The Most Popular Crime Drama, Ranked

Choose the crime drama you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 29, 2024 06:48
Fans of crime dramas often appreciate the genre for its exciting plots, complex characters, and intricate storytelling. With such a diverse array of shows available, it can be difficult to decide which ones to watch. A ranked list of the most popular crime dramas not only helps viewers identify which series have captivated audiences, but also serves as a guide to what might resonate with their personal taste. This dynamic ranking gathers votes from viewers like you, offering a fresh perspective on what's making waves in the world of crime drama today. Your participation shapes this ongoing survey, ensuring that the list remains a current and accurate reflection of popular opinion. So cast your vote and see how your favorite shows fare against the competition.

What Is the Most Popular Crime Drama?

  1. 1
    14
    votes

    True Detective

    Anthology crime drama series that focuses on police investigations that unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved.
    • Creator: Nic Pizzolatto
    • Years Active: 2014–present
  2. 2
    8
    votes

    Mindhunter

    Set in the late 1970s – early 1980s, Mindhunter revolves around FBI agents and a psychologist who operate the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit within the Training Division at the FBI Academy.
    • Creator: Joe Penhall
    • Years Active: 2017–2019
  3. 3
    8
    votes

    The Wire

    Explores the lives of various facets of the Baltimore drug scene.
    • Creator: David Simon
    • Years Active: 2002–2008
  4. 5
    0
    votes

    Sherlock

    A modern update to the classic Arthur Conan Doyle stories, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes.
    • Creators: Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss
    • Years Active: 2010–2017
  5. 6
    0
    votes

    Narcos

    Tells the true-life story of the growth and spread of cocaine drug cartels across the globe and attendant efforts of law enforcement to meet them head on.
    • Creators: Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro
    • Years Active: 2015–2017
  6. 7
    0
    votes

    Dexter

    By day, mild-mannered Dexter is a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police. But at night, he is a serial killer who only targets other murderers.
    • Creator: James Manos Jr.
    • Years Active: 2006–2013, 2021
  7. 8
    0
    votes

    Fargo

    An anthology series inspired by the 1996 Coen brothers film. Each season is set in a different era and with a different story and characters, but all revolve around crime in the Midwest.
    • Creator: Noah Hawley
    • Years Active: 2014–present
  8. 9
    0
    votes

    Better Call Saul

    The series follows Jimmy McGill, who eventually transforms into Saul Goodman, the morally challenged lawyer from 'Breaking Bad'.
    • Creators: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould
    • Years Active: 2015–2022
  9. 10
    0
    votes

    Peaky Blinders

    A gangster family epic set in 1919 Birmingham, England; centered on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby.
    • Creator: Steven Knight
    • Years Active: 2013–2022

Missing your favorite crime drama?

Graphs
Error: Failed to render graph
Discussion
No discussion started, be the first!

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular crime drama. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1018 views
  • 32 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Crime Drama

True Detective
Rank #1 for the most popular crime drama: True Detective (Source)
Crime dramas captivate audiences worldwide. These shows dive into the world of crime and justice. They feature detectives, police officers, and criminals. The stories often unfold through intense investigations. Viewers get a glimpse into the minds of both law enforcers and offenders.

The genre has a long history. Early crime dramas often focused on straightforward cases. Over time, the plots grew more complex. Writers began to explore deeper themes. They examined the motives behind crimes and the impact on victims and society. This shift added depth to the genre.

Characters in crime dramas are crucial. Detectives and police officers often have strong personalities. They are dedicated, sometimes flawed, but always driven. Their personal lives sometimes intertwine with their work. This adds another layer to the story. Criminals, on the other hand, vary widely. Some are masterminds, others are driven by desperation. Their backgrounds and motives are often explored in detail.

The setting plays a big role in crime dramas. Many are set in large cities with high crime rates. This backdrop adds to the tension and urgency. The urban landscape often becomes a character in itself. Some shows, however, take place in small towns. These settings bring a different kind of suspense. The contrast between the peaceful appearance and the dark secrets adds intrigue.

Technology has changed the way crime dramas are made. Forensic science often plays a key role. DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and other techniques help solve cases. This adds a layer of realism and keeps viewers engaged. The use of technology also reflects real-world advancements in crime solving.

Crime dramas often address social issues. They tackle topics like corruption, inequality, and justice. These themes resonate with viewers. They provide a mirror to society and provoke thought. The best shows balance entertainment with these deeper messages.

The appeal of crime dramas lies in their structure. Each episode usually follows a clear path. A crime is committed, an investigation follows, and a resolution is reached. This formula provides satisfaction. Viewers enjoy seeing justice served. However, some shows break this mold. They might leave cases unsolved or explore ongoing storylines. This keeps the audience guessing and adds complexity.

The genre also benefits from strong writing and acting. Well-crafted scripts and talented actors bring stories to life. Dialogue is often sharp and memorable. Characters feel real and relatable. This combination draws viewers in and keeps them coming back.

Crime dramas have a universal appeal. They attract diverse audiences. People enjoy the suspense and the challenge of solving mysteries. The genre offers a blend of excitement, drama, and thought-provoking themes. It taps into a fundamental human interest in justice and morality.

In conclusion, crime dramas remain a staple of entertainment. Their evolution reflects changes in society and technology. They continue to captivate audiences with compelling stories and complex characters. The genre's enduring popularity shows no signs of waning.

Share this article