If you're a fan of the intricate, often messy, and always captivating world of crime dramas, then you're in for a treat. The genre is a rich tapestry of complex characters, moral dilemmas, and the relentless pursuit of justice. But what makes these shows truly stand out is the way they weave together the personal and the professional, the emotional and the intellectual, to create a compelling narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. So, if you've just finished binge-watching 'Cross' and are looking for your next fix, here are 15 shows that will keep you enthralled, each with its own unique take on the crime genre.
Reacher
Prime Video's 'Reacher' is a thrilling ride that leans heavily on action and humor. Based on the novel series by Lee Child, the show follows Jack Reacher, a former U.S. Army military police officer with an uncanny ability to find trouble wherever he goes. The ride-or-die dynamic between Reacher and Frances Neagley is reminiscent of the one between Alex Cross and John Sampson in 'Cross'. While they may clash on how a case should play out, they have each other's backs. What makes 'Reacher' particularly fascinating is the way it balances action and humor, creating a dynamic that is both entertaining and engaging. Personally, I think the show's ability to blend these elements seamlessly is what makes it a standout in the crime genre.
Bosch
Another Prime Video original, 'Bosch' is a book-based program with an eponymous main character. Harry Bosch, an LAPD detective, is laser-focused on bringing justice to victims, willing to bend the rules and disobey orders if the situation requires it. Similar to 'Cross', Bosch faces personal demons as he digs into the murder of someone close to him. The serialized arcs of 'Bosch' allow for complicated cases where the twists and turns will keep you guessing. What makes 'Bosch' particularly compelling is the way it explores the personal demons of its characters, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. In my opinion, this is what makes the show so engaging and thought-provoking.
Luther
BBC America's 'Luther' introduces a brilliant homicide detective, DCI John Luther, who helps capture heinous criminals but not without personal cost. Luther's fascination with delving into dark psyches leads to an entanglement with Alice Morgan, a psychopathic woman he meets on a case who challenges him in ways that push ethical boundaries. 'Luther' is a darker and more disturbing show than 'Cross', but the common social themes and the protagonists' fixations on catching criminals make them feel like kindred spirits. What makes 'Luther' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the dark psyches of its characters, adding a layer of psychological complexity to the narrative. Personally, I think the show's ability to balance the dark and the disturbing with the compelling and the captivating is what makes it so engaging.
Jack Ryan
Prime Video's 'Jack Ryan' is a crime thriller that takes place on a more international scale than 'Cross'. The show features intricately woven plots that push its title character to make high-stakes decisions that could have disastrous consequences. While 'Jack Ryan' could probably skate by on the entertainment value of the action, the smart writing and a hero you want to root for make this show the whole package. What makes 'Jack Ryan' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the high-stakes decisions of its characters, adding a layer of tension and suspense to the narrative. In my opinion, the show's ability to balance the action and the intrigue with the compelling and the captivating is what makes it so engaging.
The Lincoln Lawyer
Netflix's 'The Lincoln Lawyer' is lighter in tone than 'Cross' and focuses on crime and the law from the perspective of a Los Angeles defense attorney. The show follows Mickey Haller, who takes cases out of the back of his Lincoln Navigator and evolves into an addictive, easily bingeable legal drama. What makes 'The Lincoln Lawyer' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the legal system from the perspective of a defense attorney, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue to the narrative. Personally, I think the show's ability to balance the legal drama with the personal and the professional is what makes it so engaging.
Longmire
Netflix's 'Longmire' is a well-written show with extensive character development over six seasons. It takes the time to explore issues of contemporary Native American life and clashes with tribal police, and the scenery and skylines are beautiful to look at. Beyond the crime solving, of particular interest are Longmire's relationships with two very important women in his life — his adult daughter and the Philly transplant working as his newest deputy. What makes 'Longmire' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the relationships of its characters, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. In my opinion, the show's ability to balance the crime solving with the personal and the professional is what makes it so engaging.
Mare of Easttown
HBO's 'Mare of Easttown' might not seem to have much in common with 'Cross' at first glance, but if you dig deeper, you'll realize that their characters start off in similar places. Set in the small suburb of Easttown, Pennsylvania, police detective Marianne 'Mare' Sheehan barely holds her own life together while investigating the murder of a teenage mother. Grief permeates all aspects of Mare's life, and she throws herself into work to keep it at bay. What makes 'Mare of Easttown' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the personal demons of its characters, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Personally, I think the show's ability to balance the personal and the professional with the compelling and the captivating is what makes it so engaging.
The Fall
Netflix's 'The Fall' is set in Northern Ireland and follows the intense battle of wits between Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson and serial killer Paul Spector. The show is a delicious cat-and-mouse game about power and control, and it explores the why of it all and whether there can ever be a satisfying answer. What makes 'The Fall' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the psychological complexities of its characters, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. In my opinion, the show's ability to balance the suspense and the intrigue with the compelling and the captivating is what makes it so engaging.
Mindhunter
Netflix's 'Mindhunter' is a true crime series that explores the psyches of serial killers. Based on the true crime novel 'Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit', the show follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they attempt to catch serial killers by studying their psyches. What makes 'Mindhunter' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the psychological complexities of its characters, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. Personally, I think the show's ability to balance the true crime elements with the psychological and the compelling is what makes it so engaging.
Criminal Minds
Paramount+'s 'Criminal Minds' is one of the longest-running police procedurals, currently in its 19th season. The show follows the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit in Quantico as they assist local law enforcement with violent crimes. What makes 'Criminal Minds' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the psychological complexities of its characters, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. In my opinion, the show's ability to balance the procedural elements with the psychological and the compelling is what makes it so engaging.
Dept. Q
Netflix's 'Dept. Q' is a U.K. crime thriller that follows DCI Carl Morck as he returns to police work after recovering from a shooting that left him badly wounded. Stuck attending therapy sessions, his prickly attitude gets him exiled to a basement office where he is handed cold cases to solve on his own. What makes 'Dept. Q' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the personal and the professional lives of its characters, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. Personally, I think the show's ability to balance the crime solving with the personal and the professional is what makes it so engaging.
The Killing
AMC's 'The Killing' is a character-driven show with plenty of suspense. Based on the Danish series 'Forbrydelsen', the show takes a much slower, at times almost glacial approach to providing answers. What makes 'The Killing' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the interpersonal dynamics of its characters, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. In my opinion, the show's ability to balance the suspense and the intrigue with the compelling and the captivating is what makes it so engaging.
Broadchurch
BBC America's 'Broadchurch' focuses on the death of an 11-year-old boy and the lasting grief that ripples through the quaint coastal community in England. What makes 'Broadchurch' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the personal and the professional lives of its characters, adding a layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. Personally, I think the show's ability to balance the crime solving with the personal and the professional is what makes it so engaging.
True Detective
HBO's 'True Detective' takes an anthology approach with different detectives in different years, set in different locations. The show explores the detailed pursuit of the criminals in ways that often weigh on the investigators, whether that's longtime partners, a trio cooperating across departments, or a reluctant pairing. What makes 'True Detective' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the psychological complexities of its characters, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. In my opinion, the show's ability to balance the suspense and the intrigue with the compelling and the captivating is what makes it so engaging.
The Wire
HBO's 'The Wire' is the gold standard of cop shows, delving into the Baltimore drug scene through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement. The show explores the struggles and moral dilemmas that can tip the delicate balance between good and bad. What makes 'The Wire' particularly fascinating is the way it explores the societal and institutional complexities of its characters, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. Personally, I think the show's ability to balance the crime solving with the societal and the institutional is what makes it so engaging.
