The Best Crime Drama Series On Hulu, Ranked
- 1Timothy Olyphant, Walton Goggins, Nick Searcy
Justified masterfully blends the classic tropes of the crime genre with a modern twist, creating a gripping tale of U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens as he serves justice in his Kentucky hometown. The show's strong character development and seamless integration of crime elements - like mob wars, gunfights, and complex moral dilemmas - make it a standout within the genre. Moreover, the exceptional performances by Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins, along with the intricate plot that keeps us guessing until the very end, make Justified truly deserving of being considered one of the best crime shows on Hulu.
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- 2Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit stands head and shoulders above many other crime shows, tackling sensitive issues such as sexual assault and child abuse with unflinching realism while maintaining a gripping procedural structure. The skilled ensemble cast, including Mariska Hargitay's iconic portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson, brings depth and empathy to these challenging storylines. With its balance of attention to the procedural aspects of solving crimes and the emotional journey of victims, SVU proves that it doesn't shy away from tough topics, making it an enduring classic within the crime genre.
- 3Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, T.J. Thyne
Bones brings a unique twist to the crime procedural genre by focusing on the world of forensic anthropology, as the unlikely partnership between FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth and forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan uncovers the stories hidden beneath the remains of murder victims. The series' ability to balance humor and heart with grisly crime-solving makes it a delightful deviation from the often darker traditional crime dramas. With Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz at the helm, Bones displays a captivating blend of intellectual mystery and emotional depth, making it a truly memorable crime show.
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- 4Mireille Enos, Joel Kinnaman, Gregg Henry
Set against the backdrop of a gloomy Seattle, The Killing follows detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they navigate a complex web of murder, politics, and personal demons. Known for its slow-burning storytelling and atmospheric visuals, the show delves deep into the emotional impact of crime on both the victims' families and the detectives themselves, challenging the traditional crime-solving format. Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman's grounded performances, along with the series' ability to keep viewers guessing until the very end, ensure The Killing's place as a gripping addition to the realm of crime dramas.
More The Killing- #202 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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- 5Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Sergio Peris-Mencheta
Snowfall delves into the world of drug trafficking in 1980s Los Angeles, weaving together multiple characters and storylines to create a rich tapestry of life in a city teetering on the edge. The show's exploration of the criminal underworld is both gritty and nuanced as it delves into the moral complexities of the war on drugs, while still delivering a riveting plot and deeply realized characters. Damson Idris' captivating performance as Franklin Saint, along with the series' atmospheric visuals and engaging storytelling, makes Snowfall an essential watch for fans of crime dramas.
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- 6Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies
Prison Break takes the crime genre and turns it on its head by focusing on the elaborate planning and execution of a prison escape, rather than the crimes that landed the characters behind bars. Centered on brothers Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows, the show is a high-stakes roller coaster ride of suspense, action, and intricate plot twists. Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell's compelling performances, paired with the series' unique premise and unrelenting pacing, make Prison Break a thrilling and memorable addition to the world of crime television.
More Prison Break- Dig Deeper...The Best 'Prison Break' Seasons, Ranked
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- 7Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu, Aidan Quinn
Elementary puts a fresh spin on the classic crime genre by transporting Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved characters, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Joan Watson, into contemporary New York City. While the series pays homage to the literary roots of the crime-solving duo, it also explores modern moral ambiguities and complex themes like addiction and redemption. With Jonny Lee Miller's innovative interpretation of the iconic sleuth and Lucy Liu's refreshing gender-swapped role as Watson, Elementary effectively rejuvenates the crime genre for a new generation.
- 8Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Dermot Crowley
Luther epitomizes the dark, gritty allure of the crime genre, as it follows tormented homicide detective John Luther as he deals with his own demons while hunting down London's most heinous criminals. This series reinvigorates traditional crime-solving themes by delving deep into its protagonist's psyche, exploring the fine line between good and evil, and questioning the nature of obsession. Idris Elba's powerful portrayal of the titular character, coupled with the show's intricate plotlines and chilling villains, make Luther an unforgettable contribution to the world of crime television.
More Luther- #171 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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- 9Kristen Bell, Enrico Colantoni, Jason Dohring
Airing initially on UPN and CW before being revived by Hulu, Veronica Mars follows the journey of teenage sleuth Veronica as she solves crimes in the sunny, seaside town of Neptune, California. Surrounded by wealth and privilege, Veronica's tenacity and wit get her entangled in a series of mysteries that peel back the layers of deceit and corruption within her hometown. With a mix of noir, teen drama, and crime procedural, this cult-favorite series shines due to Kristen Bell's captivating performance and the show's balance between episodic mysteries and overarching storylines.
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- 10Jason Patric, Djimon Hounsou, Hope Davis
Wayward Pines is a genre-bending series that combines elements of crime, mystery, science fiction, and thriller. The show follows Secret Service agent Ethan Burke as he unravels the secrets of a seemingly idyllic small town, only to discover that there is more to the quaint facade than meets the eye. With its rich atmosphere, complex characters, and mind-bending plot twists, Wayward Pines offers a fresh and intriguing take on the crime genre that is sure to leave viewers questioning the nature of reality itself.
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- A dramatization of true events.More American Crime Story
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- 12Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, Choi Woo-sungIn an era of violence and corruption, Park Yeong-han, a humble detective, joins forces with Sang-sun, Gyeong-hwan and Ho-jeong to uphold justice.More Chief Detective 1958
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