For several decades now, civilians have shown a keen interest in the intricacies of law enforcement, which has led to an abundance of television programs centered around police work, criminal investigations, and various aspects of the U.S. justice system. Since the advent of television, so many cop shows have been broadcast that it’s likely some exceptional ones may not be included here (for a comprehensive list of crime-focused TV series featuring not only cops but also private eyes, reporters, and even criminals themselves, refer to Looper’s 50 top crime shows ever). There are also numerous forgettable cop shows that have faded from memory.
To determine the top-rated cop shows of all time, we analyzed critical and viewer ratings on platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, along with individual reviews. Given that many cop shows are decades old, we also considered the enduring impact of various series on popular culture. For instance, while “The Closer” may outrank “Cagney and Lacey” in terms of quality, the latter has proven timeless due to its iconic police partners’ legacy. Moreover, instead of focusing solely on cop shows that adhere to classic tropes, we also sought out series that offer a more innovative take on law enforcement portrayal.
Cagney and Lacey
As someone who may not have caught an episode of “Cagney and Lacey,” I can still recognize the name and the iconic duo it represents. It’s Sharon Gless, playing Christine Cagney, and Tyne Daly as Mary Beth Lacey, that this show is most associated with. Their performances earned the series a total of six Primetime Emmys for Best Lead Actress in a Drama, a testament to their exceptional work. What made “Cagney and Lacey” particularly captivating was its novelty – it was the first buddy-cop series featuring two strong female leads. The show’s creation was greatly influenced by the feminist movement of the ’60s and ’70s, a cultural phenomenon that swept across America during those decades.
As a dedicated admirer, I’d rephrase it as: In my view, Cagney and Lacey were two tenacious policewomen with distinct personalities and driving forces. For me, Cagney embodied the spirit of independence, especially as a single woman. On the other hand, Lacey juggled her duties as a working mother and wife, showcasing the daily challenges faced by many women like her. The series wasn’t just about solving weekly cases; it delved deeper into the characters themselves, their relationships, and their evolving dynamics. “Cagney and Lacey” truly revolutionized television, particularly in its portrayal of law enforcement, offering a refreshing perspective on strong female characters.
- Cast: Sharon Gless, Tyne Daly, Al Waxman
- Creator(s): Barbara Avedon and Barbara Corday
- Aired: 1982-1988
- Where to watch: Pluto TV
True Detective
First airing in 2014, “True Detective” is a collection of standalone stories presented as seasons. To date, there are four seasons, each with its distinct atmosphere and characters. While subsequent seasons have their own strengths and weaknesses, none has quite matched the exceptional caliber of Season 1, which made a significant impact when it debuted in 2014.
Season 1 follows the investigations of Louisiana State homicide detectives Rust Cohle (played by Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson). The narrative moves between two time periods: in 1995, they’re probing the murder of a woman named Dora Lange, and in 2012, they are forced to reopen the case due to similar, linked murders. Fortunately, the series effectively wraps up the storyline in its final act, offering viewers a satisfying ending to an engaging tale in “True Detective” Season 1.
The exceptional first season of “True Detective” is what makes it deserving of being on this top 10 list, but the second season, criticized for being self-indulgent, overly complex, and too dark to be enjoyable, kept it from reaching the top 5. With a low 47% aggregate score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Season 2 significantly diminished the series’ momentum and impact on popular culture. Although later seasons are generally well-regarded, the poor reception of Season 2 definitely left an unfavorable impression on the overall perception of the show.
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams
Creator(s): Nic Pizzolatto
Aired: 2014-present
Where to watch: Max
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The hilarious “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” stands out among other shows for its unique blend of humor and serious topics without compromising on important discussions. Led by Andy Samberg, a former star of “Saturday Night Live”, as the prankster Detective Jake Peralta, this series presents an ensemble cast that is nothing short of remarkable. Alongside Peralta, we have Terry Crews playing the artistic, intelligent, and muscular Sergeant Terry Jeffords, Joe Lo Truglio portraying the food-loving, shameless Detective Charles Boyle, and Andre Braugher as Captain Raymond Holt, a strict yet fair leader who dislikes pop culture. These characters, among others, make up a team with distinct personalities that bring laughter to audiences.
The series offers a blend of thrilling police drama episodes, such as Season 5, Episode 14, titled “The Box,” where Peralta and Holt attempt to extract a confession from a murderous dentist (Sterling K. Brown). Additionally, it serves up lighter moments reminiscent of a workplace sitcom, like Season 2 Episode 3, “The Jimmy Jab Games,” featuring Jake engaging in fictitious competitions with his coworkers. The show also tackles significant issues, including the distressing aspects of America’s penal system, racial discrimination, and sexual misconduct in the workplace. Despite its playful nature and positive perspective, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” doesn’t shy away from presenting more serious subject matter.
Cast: Andre Brauer, Andy Samberg, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero
Creator(s): Mike Schur and Dan Goor
Aired: 2013-2021
Where to watch: Peacock
Broadchurch
In England, the first season of “Broadchurch” unfolds around Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller, portrayed by Olivia Colman, and Consulting Detective Inspector Alex Hardy, played by David Tennant. They are tasked with solving the murder of a boy named Danny Latimer in a coastal town called Broadchurch. The show captivates its audience because it centers on a small coastal town rather than a big city, allowing it to delve into how the horrific murder of Danny impacts the residents and institutions of the town itself.
Among its stellar cast, which includes Olivia Colman, David Tennant, Jonathan Bailey, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jodie Whittaker, and others, “Broadchurch” boasts one of the most impressive ensembles in any TV show. Each actor delivers a compelling portrayal of characters grappling with tragedy. The highlight of “Broadchurch,” however, is the revelation of Danny’s murderer – it’s unexpected, heart-wrenching, and neatly wraps up every plot point.
Cast: David Tennant, Olivia Colman, Jodie Whittaker
Creator(s): Chris Chibnall
Aired: 2013-2017
Where to watch: Peacock
The Shield
The Shield” stands apart from typical police dramas by portraying its principal characters as lawbreakers themselves. It revolves around a fictional, pioneering unit of the LAPD situated in a neighborhood plagued by drugs and gang violence, tasked with maintaining order and tracking criminal activity. The series follows Detectives Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) and Shane Vendrell (Walton Goggins), who head the Strike Team – an elite group of detectives and officers who employ unlawful methods to accomplish their objectives, occasionally pocketing a share of the profits from drug raids conducted by their division.
As a gamer, I found “The Shield” unflinchingly portraying the brutal actions not just by criminals but also law enforcement. The series frequently contrasted the professional and personal lives of Strike Team members, particularly Detective Vic Mackey. Despite his numerous questionable acts of violence – like shooting a fellow Strike Team member and ordering a dog to attack a suspect – Mackey emerged as a deeply caring father. However, none of the characters seemed to find peace in this violent world, reinforcing the show’s grim message that violence only breeds more violence.
Cast: Michael Chiklis, Catherine Dent, Walton Goggins
Creator(s): Shawn Ryan
Aired: 2002-2008
Where to watch: Hulu
Luther
Among the top-tier police dramas to emerge from England, and ranked high among TV’s greatest detective series, “Luther” stands out. The show features Idris Elba as John Luther, the main character, and Ruth Wilson portraying Alice Morgan, a complex antagonist who later becomes Luther’s romantic interest. Although categorized as a cop show, “Luther” employs a cinematic, suspenseful style to depict Luther’s role as Detective Chief Inspector in London’s Serious Crimes Unit (known as the “major crimes unit” in the U.S.). John Luther is intensely dedicated and almost maniacally focused on his work, which takes a toll on his personal life, yet he excels at his job.
In the acclaimed series “Luther,” Idris Elba’s stellar performance and character development are noteworthy, yet it’s his complex relationship with the psychopathic killer Alice Morgan that truly shines. At first, Luther tries to apprehend Morgan for her numerous crimes, but when he fails to build a case against her, she evolves into a sort of confidante and ally to him throughout the series. Morgan offers Luther valuable insights into the minds of the criminals he chases and plays a crucial role in several intensely personal investigations. The show concluded in 2019, but it was revived with a film titled “Luther: The Falling Sun” in 2023.
Cast: Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Indira Varma
Creator(s): Neil Cross
Aired: 2010-2019
Where to watch: Hulu, Britbox
Columbo
Instead of having multiple main characters, some exceptional cop shows center around a single outstanding crime solver. Exceptional detective skills are not always tied to law enforcement officers; they can also be found in private detectives who often find it difficult to adhere to the rules that TV cops must follow. However, characters don’t have to be strictly conforming or odd to be brilliant – sometimes they can be both unique and exceptionally clever while still working within law enforcement. A prime example is Lieutenant Columbo (played by Peter Falk), a keen-witted criminal investigator specializing in homicide cases for the Los Angeles police department.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at every installment of “Columbo,” where a fresh supporting cast brings to life various officials, suspects, victims, and more. Over the course of 69 episodes (which, interestingly enough, are about as long as a feature film), we’ve seen some truly outstanding storylines. Unlike most cop shows that focus on unmasking the criminal, “Columbo” starts each episode by revealing the culprit upfront. The intrigue lies in watching detective Columbo piece together the clues and ultimately crack the case.
The character appears messy and unintimidating to strangers, making them feel comfortable, but in truth, his sharp eye for detail and analytical mind enable him to formulate and verify his theories every time. Peter Falk is renowned for creating one of TV’s most memorable characters with “Columbo.
Cast: Peter Falk
Creator(s): Richard Levinson, William Link
Aired: 1968-2003
Where to watch: Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi
The Wire
Since ‘The Wire’ is often hailed as one of the greatest TV dramas ever made, it seems logical that it would also be among the top cop shows of all time. However, what keeps it from ranking higher on such a list is the fact that it delves into various city systems beyond law enforcement in Baltimore. ‘The Wire’ is a series that boasts exceptional performances by actors like Idris Elba and Michael K. Williams, but much of its acclaim stems from its dedication to realism and powerful, straightforward writing.
As a gamer, I’d say one unique aspect that distinguishes “The Wire” from other cop shows is its balanced portrayal of both law enforcement and criminals, painting the latter as complex characters rather than mere adversaries. The officers in this series aren’t just battling faceless foes; they engage with empathetic addicts like Bubbles (Andre Royo) and Omar (Michael K. Williams), and rely on informants from the criminal world. The show frequently shifts focus between characters, revealing their diverse connections to the various systems under scrutiny each season. By the finale, viewers gain a profound insight into the vicious cycle of poverty, violence, and drug addiction that traps so many inner-city residents in despair, making it an arduous struggle for them to break free from a dismal life.
Cast: Dominic West, Wendell Pierce, Idris Elba, Lance Reddick, Michael K. Williams
Creator(s): David Simon
Aired: 2002-2008
Where to watch: Max
Law and Order
The distinctive “dun-dun” sound that starts and ends each episode of “Law & Order” is closely associated with the blunt, factual style that creator Dick Wolf’s police drama series embodies. The show primarily revolves around two main aspects: initially, it delves into the process of uncovering a crime by law enforcement, followed by the subsequent legal trial conducted by district attorneys. For two decades, esteemed actors such as Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston have brought Wolf’s vision to fruition, and in turn, the original series has given birth to numerous highly successful spin-offs like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
first, it explores the unraveling of a crime by the police, and second, it portrays the subsequent court trial undertaken by district attorneys. For twenty years, talented actors such as Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston have helped bring Wolf’s vision to life, while the original series has spawned numerous highly successful spin-offs like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”)
Dick Wolf has acknowledged that his fascination with crime is unconventional. He holds law enforcement personnel and prosecutors in great esteem, which is reflected in the series “Law & Order.” This show consistently takes the perspective of the daily detectives, officers, lawyers, and other professionals who play crucial roles in America’s justice and penal system. Although the show follows both police officers and district attorneys, the trial of a given criminal marks more the culmination of a detective’s investigative efforts rather than its true end.
“Law & Order” consistently airs its 20 syndicated seasons on TNT and USA Network, with spin-offs not included. Guest-starring on an episode is a significant milestone for actors based in New York. Its influence on pop culture is so profound that ranking it anything below the third spot would be unfair.
Cast: Jerry Orbach, Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson
Creator(s): Dick Wolf
Aired: 1990-2010; 2022-present
Where to watch: Peacock, Hulu/Disney+
Homicide: Life on the Street
The TV show ‘Homicide: Life on the Street,’ which originally aired on NBC in the 90s and was based on the nonfiction book ‘Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets’ by David Simon, who later created ‘The Wire,’ was a gritty police drama set in Baltimore. The series portrayed the daily struggles of a police precinct staff as they battled against crime, drugs, and violence that plagued their city. Andre Braugher’s portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton earned him an Emmy during the show’s run and was highly acclaimed, but overall it was not a light-hearted series to watch due to its dark themes.
David Simon strategically premiered his show, “The Wire,” concurrently with the rise of premium TV on HBO in the late 2000s. However, the mood of “Homicide: Life on the Street” was actually a decade too progressive for its time, making it one of several cop shows that were canceled during the 1990s. Despite this, working on “Homicide: Life on the Street” must have been a rewarding experience for both Andre Braugher and Richard Belzer, as they later starred in other police procedurals. Today, “Homicide: Life on the Street” is widely recognized as one of the best-written and authentic police series ever broadcast on television.
Cast: Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, Melissa Leo
Creator(s): David Simon
Aired: 1993-1999
Where to watch: Peacock
Hill Street Blues
For seven seasons during the 1980s, ‘Hill Street Blues,’ a TV show about the daily operations of a police precinct on Hill Street (in an undisclosed city), was broadcast. During its run, this series garnered 26 Primetime Emmy Awards out of a total of 98 nominations, with 8 wins in its debut season and 4 more for outstanding drama series. Remarkably, ‘Hill Street Blues’ was the pioneer in many aspects of television police dramas, such as employing hand-held, single-camera filming techniques.
In each episode, the show typically portrayed a single day’s work at the Hill Street police station, focusing on different officers and regular personnel as they navigated through stories of varying durations. Before every opening credit sequence, there was a cold-open precinct meeting that included a briefing and roll call.
Hill Street Blues” portrayed multiple viewpoints on ethics and policing by using diverse characters, some of whom grappled with balancing their duty and personal integrity against getting results. This groundbreaking TV series is often credited as one of the first police dramas (perhaps even the very first), offering complex characterizations, authentic depictions of police work, and an array of real-world challenges such as bureaucracy, workplace dynamics, and more. The show also incorporated humor, setting it apart from many subsequent series, and was well-received during its broadcast.
Cast: Daniel J. Trevanti, Michael Warren, Bruce Weitz
Creator(s): Steven Bochco
Aired: 1981-1987
Where to watch: Available for purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video
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2025-05-31 17:32