The Most Popular Crime Show, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the crime show you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:34
Picture a chilly evening, curled up on the sofa with a blanket, ready to dive into a gripping crime show, but you can't decide which series to start next. With so many options and opinions, it can be overwhelming to choose. That's where a consolidated list of top-ranked crime shows can help, providing a community-based guide that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
On this site, the power of choice is in your hands. By voting for your preferred crime series, you directly influence the rankings, creating a dynamic list that reflects the opinions and favorites of a broad audience. Whether you're a fan of mind-bending mysteries, intense dramas, or forensic investigations, your votes help shape the guidance for fellow enthusiasts on their next binge-worthy watch.
What Is the Most Popular Crime Show?
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154votes
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Dick WolfThis long-running crime show has been on the air for over 20 years, and follows the investigations of the sex crimes unit of the NYPD. It has a dedicated fan base and has been praised for its handling of sensitive topics.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 2 of 10 in Most popular crime drama
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular show on Peacock
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231votes
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Anthony E. ZuikerThis show focuses on the forensic investigation of crimes, and was one of the most popular shows on television during its run from 2000-2015. It spawned multiple spin-offs and was known for its intricate investigations and attention to detail.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 4 of 10 in Most popular crime drama
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323votesThis military police procedural has been on the air since 2003 and follows a team of special agents who investigate crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. It has a large fan base and has been praised for its diverse cast and compelling storylines.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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45votes
Criminal Minds
Jeff DavisThis show follows the investigations of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, which specializes in profiling and catching serial killers. It has been on the air for over a decade and has a passionate fan base, as well as a spin-off currently airing.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 3 of 10 in Most popular crime drama
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511votes
The Blacklist
Jon BokenkampThis show follows the criminal mastermind Raymond Reddington as he helps the FBI catch other dangerous criminals. It has been on the air since 2013 and has a dedicated fan base who love the intrigue and action.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 drama
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular show on Peacock
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular show on NBC
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610votesThis show follows a bestselling mystery writer who helps the NYPD solve crimes, and has been praised for its witty banter and unique premise. It aired from 2009-2016 and has a devoted fan base who loved the chemistry between the leads.Castle is an American crime-comedy-drama television series that aired from 2009 to 2016. The show follows Richard Castle, a famous mystery novelist, as he teams up with NYPD detective Kate Beckett to solve various crimes in New York City. As Castle brings his unique insight and creativity to crime solving, the dynamic duo develops a complex and entertaining relationship.
- Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama
- Original network: ABC
- Original release: March 9, 2009 – May 16, 2016
- Number of seasons: 8
- Number of episodes: 173
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716votesThis crime procedural follows a forensic anthropologist and an FBI agent as they investigate cases involving bones. It aired for 12 seasons and was known for its blend of humor and drama, as well as its strong female lead.Bones is a renowned Japanese anime studio known for its high-quality animation and captivating storytelling. It was founded in October 1998 by Sunrise's animation directors Hiroshi Ōsaka, Toshihiro Kawamoto, and Masahiko Minami.
- Founded: October 1998
- Headquarters: Suginami, Tokyo, Japan
- Notable Works: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, My Hero Academia, Mob Psycho 100
- Number of Employees: Approximately 200
- Animation Styles: Diverse range of animation styles to suit various genres
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814votes
The Mentalist
Bruno HellerThis show follows a former psychic who uses his skills to help the California Bureau of Investigation solve crimes. It aired from 2008-2015 and was praised for its clever writing and charismatic lead actor.The Mentalist is a popular crime show that aired from 2008 to 2015. It follows the story of Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium, who uses his exceptional observational skills to solve crimes as a consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Jane's unique talents help him read people's behaviors and uncover hidden clues, allowing him to crack even the most complex cases.- Genre: Crime drama
- First episode date: September 23, 2008
- Last episode date: February 18, 2015
- Number of seasons: 7
- Number of episodes: 151
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97votesThis show is a modern take on the Sherlock Holmes story, with the legendary detective living in New York City and partnering with a sober companion to solve crimes. It aired from 2012-2019 and was praised for its unique spin on the classic character.Elementary is a popular crime show that follows the modern-day adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson in New York City. Created by Robert Doherty, the show offers a unique twist on the classic detective stories by reimagining Sherlock Holmes in a contemporary setting. With a focus on Holmes' brilliant deductive skills and Watson's exceptional investigative expertise, the dynamic duo tackles complex murder mysteries and criminal cases.
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Original Network: CBS
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 154
- Average Episode Runtime: approximately 40 minutes
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1010votes
CBS · Public domainThis show follows a multi-generational family of cops in New York City, and has been on the air since 2010. It has a strong cast and has been praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and family dynamics.Blue Bloods is a popular crime show that follows the lives of the Reagan family, who are dedicated to law enforcement in New York City. The show primarily focuses on the work of Frank Reagan, the police commissioner, and his three adult children: Danny, a seasoned detective; Erin, a prosecutor; and Jamie, a Harvard Law School graduate turned cop. The family's commitment to justice often leads to challenging moral dilemmas and intense investigations.- Genre: Crime drama
- Original network: CBS
- Original release: September 24, 2010 - present
- Number of seasons: 11
- Number of episodes: 252 (as of January 2021)
Blue Bloods in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular show on CBS
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular crime show
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Viewer ratings and reviewsOne of the primary indicators of a crime show's popularity is its ratings and reviews from viewers. This includes both professional critics and everyday audiences who share their opinions on platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic.
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Television ratingsTV ratings, such as the Nielsen ratings in the United States, measure the number of households and viewers tuning in to watch a particular show. Higher ratings indicate that more people are watching the show, making it more popular.
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Awards and nominationsRecognition from prestigious television awards, such as the Emmys or Golden Globes, can be a good indicator of a show's popularity and quality. Awards can help solidify a show's status as a hit or draw new viewers to the series.
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Streaming viewershipIn the age of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, it is also essential to consider the number of streams or views a crime show receives on these platforms.
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Longevity and renewalsThe popularity of a crime show can be judged based on whether it has been renewed for multiple seasons. If a show continues to be produced for several years, it is likely to have a dedicated fanbase and strong viewership.
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International appeal and syndicationShows that are popular globally, dubbed or subtitled in other languages, and syndicated in many countries can be considered more popular.
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Social media buzz and engagementA show's social media presence, including the number of followers, mentions, and engagement, can also indicate its popularity. Social media sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are useful tools to gauge the conversations surrounding a crime show and its fanbase.
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Spin-offs and adaptationsPopular crime shows might be adapted into international versions or spawn spin-offs, which indicates a level of success and broad appeal.
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Merchandise sales and promotionsSuccessful crime shows often have merchandise, such as DVDs, clothing, or collectibles, available for fans to purchase. The amount of merchandise and sales can indicate a show's popularity.
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Fan base and fan engagementA show's long-term popularity can also be judged by the size and dedication of its fan base. Active fan communities, fan-generated content, and conventions can provide insight into the show's lasting appeal.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular crime show. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or crime show is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1731 views
- 179 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each crime show once every 24 hours. The rank of each crime show is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular crime show
Crime shows have been a popular genre on television for decades, with new series constantly emerging and captivating audiences around the world. These shows often feature gripping storylines, intense characters, and thrilling suspense that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. From classic crime dramas like Law & Order to more recent hits like Breaking Bad and Mindhunter, there's no shortage of options when it comes to crime shows. But which one is the most popular? At StrawPoll, we've gathered data from thousands of users to determine the top crime shows of all time. Read on to discover the results and see if your favorite made the list.
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