Longest-Running Crime TV Shows: Top 15 Picks
Crime shows have captivated audiences on primetime television for decades, becoming a beloved genre among viewers. These gripping series often take the form of procedurals, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the mysteries at their leisure. The beauty of these shows lies in their ability to tell compelling stories that can be watched in any order; each episode stands alone while contributing to a larger narrative. From complex character arcs to intricate plot twists, crime shows never fail to engage viewers, making them a staple in entertainment.
Some of the most acclaimed crime shows in history have endured over time, becoming iconic in their own right. This includes scripted series, excluding non-scripted dramas like America’s Most Wanted and Cops. Notably, British shows like Taggart, which aired for an impressive 27 seasons, and Midsomer Murders, which boasts 23 seasons, along with Heartbeat at 18 seasons, demonstrate the enduring appeal of crime dramas across different cultures and formats.
15 Discover the Legacy of ‘Columbo’ (1968-1978, 1989-2003)
Explore 10 Seasons of Intrigue
As a quintessential crime procedural, Columbo follows the enigmatic Lt. Frank Columbo, a skilled homicide detective with the LAPD, as he expertly unravels complex murder mysteries set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. Portrayed by the exceptional Peter Falk, Columbo is renowned for his keen intellect, unmatched observational skills, and his signature style, which includes his iconic raincoat and his love for chili. His laid-back demeanor masks a relentless pursuit of truth, often culminating in his memorable catchphrase, “Just one more question,” which highlights his investigative tenacity.
Often hailed as a timeless classic, Columbo revolutionized the detective genre by introducing the inverted detective story format, where the focus shifts from “who done it” to “how will they catch them.” Over its three-decade run, Columbo established a high standard for detective shows, inspiring countless future series and characters. Garnering 13 Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, Peter Falk’s portrayal became an enduring symbol of detective fiction. — Maddie P
Columbo
- Release Date
- September 15, 1971
- Cast
- Peter Falk , Mike Lally , John Finnegan
- Seasons
- 7
14 Delve into the Intriguing World of ‘The X-Files’ (1993-2002, 2016)
Investigate 11 Seasons of Sci-Fi Mystery
More than three decades later, The X-Files continues to be a seminal procedural series, setting itself apart through its unique blend of science fiction and mystery. The series centers on FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), who delve into unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. While Mulder approaches investigations with a belief in the supernatural, Scully brings a scientific perspective, creating a captivating dynamic that drives the narrative.
Over its impressive 12-season run, the series garnered a dedicated fanbase by tackling unconventional sci-fi themes within the framework of a crime procedural. This cult classic spawned a vast franchise, including spin-off series and films, solidifying its status in pop culture. The performances of Anderson and Duchovny made their characters household names, contributing to the show’s critical and commercial success during the 90s. — Maddie P
- Release Date
- September 10, 1993
- Creator
- Chris Carter
- Seasons
- 11
13 Experience the Grit of ‘NYPD Blue’ (1993-2005)
Dive into 12 Seasons of Raw Storytelling
NYPD Blue revolutionized the crime drama genre in the 90s by diving deep into the lives of detectives and other personnel at the fictional 15th Precinct of the New York Police Department. Throughout its 12-season run, each episode showcased a unique case while the overarching narrative explored the complex dynamics of its main characters, including Detectives Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz), Greg Medavoy (Gordon Clapp), and others as they navigated their personal and professional lives.
This ground-breaking series seamlessly blends crime, drama, and mystery, earning 20 Primetime Emmy Awards out of 84 nominations. With a total of 261 compelling episodes, NYPD Blue not only became the longest-running one-hour primetime series on ABC but also set a new standard for future crime dramas. — Maddie P
NYPD Blue
- Release Date
- September 21, 1993
- Creator
- Cast
- Dennis Franz , Jimmy Smits , Gordon Clapp , James McDaniel
- Seasons
- 12
12 Uncover the Mysteries in ‘Bones’ (2005-2017)
Investigate 12 Seasons of Forensic Drama
During a time when crime procedurals were thriving on television, Bones introduced a fresh approach by emphasizing forensic anthropology and forensic archaeology as pivotal elements of criminal investigations. The series centers around Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Emily Deschanel), a brilliant forensic anthropologist and leader of the fictional Jeffersonian Institute Medico-Legal Lab. Partnering with FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz), they tackle challenging cases by meticulously analyzing decomposed remains, showcasing the intricacies of forensic science.
As the longest-running one-hour drama series produced by 20th Century Fox Television, Bones distinguished itself through its innovative concept and engaging storytelling. The strong chemistry between Deschanel and Boreanaz propelled the show forward, resulting in a captivating crime procedural. Often compared to The X-Files, this Emmy-winning series captivated audiences with its clever cases and unique blend of drama and humor. — Maddie P
- Release Date
- September 13, 2005
- Cast
- Emily Deschanel , David Boreanaz , John Boyd , Michaela Conlin , Tamara Taylor , T.J. Thyne
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