The Best 2000s Police Procedurals, Ranked
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Upvote your favorite procedurals that aired in the 2000s.
- 1Nathan Fillion, Stana Katic, Susan SullivanIn a thrilling blend of crime-solving and wit, the highly acclaimed television series Castle follows the unconventional partnership between mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and no-nonsense NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic). Their dynamic chemistry unfolds over eight seasons as they work together to unravel New York City's most perplexing cases. Lauded for its engaging storylines and memorable characters, the show earned multiple nominations from the Primetime Emmy Awards and People's Choice Awards. Castle's unique combination of suspense, humor, and evolving relationships keeps viewers engaged through its eight seasons.More Castle
- #93 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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- 2Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John NobleFringe, a thrilling science-fiction series, delves into the mysterious world of unexplained phenomena and fringe science. With five seasons of mind-bending storytelling, the show has garnered a dedicated fan base and multiple award nominations, including Primetime Emmy Awards. Centered around the complex lives of FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), mad scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), and his genius son Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), the trio investigates peculiar cases that challenge the boundaries of reality. As they uncover the truth behind these enigmatic events, Fringe masterfully weaves together parallel universes, alternate timelines, and intriguing character arcs, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that keeps audiences enthralled throughout its run.More Fringe
- Dig Deeper...The Best 'Fringe' Seasons, Ranked
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- #74 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 3Hugh Laurie, Robert Sean Leonard, Omar EppsThe medical drama series House delves deeply into the complex world of diagnostics, showcasing the brilliant yet unorthodox methods of Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie). With a team of skilled doctors at his side, they tackle rare and mystifying cases that challenge conventional medical wisdom. The show's gripping narrative is complemented by its strong character development, as it explores the personal struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by the medical professionals. Garnering numerous accolades, including Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy wins for its outstanding performances and writing, House has solidified its place in television history as a thought-provoking and engaging series.More House
- Dig Deeper...The Best 'House' Seasons, Ranked
- #7 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #2 of 120 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- 4Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, T.J. ThyneDr. Temperance Brennan uses impressive forensics skills to solve murders.More Bones
- #42 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #11 of 120 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #127 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- 5Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten VangsnessAn elite squad of FBI profilers analyzes the country's most-twisted criminal minds.More Criminal Minds
- Dig Deeper...The Best Criminal Minds Episodes
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- #30 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 6Michael Chiklis, Benito Martinez, CCH PounderThe story of an inner-city Los Angeles police precinct.More The Shield
- #45 of 145 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #154 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #143 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- 7Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim KangThe Mentalist, a crime procedural drama, masterfully weaves suspense and wit into a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged throughout its seven-season run. The show follows Patrick Jane (Simon Baker), a former psychic medium turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation, as he uses his keen observational skills and psychological prowess to solve baffling cases. His unorthodox methods often clash with the by-the-book approach of Senior Special Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney). Throughout the series, the pursuit of the elusive serial killer Red John remains an underlying thread, adding a personal touch to Jane's relentless quest for justice. Garnering critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, The Mentalist proves to be an intelligent and captivating addition to the crime drama genre.More The Mentalist
- #78 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #92 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
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- 8Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, Marianne Jean-BaptisteAn FBI task force uses psychological profiling in its search for missing persons.More Without a Trace
- #104 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- #16 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- #173 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 9Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, Sam WaterstonDetectives and prosecutors pursue justice in the New York City streets and courtrooms.More Law & Order
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- #83 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 10Tony Shalhoub, Ted Levine, Traylor HowardIn a skillful fusion of mystery and comedy, this award-winning show delves into the life of Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub), an extraordinary detective with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. As he solves intricate cases with his keen eye for detail, viewers are treated to a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals with OCD. The series has garnered multiple accolades, including eight Primetime Emmy Awards, with Shalhoub's exceptional performance being widely lauded. Through its engrossing narratives and memorable characters, Monk masterfully balances suspense and humor, making it a must-watch for fans of the crime-solving genre.More Monk
- #81 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #4 of 120 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #56 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- 11Matt Bomer, Tim DeKay, Tiffani ThiessenWhite Collar, a crime-drama series, artfully explores the unlikely partnership between a con artist, Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer), and an FBI agent, Peter Burke (Tim DeKay). The show's clever narrative seamlessly intertwines elements of suspense, humor, and camaraderie as it delves into the world of white-collar crime. With its engaging storylines and dynamic characters, White Collar has won numerous award nominations, including Primetime Emmy nods for its exceptional guest stars. As viewers follow the duo's pursuit of elusive criminals, they are treated to a fascinating glimpse into the intricate dance between law enforcement and the criminal underworld.More White Collar
- #159 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #14 of 120 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
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- 12Ted Danson, Elisabeth Shue, George EadsAn investigation team in Las Vegas scours crime scenes for forensic evidence.
- #94 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #20 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- #28 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- 13Tim Roth, Kelli Williams, Monica RaymundIntriguing and thought-provoking, Lie to Me delves into the world of deception detection, guided by the expertise of Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth), a human lie detector. This crime-drama series, which premiered in 2009, explores the dynamics of facial expressions and body language to unveil hidden truths. The show's unique perspective on crime-solving has garnered it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. As viewers follow the Lightman Group's investigations, they are introduced to an array of complex cases, while also witnessing the personal struggles of the characters. With its well-crafted narrative and powerful performances, Lie to Me has undoubtedly left a lasting impression in its genre.More Lie to Me
- #200 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #37 of 120 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #44 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- 14James Roday Rodriguez, Dulé Hill, Corbin BernsenIn the realm of crime-solving comedies, Psych stands out as a refreshing take on the genre. With eight seasons under its belt, this USA Network series garnered a loyal fan base and multiple award nominations. The show follows the adventures of Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez), a clever yet quirky amateur sleuth with an uncanny ability to solve crimes by posing as a psychic detective. Alongside his level-headed best friend, Burton "Gus" Guster (Dulé Hill), the duo tackles cases for the Santa Barbara Police Department, often employing unconventional methods. The show's charm lies in its witty banter, clever plotlines, and endearing characters, making it a must-watch for fans of lighthearted detective stories.More Psych
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- #105 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 15Rob Morrow, David Krumholtz, Judd HirschIn the realm of crime dramas, NUMB3RS stands out with its unique approach to solving cases through mathematical equations and algorithms. The show cleverly intertwines the worlds of law enforcement and academia, as FBI Agent Don Eppes (Rob Morrow) teams up with his math genius brother, Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz), to crack complex criminal cases. With a strong supporting cast, including Judd Hirsch and Peter MacNicol, the series earned various award nominations throughout its six-season run. While maintaining suspenseful narratives, NUMB3RS also provides intriguing insights into the applications of mathematics in our daily lives, appealing to both fans of the genre and those with an appreciation for intellectual pursuits.More NUMB3RS
- #184 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #20 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- #39 of 86 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- 16Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian DietzenSpecial agents investigate crimes related to the Navy and Marine Corps.More NCIS
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- #50 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- 17Michael Badalucco, Steve Harris, Camryn ManheimIn a world where legal dramas are plentiful, The Practice sets itself apart with its compelling narrative and well-rounded characters. This acclaimed series delves into the complex lives of attorneys at a Boston law firm, as they navigate high-stakes cases and moral dilemmas. Notable for its ensemble cast, the show features Bobby Donnell (Dylan McDermott) leading the firm with his unwavering dedication to justice. Throughout its eight-season run, The Practice garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards. With its gritty realism and thought-provoking storylines, this series continues to resonate with audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of television drama.More The Practice
- #250 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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- 18Dennis Franz, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gordon ClappNYPD Blue, a gritty crime drama series, delves into the lives and work of detectives at Manhattan's 15th precinct. With its unapologetic portrayal of complex characters and emotionally-charged storylines, the show garnered critical acclaim during its twelve-season run. At the heart of the series is Detective Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz), whose personal struggles and dedication to his profession form an engaging narrative arc. The show boasts a remarkable ensemble cast and has received numerous awards, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. NYPD Blue remains a benchmark in the world of television dramas, thanks to its thought-provoking content and compelling character development.More NYPD Blue
- #209 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #145 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #48 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- 19David Caruso, Emily Procter, Adam RodriguezDelving into the world of forensic science, CSI: Miami offers a thrilling exploration of criminal investigations in the sun-soaked city. Led by Lieutenant Horatio Caine (David Caruso), this skilled team of investigators unravels complex cases through meticulous analysis and cutting-edge technology. The show's gripping narratives, coupled with its dynamic ensemble cast, have earned it numerous award nominations, including six Primetime Emmy Awards. With a blend of drama, suspense, and occasional humor, CSI: Miami has made a lasting impression on television audiences, solidifying its place as an iconic crime procedural in the pantheon of TV classics.More CSI: Miami
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- #241 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #45 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- 20Kathryn Morris, Danny Pino, John FinnA female homicide detective tackles unsolved crimes.More Cold Case
- #138 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #13 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- #100 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 21Vincent D'Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe, Jay O. SandersSolutions to crimes play out from the perspectives of the criminals.
- #152 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #38 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- #112 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 22David James Elliott, Catherine Bell, Patrick LaborteauxIn a seamless fusion of military drama and legal intrigue, this long-running series delves deep into the high-stakes world of the United States Navy's Judge Advocate General's Corps. Through the eyes of determined characters such as Lt. Cmdr. Harmon Rabb (David James Elliott) and Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie (Catherine Bell), the show explores complex cases involving criminal investigations, ethical dilemmas, and international disputes. Spanning ten seasons,JAG is often lauded for its accurate portrayal of military life and thought-provoking storylines. With an ensemble cast delivering compelling performances, this TV gem remains a classic in the annals of television history.More JAG
- #173 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #47 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- #18 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- 23Gary Sinise, Sela Ward, Carmine GiovinazzoForensic investigators use high-tech science to follow evidence and solve crimes in the Big Apple.More CSI: NY
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- #254 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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- 24Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Conrad, Camryn ManheimIn a realm where the supernatural meets the everyday, Ghost Whisperer explores the life of Melinda Gordon (Jennifer Love Hewitt), a woman with the extraordinary ability to communicate with spirits. This engaging drama series weaves intricate narratives that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, both in the living world and beyond. Throughout its five-season run, the show has garnered critical acclaim, earning multiple award nominations for its captivating storytelling and exceptional performances. With its perfect blend of suspense, heart-wrenching moments, and occasional touches of humor, Ghost Whisperer leaves audiences contemplating the mysteries of life, death, and what lies in between.More Ghost Whisperer
- #142 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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- #34 of 267 onThe 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
- 25Dennis Haysbert, Scott Foley, Robert PatrickThe Unit, which premiered on March 7, 2006, is a thrilling action-drama series that follows the lives of a top-secret military team executing covert missions abroad while their families navigate life back home. The show offers a dual perspective on the personal and professional challenges faced by these special forces operatives. Notable cast members include Dennis Haysbert and Robert Patrick who deliver gripping performances as leaders of the elite squad. The Unit, during its four-season run, received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Stunt Coordination, underscoring its commitment to powerful action sequences.More The Unit
- #273 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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- 26Dennis Waterman, Tamzin Outhwaite, Denis LawsonDetective Sandra Pullman heads the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad.More New Tricks
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- 27Ken Stott, Claire Price, Jennifer BlackA series based on the book written by the Scottish Ian Rankin.
