely considered a masterpiece of television. True Detective is known for its unique and memorable characters, its haunting atmosphere, and its philosophical musings.
7. Timeless and Classic: Law & Order: SVU
Law & Order: SVU is a crime procedural that has been on the air since 1999 and is still ongoing. It follows the investigations and prosecutions of sex crimes in New York City, led by the dedicated and empathetic detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). Law & Order: SVU is known for its timeless and classic format, its ripped-from-the-headlines stories, its strong female characters, and its social relevance.
8. Dark and Twisted: Hannibal
Hannibal is a crime horror series that aired from 2013 to 2015 and is based on the characters from Thomas Harris’s novels. The show follows the relationship between FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer. Hannibal is known for its dark and twisted storytelling, its stunning visual style, its psychological depth, and its exploration of beauty and horror.
9. Chilling and Haunting: The Sinner
The Sinner is a crime anthology series that premiered in 2017 and has aired three seasons so far. Each season features a new crime and a new lead character, but all involve a seemingly normal person committing a shocking and inexplicable act of violence. The show follows the efforts of detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) to unravel the mysteries behind these crimes and the complex psychological factors that drive them. The Sinner is known for its chilling and haunting atmosphere, its unexpected twists, and its exploration of trauma and guilt.
10. Edgy and Provocative: Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul is a crime comedy-drama that premiered in 2015 and is a prequel to the hit series Breaking Bad. It follows the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) into the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman, as well as the origin stories of other Breaking Bad characters. Better Call Saul is known for its edgy and provocative humor, its rich character development, its suspenseful legal cases, and its seamless integration with Breaking Bad.
In conclusion, these 10 crime TV shows of the last 10 years offer a diverse and compelling range of storytelling, themes, and styles. Whether you prefer intense and gripping dramas like Breaking Bad, thrilling and suspenseful true crime shows like Narcos, intricate and smart psychological thrillers like Mindhunter, realistic and impactful social dramas like The Wire, compelling and emotional family dramas like Ozark, unique and memorable anthologies like True Detective, timeless and classic procedurals like Law & Order: SVU, dark and twisted horror shows like Hannibal, chilling and haunting mysteries like The Sinner, or edgy and provocative comedies like Better Call Saul, there is something for every crime TV fan to enjoy.
Over the last decade, there have been many crime TV shows that have captivated audiences around the world. From intense dramas to gripping thrillers, these shows have kept us on the edge of our seats with their intricate plots and dynamic characters.
Top 5 Best Crime TV Shows Last 10 Years
- Breaking Bad – This show follows the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a ruthless methamphetamine producer. With incredible performances from Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, this show has become a cult classic.
- The Wire – Set in Baltimore, this show explores the interconnected lives of criminals and law enforcement officers. With its realistic portrayal of the drug trade and corrupt institutions, The Wire is considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time.
- True Detective – Each season of this anthology series focuses on a different crime and set of detectives. With its stunning cinematography and complex storylines, True Detective has become a critical darling.
- Broadchurch – This British show follows the investigation of a young boy’s murder in a small coastal town. With its stunning scenery and nuanced performances, Broadchurch has become a fan favorite.
- Mindhunter – Based on the true crime book of the same name, this show explores the early days of criminal profiling. With its fascinating subject matter and strong performances from Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, Mindhunter has become a must-watch for true crime fans.
These shows have not only entertained us but also given us a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and the complexities of human nature. They have shown us that even the most heinous crimes can be solved with the right amount of dedication and perseverance.
Overall, the last decade has given us some of the best crime TV shows of all time. With their gripping stories and unforgettable characters, these shows will continue to be a part of our cultural lexicon for years to come.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article about the best crime TV shows of the last 10 years. We hope that we were able to provide you with some new additions to your watchlist, or perhaps even remind you of some old favorites that you may want to revisit.
As we discussed in this article, the last decade has seen a surge in high-quality crime dramas that have captivated audiences around the world. From the gritty realism of shows like The Wire and True Detective, to the mind-bending mysteries of Broadchurch and Mindhunter, there truly is something for everyone in this genre.
We encourage you to explore the shows we recommended and discover your own personal favorites within the crime genre. Whether you prefer intense thrillers, character-driven dramas, or true crime adaptations, there is no shortage of options available on streaming platforms and cable networks.
Once again, thank you for reading our article and we hope that you continue to enjoy the best of what the crime TV genre has to offer. Stay tuned for more recommendations and analysis from our team at [publication name], and happy watching!
When it comes to crime TV shows, viewers have high expectations for quality, engaging storylines, and relatable characters. In the last decade, there have been several shows that have captured audiences’ attention and become fan favorites. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best crime TV shows of the last 10 years.
What are the best crime TV shows of the last 10 years?
- Breaking Bad
- The Wire
- True Detective
- Mindhunter
- Better Call Saul
- Ozark
- Narcos
- The Americans
- Peaky Blinders
- Stranger Things
What makes these shows stand out?
- Compelling characters with complex motivations
- Gritty and realistic portrayal of crime and its consequences
- Intricate plotlines with unexpected twists and turns
- High production value and cinematic visuals
- Exploration of social and political issues through the lens of crime
What are some honorable mentions?
- Black Mirror
- Broadchurch
- Line of Duty
- Hannibal
- Boardwalk Empire
- The Night Of
- Killing Eve
- Dark
- Power
- Money Heist
Overall, the last decade has seen a surge in high-quality crime TV shows that have captivated audiences and pushed the boundaries of the genre. From gritty dramas to mind-bending thrillers, there is something for everyone in this golden age of television.
