Sometimes the most fascinating parts of a mystery are the details. The evidence, the timeline, the psychology—all these little puzzle pieces influence the course of justice. Moreover, focusing on the inner workings of police work means that a series with a technical focus can run for decades!
If you're looking for your next great binge-watch, here are eight of the best police procedurals and where to watch them!
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-2015)
Starring Ted Danson, Elisabeth Shue, George Eads, Jorja Fox, Eric Szmanda, and more, this series focuses on the science behind criminal cases. Forensic experts in Las Vegas, Nevada take a close look at each crime scene, collecting evidence that will come together to solve the mysteries. With 15 seasons and 336 episodes, watch this series now on Hulu or Paramount+!
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-Present)
Though this spin-off came nearly a decade after it's parent show, Law & Order, SVU is more widely popular among viewers. Starring Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, BD Wong, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, and more, this show dives into the devastating department of sex-based crimes. This elite team operates in New York City, on the street, and in the courtroom. This still-running show has 24 seasons and 538 episodes, and can be streamed now on Hulu or Peacock!
Rizzoli & Isles (2010-2016)
Set in the Boston area, this beloved procedural puts women at the forefront of the buddy cop trope. Detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander) don't have much in common—but they do have a shared passion for justice. Catch this 7-season, 105-episode series now on Max!
9-1-1 (2018-Present)
Starring Angela Bassett, Peter Krause, Oliver Stark, Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, and more, 9-1-1 goes beyond just the police drama to include all first responders, adding paramedics and firefighters into the mix. From the bizarre to the terrifying, this series explores emergencies and the ways in which these departments must work together. So far there are seven seasons and 97 episodes of this show, and you can find them all on Hulu!
NCIS (2003-Present)
Set in Washington, D.C., this series follows the high-profile crimes investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. This eccentric team takes on terrorists and other high-stakes issues. Starring Mark Harmon, David McCallum, Sean Murray, Brian Dietzen, Pauley Perrette, Rocky Carroll, Michael Weatherly, and more, this series currently has 21 seasons and 458 episodes. Stream it now on Netflix or Paramount+!
Criminal Minds (2005-Present)
For viewers looking for a darker procedural, Criminal Minds follows a team of FBI criminal profilers within the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Together they try to predict the next moves of twisted criminals to take them down before they strike again. Starring Joe Mantegna, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, Paget Brewster, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and more, this series currently has 17 seasons and 334 episodes. Find it now on Hulu or Paramount+!
The Rookie (2018-Present)
John Nolan's (Nathan Fillion) whole lift changed after he was caught in the middle of a bank robbery. Hoping to chase his dream of becoming a policeman despite being middle-aged, he joins the LAPD as the oldest rookie on the force. Though everyone is skeptical that he can keep up with his younger coworkers—let alone the criminals—he risks his life to get to the bottom of crime. Find all 6 seasons and 99 episodes of this still-running series on Hulu!
Blue Bloods (2010-Present)
Set in New York City, this series follows a family with multiple generations in law enforcement. Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) is the Police Comissioner and son of former PC Henry Reagan. He struggles to balance the weight of running the world's largest police force and the trials of being his kids' boss. There are currently 13 seasons and 275 episodes of this gripping series, and you can stream them now on Hulu and Paramount+!
