Photo: CBS/Criminal Minds, TNT/The Mentalist

The 43 Best TV Crime Dramas Of The 2000s, Ranked

Ranker TV

Updated May 17, 2024 45.1K views 43 items

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4.6K votes

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2 reranks

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Vote up your favorite 2000s shows that feature detectives, police, and crime.

The 2000s were a memorable decade for crime dramas, each season delivering a compelling narrative that pushed the boundaries of the genre and captured the attention of fans and critics alike. This list of 2000s crime drama TV shows has been carefully compiled and ranked based on their critical acclaim, audience appreciation, cultural impact, and overall quality - created not only to reminisce but also to celebrate these groundbreaking shows. It's a crowd-ranked list, letting fans and critics voice their opinions on what they believe are the best crime dramas from this distinguished decade.

Highlighting a mixture of incredibly successful shows such as The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, The Wire, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Criminal Minds, every name that has made it to this list has earned its spot for a reason. The Sopranos was highly innovative, employing deep character study in its narratives. Breaking Bad revolutionized storytelling with its anti-hero protagonist, while The Wire provided a raw and realistic portrayal of life in Baltimore. Crime procedural dramas like CSI, Law & Order: SVU, and Criminal Minds were not only popular but also set the standard for police procedural dramas that followed. Other crime shows from the 2000s include Cold Case featuring female detective Lilly Rush, played by Kathryn Morris, and The Shield, which follows a corrupt LAPD division of cops.

Dive into this thrilling world of 2000s crime dramas by voting for the shows that touched, thrilled, and revolutionized the way stories are told. Rank, reminisce, and let us know what crime drama from the 2000s did you find most captivating.

Most divisive: NYPD Blue

Over 700 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 43 Best TV Crime Dramas Of The 2000s, Ranked

1
The Mentalist
Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang
227 votes
Starring Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation, this series is a unique twist on the crime drama genre. Jane uses his keen observational skills and uncanny ability to read people to help solve crimes, all while maintaining a personal vendetta against the elusive serial killer Red John, who murdered his wife and daughter.
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2
Criminal Minds
Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness
211 votes
A riveting exploration of the minds of serial killers and criminals, this series follows a team of elite profilers from the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they use their psychological expertise to solve harrowing cases. The show delves into the darkest recesses of human nature while shedding light on the complexities of the criminal mind.
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3
Bones
Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, T.J. Thyne
184 votes
This forensic-based crime drama brings together the unlikely duo of Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel), a brilliant but socially awkward forensic anthropologist, and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz), a seasoned investigator with a flair for intuition. Together, they unravel complex murder cases using cutting-edge science and technology, while grappling with their own evolving personal relationship.
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4
NCIS
Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen
208 votes
This gripping crime drama delves into the world of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, as they tackle complex cases involving military personnel and their families. The show boasts strong character development and long-lasting story arcs to keep viewers engaged. Led by Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), the ensemble cast showcases a perfect blend of wit, camaraderie, and emotion that resonates with fans worldwide.
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5
Castle
Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Susan Sullivan
169 votes
Best-selling mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) form an unorthodox partnership in this witty, suspenseful series. As they solve intricate murder cases, their undeniable chemistry and playful banter captivate audiences and keep them guessing until the very end.
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6
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish
134 votes
A powerful spin-off of the original Law & Order series, SVU focuses on the dedicated detectives of the NYPD's Special Victims Unit, who investigate sexually-based crimes. Starring Mariska Hargitay as the relentless Lieutenant Olivia Benson, this long-running show provides a raw and unflinching look at the emotional toll these cases take on both the victims and the investigators.
7
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Ted Danson, Elisabeth Shue, George Eads
137 votes
Set in the glitzy world of Las Vegas, this groundbreaking procedural drama follows a team of forensic investigators led by the enigmatic Gil Grissom (William Petersen) as they use cutting-edge scientific methods to solve baffling crimes. The series' clever storytelling and meticulous attention to detail have made it a staple of the crime drama genre.
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8
Breaking Bad
Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
150 votes
A high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, Walter White (Bryan Cranston), descends into a life of crime in this critically acclaimed series. As he becomes increasingly entangled in the dangerous world of drug cartels and law enforcement, the show explores themes of morality, family, and the dark side of the American dream.
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9
White Collar
Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay, Tiffani Thiessen
113 votes
A stylish and intelligent crime drama, White Collar centers on the unlikely partnership between charming con artist Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) and straight-laced FBI Agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay). Together, they navigate the world of high-stakes white-collar crime while attempting to keep Caffrey's criminal instincts in check.
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10
Monk
Tony Shalhoub, Ted Levine, Traylor Howard
127 votes
Tony Shalhoub stars as Adrian Monk, a brilliant but deeply troubled former police detective turned private consultant. Plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder and an array of crippling phobias, Monk uses his uncanny attention to detail to solve cases others can't crack. The series balances humor and heartbreak as it explores the challenges faced by those living with mental illness.
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11
Veronica Mars
Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni, Jason Dohring
81 votes
This cult-favorite series stars Kristen Bell as the eponymous Veronica Mars, a high school student by day and a tenacious private investigator by night. Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Neptune, California, the show tackles both episodic mysteries and season-long story arcs while addressing issues of class, race, and gender discrimination.
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12
Cold Case
Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn
103 votes
This emotionally charged crime drama revolves around the Philadelphia Homicide Division's lone female detective, Lilly Rush (Kathryn Morris), who specializes in solving "cold cases" - long-unsolved crimes that have been forgotten by time. The series is known for its unique storytelling approach, utilizing flashbacks to the time of the crime and featuring music from that era to heighten the emotional impact.
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13
Psych
James Roday Rodriguez, Dulé Hill, Corbin Bernsen
98 votes
This clever and light-hearted series follows Shawn Spencer (James Roday), a young man with an eidetic memory who poses as a psychic detective to help the Santa Barbara Police Department solve crimes. Alongside his best friend and reluctant partner Gus (Dulé Hill), they use their unique skills and unconventional methods to crack even the most baffling cases.
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14
The Wire
Dominic West, John Doman, Frankie R. Faison
110 votes
Hailed as one of the greatest television shows of all time, The Wire offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of life in Baltimore, weaving together the stories of law enforcement, drug dealers, politicians, and everyday citizens. Created by David Simon, the series is praised for its intricate storytelling, multidimensional characters, and unflinching examination of systemic corruption.
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15
Dexter
Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, C.S. Lee
133 votes
This critically acclaimed series follows the double life of Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer, targeting criminals who have evaded justice. With its darkly humorous tone and morally complex protagonist, Dexter offers a fresh take on the crime genre.
16
Columbo
Peter Falk, Mike Lally, John Finnegan
50 votes
A classic crime drama with a twist, Columbo features Peter Falk as the unassuming yet brilliant LAPD homicide detective Lieutenant Columbo. Known for his disheveled appearance and seemingly bumbling demeanor, Columbo often lulls suspects into a false sense of security before revealing his true intellect and cunning, ultimately solving even the most baffling cases.
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17
NUMB3RS
Rob Morrow, David Krumholtz, Judd Hirsch
82 votes
In this innovative crime drama, brilliant mathematician Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz) assists his FBI agent brother Don (Rob Morrow) in solving complex cases using mathematical algorithms and statistical analysis. As they navigate the delicate balance between intellect and intuition, the series explores the fascinating intersection of crime-solving and mathematics.
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18
The Closer
Kyra Sedgwick, J.K. Simmons, Corey Reynolds
95 votes
Kyra Sedgwick stars as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, a skilled interrogator and head of the LAPD's Priority Homicide Division, in this character-driven crime drama. Known for her ability to "close" difficult cases, Johnson's unorthodox methods and strong Southern personality provide a fresh take on the traditional police procedural.
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19
Sons of Anarchy
Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates
60 votes
Set in the world of outlaw motorcycle clubs, this gritty crime drama follows the lives of the members of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original (SAMCRO). Led by protagonist Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), the series explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and redemption as SAMCRO navigates a dangerous and often corrupt criminal underworld.
20
Law & Order
Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, Camryn Manheim
90 votes
This venerable crime drama series set the standard for the genre, seamlessly blending elements of a police procedural with courtroom drama. Created by Dick Wolf, the show offers an unflinching look at the criminal justice system, with each episode focusing on the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators in the bustling city of New York.
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21
The Shield
Michael Chiklis, Benito Martinez, CCH Pounder
75 votes
A powerful and controversial series, The Shield revolves around the morally ambiguous Detective Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) and his team of corrupt officers operating in the fictional Farmington district of Los Angeles. The show delves into the complexities of police corruption, exploring the limits of loyalty and morality in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.
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22
Lie to Me
Tim Roth, Kelli Williams, Monica Raymund
57 votes
This intriguing series showcases the work of Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth), a deception expert who uses his ability to read microexpressions and body language to assist law enforcement in solving crimes. The show offers a unique perspective on the science of human behavior while exploring the ways in which lies and deceit permeate our everyday lives.
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23
The Sopranos
James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco
100 votes
Widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows ever created, The Sopranos chronicles the life of mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he struggles to balance the demands of his crime family with those of his personal life. This groundbreaking series offers a complex and nuanced portrayal of the American Mafia, blending dark humor, intense drama, and unforgettable characters.
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24
NCIS: Los Angeles
Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J, Linda Hunt
91 votes
A spin-off of the original NCIS series, this action-packed crime drama follows the high-stakes missions of the Office of Special Projects (OSP), an undercover division of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Led by G. Callen (Chris O'Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J), the team utilizes cutting-edge technology and expertly crafted disguises to bring down criminals who pose a threat to national security.
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25
Fringe
Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble
87 votes
Blending elements of crime drama, science fiction, and horror, Fringe delves into the unexplained phenomena that reside on the fringes of science. FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) teams up with a brilliant but eccentric scientist, Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), and his estranged son Peter (Joshua Jackson) to investigate these bizarre occurrences and uncover a larger conspiracy at play.
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26
Prison Break
Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies
61 votes
A thrilling blend of crime drama and suspense, Prison Break tells the story of Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller), a brilliant engineer who orchestrates an elaborate scheme to break his wrongfully accused brother (Dominic Purcell) out of prison. The series is known for its intricate plots, unexpected twists, and compelling exploration of the lengths one will go to in the name of family and justice.
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27
Southland
Michael Cudlitz, Benjamin McKenzie, Regina King
38 votes
This raw and realistic crime drama provides an intimate look at the lives of LAPD officers and detectives, as they navigate the daily challenges and moral dilemmas that come with policing the streets of Los Angeles. With its documentary-style cinematography and powerful performances, Southland offers a compelling and unvarnished portrayal of life on the front lines of law enforcement.
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28
CSI: NY
Gary Sinise, Sela Ward, Carmine Giovinazzo
87 votes
A spin-off of the original CSI series, this crime drama transports viewers to the bustling streets of New York City, following a team of forensic investigators led by the stoic Detective Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise). The show's engaging storylines and use of cutting-edge forensic technology provide an intriguing glimpse into the world of crime-solving in the Big Apple.
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29
CSI: Miami
David Caruso, Emily Procter, Adam Rodriguez
87 votes
A spin-off of the original CSI series, this sun-soaked crime drama follows the work of the Miami-Dade Crime Scene Investigators, led by the charismatic and enigmatic Horatio Caine (David Caruso). Known for its stunning visuals and action-packed storylines, CSI: Miami offers a captivating look at the high-stakes world of forensic science in one of America's most vibrant cities.
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30
24
Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Cherry Jones
88 votes
This innovative and adrenaline-fueled crime drama stars Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer, a counter-terrorism agent racing against the clock to thwart various threats to national security. Each season takes place over the course of a single day, with each episode unfolding in real time, creating a unique sense of urgency and tension that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
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