The Most Popular Crime Drama, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the crime drama you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:34
In a sea of crime dramas, each with its own twist on mystery and suspense, it can be challenging for viewers to pinpoint which series might hold their interest the most. Through a communal ranking system, not only can new fans identify celebrated shows, but seasoned enthusiasts can vote and influence the list, reflecting real-time fan favorites and under-the-radar gems.
This dynamic system enables a continuously updated leaderboard of crime dramas, curated by the collective voice of the audience. Each vote helps ensure the accuracy and relevance of the rankings, providing a reliable resource for anyone eager to dive into a world of law, disorder, and intrigue. Engaging with the list not only enhances its value but also connects fans through their shared interests in storytelling craftsmanship and suspenseful narrative arcs.
What Is the Most Popular Crime Drama?
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120votesThis long-running crime drama follows the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they solve crimes related to the US Navy and Marine Corps. It has a loyal fan base and consistently high ratings.NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is an American crime drama television series that revolves around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, who investigate crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position. The show is known for its mix of crime investigation, action, and a touch of humor.
- Genre: Crime drama
- Country of origin: United States
- Language: English
- Original network: CBS
- First aired: September 23, 2003
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231votes
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Dick WolfThis spin-off of the popular "Law & Order" franchise focuses on crimes of a sexual nature and has been praised for its handling of sensitive subject matter. It has also been on the air for over 20 years.Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is a popular American crime drama television series that focuses on the investigations and legal proceedings of the Special Victims Unit, a specialized squad within the New York City Police Department that deals with sexually based offenses. The show often takes inspiration from real-life cases and explores complex social issues surrounding sexual crimes.- Genre: Crime drama
- Country of origin: United States
- Language: English
- Original network: NBC
- Original release: September 20, 1999 – present
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Law & Order
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular crime show
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular show on Peacock
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328votes
Criminal Minds
Jeff DavisThis show follows a team of FBI profilers as they solve crimes committed by serial killers and other violent criminals. It has a dedicated following and has been on the air for 15 seasons.Criminal Minds is a popular crime drama television series that follows a team of elite profilers from the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The show focuses on solving complex criminal cases by delving into the minds of the perpetrators and understanding their motives and psychological make-up. Each episode typically features a new case that requires the team to employ their profiling skills to catch the criminal before they strike again.- Genre: Crime drama
- Country of origin: United States
- Language: English
- Number of seasons: 15
- Number of episodes: 324
Criminal Minds in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular crime show
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418votes
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Anthony E. ZuikerThis show revolutionized the crime drama genre by focusing on forensic science and using technology to solve crimes. It has had several spin-offs and ran for 15 seasons.CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a popular American television series that follows a team of forensic investigators solving crimes by examining evidence left behind at crime scenes. The show is known for its gritty portrayal of forensic techniques and the intricate mysteries it presents each episode.- Genre: Crime drama, Procedural
- Original network: CBS
- Original release: October 6, 2000 – September 27, 2015
- Number of seasons: 15
- Number of episodes: 337
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular crime show
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516votes
The Blacklist
Jon BokenkampThis show follows a former government agent who becomes a high-profile criminal informant in order to help the FBI track down other dangerous criminals. It has a complex and intriguing storyline that keeps viewers engaged.The Blacklist is a popular crime drama TV series that first premiered on September 23, 2013. The show revolves around Raymond 'Red' Reddington, a former government agent turned high-profile criminal who voluntarily surrenders to the FBI after eluding capture for decades. He offers to help the FBI track down and apprehend other criminals and terrorists who are on a 'Blacklist' that he has compiled, but only under the condition that he works exclusively with rookie profiler Elizabeth Keen.- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Original Network: NBC
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 152
- Average Episode Runtime: 42 minutes
The Blacklist in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular crime show
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular show on Peacock
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular show on NBC
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65votesThis British crime drama follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy in a small town. It is known for its strong performances and emotional depth.Broadchurch is a critically acclaimed British crime drama television series that premiered in 2013. It follows the investigation led by detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller in the small Dorset town of Broadchurch after the murder of a young boy. As the investigation unfolds, the close-knit community becomes the focus of suspicion, leading to emotional turmoil and uncovering dark secrets.
- Genre: Crime drama
- Created by: Chris Chibnall
- Original network: BBC One
- Original release: 4 March 2013 – 17 April 2017
- Number of seasons: 3
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714votes
True Detective
Nic PizzolattoThis anthology series follows different detectives as they solve a new case each season. It is known for its cinematic style and strong performances, particularly in its first season.True Detective is a critically acclaimed crime drama television series that first premiered in 2014. The show is known for its intriguing storylines, complex characters, and atmospheric setting. It follows different pairs of detectives across multiple seasons as they investigate high-profile criminal cases that often involve elements of mystery and the occult. The series is renowned for its cinematic quality, nonlinear narrative structure, and deep exploration of themes such as morality, existentialism, and the nature of evil.- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
- First premiered: January 12, 2014
- Number of seasons: 3
- Total episodes: 24
- Average episode runtime: 55-90 minutes
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88votesThis show follows an FBI agent and a psychologist as they interview serial killers in order to better understand how they think and operate. It is known for its attention to detail and psychological complexity.Mindhunter is a popular crime drama series that revolves around two FBI agents delving into the psychology of serial killers to solve ongoing cases. The show explores the early days of criminal profiling and the development of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit.
- Genre: Crime drama, Psychological thriller
- Country of origin: United States
- Original language(s): English
- Number of seasons: 2
- Number of episodes: 19
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98votes
The Wire
David SimonThis critically acclaimed show is set in Baltimore and follows the interconnected lives of police officers, drug dealers, politicians, and other members of the city. It is known for its realism and social commentary.The Wire is a critically acclaimed American television drama series that aired from 2002 to 2008. It was created by David Simon, a former crime reporter in Baltimore, Maryland. The show is set in Baltimore and explores the city's various institutions, including law enforcement, drug trafficking, politics, education, and the media, depicting the interconnectedness and complexities of urban life.- Genre: Crime Drama
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 60
- Average Episode Runtime: 60 minutes
- Original Network: HBO
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102votes
Breaking Bad
Vince GilliganWhile not strictly a crime drama, this show follows a high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing and selling meth in order to provide for his family after he is diagnosed with cancer. It is known for its strong performances and intense storytelling.Breaking Bad is an American dramatic TV show that follows the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, as he descends into a world of crime and power. The show explores themes of morality, ambition, and the consequences of one's choices.- Genre: Drama
- Country of Origin: United States
- Language: English
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 62
Breaking Bad in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular AMC show
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular show in America
- Position 8 of 10 in Most overrated TV show of all time
Missing your favorite crime drama?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular crime drama
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Ratings and viewershipThe number of people who watch the show on a consistent basis, as well as its overall ratings from critics and the general public, can indicate its popularity level.
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Awards and nominationsReceiving accolades from prestigious award-giving bodies, such as Emmys or Golden Globes, can speak highly of a crime drama's quality and appeal to audiences.
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LongevityThe number of seasons the show has run for can reflect its staying power and sustained interest from fans.
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Online and social media presenceThe buzz generated by the show on various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and other fan forums, can indicate how engaged its audience is with the series.
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Critical acclaimPositive reviews from reputable critics and publications can lend credibility and prestige to a crime drama, helping to elevate its status within the genre.
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Cultural impactWhether the show has become a cultural phenomenon or inspired other television shows, books, or movies can reflect its overall popularity.
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International appealA crime drama that is popular not just in its home country but across the world can be indicative of higher levels of popularity.
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Quality of storytelling and productionStrong writing, acting, and directing that maintain consistent quality throughout the series can contribute to a crime drama's popularity.
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Unique elementsCrime dramas that stand out from the rest, either due to a unique premise, captivating characters, or innovative storytelling, are likely to be more popular.
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Viewer engagementFan reactions, reviews, and discussions about the show's plot twists, character arcs, and overall narrative structure can be indicative of how invested the audience is in the series.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular crime drama. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 971 views
- 150 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular crime drama
Crime dramas have always been a popular genre, captivating audiences with their suspenseful plotlines, intriguing characters, and nail-biting moments. From classic shows like Law and Order to newer hits like True Detective, crime dramas have become a staple in our television viewing habits.
But what makes a crime drama stand out? Is it the intricate plot twists or the complex characters? Perhaps it's the gritty realism or the thrilling action sequences. Whatever the case may be, crime dramas have become a beloved genre that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
So, which crime drama is the most popular? With so many to choose from, it's hard to say for sure. That's why we've created a poll to find out which crime drama truly reigns supreme. So, cast your vote and let's find out which show comes out on top.
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