24 Police Procedural Shows That Have Audiences Guessing Whodunnit

Who doesn’t love a good police procedural television series? The popular genre always intrigues and entertains viewers but can also comfort us as we witness bravery, integrity, and justice served. From gritty dramas to ones with heaps of comedy or charm, these are 24 of the most riveting procedural shows.

1. Columbo (1971-1978)

Arguably the finest television detective, the disheveled but brilliant Lieutenant Columbo delights audiences in one of the most unique shows of the genre. Unlike most other procedurals, Columbo always begins with a culprit committing what they believe is a perfect murder.

The show’s brilliance and fun come from Columbo’s eccentric personality and deductive skills as we watch him put together each clue and solve the crime. With his iconic trench coat and penchant for saying, “Just one more thing,” there’s no more extraordinary detective show than the 1970s gem. Columbo ran for 10 successful seasons, with Peter Falk bringing the same energy to each episode. He even returned in 2001 and 2003 for two specials featuring the award-winning TV detective.

2. NCIS (2003-Present)

With 20 seasons and no end in sight, the enthralling NCIS follows the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Washington, D.C. While the intrepid team investigates serious crimes involving the military and government, we also follow the ups and downs of their personal lives. The steady and reliable NCIS defines comfort with its likable characters we care about and an acute sense of right and wrong. 

The series is a spinoff of the long-running JAG, which introduced the concept in its eighth season. Mark Harmor has headlined the show since the beginning as Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, starring alongside Gary Cole as Supervisory Special Agent Alden Parker. The ensemble cast has helped keep NCIS interesting throughout its 450-plus-episode run.

3. Castle (2009-2016)

The undeniably charming Castle revolves around the affable mystery writer Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion), who begins to follow homicide detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) around for inspiration. Soon, Castle and Beckett prove to be a formidable crime-solving team.

With fellow detectives Kevin Ryan and Javier Esposito, Castle’s daughter Alexis, mother Martha, and medical examiner Lanie, the show’s heart is complete. And we get an equally humorous and gripping series. The weekly and long-running storylines always intrigue, but the characters make Castle a fantastic gem, with some of the best romantic and platonic relationships ever put to screen.

4. Monk (2002-2009)

Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) gives Columbo a run for his money for the most eccentric detective in this poignant and witty series. Monk’s premise centers on the former police detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder who consults with the San Francisco Police Department. Haunted by the murder of his wife Trudy, Monk remains diligent in his search for the truth behind every crime. 

Ted Levine plays opposite Shalhoub as the straight-laced SFPD Captain Leland Stottlemeyer, which helps to give this long-running series its heart. The weekly mysteries and likable characters lend to the show's charm and humor. 

5. The Mentalist (2008-2015)

The Mentalist follows Patrick Jane (Simon Baker), a man with keen observational skills who consults on cases with the California Bureau of Investigation. Jane’s blunt but charming personality makes him unpredictable, which is great for the audience but often a detriment to the bureau. His infallible instincts and talents make him an invaluable team member for detectives Teresa Lisbon, Wayne Rigsby, Grace Van Pelt, and Kimball Cho. 

The Mentalist ran for seven seasons, with the first three following cases managed by the CBI. By season four, the show shifted focus to follow the CBI and its pursuit of a notorious serial killer, Red John (Xander Berkeley), who was responsible for the murder of Jane's family. Halfway through season six, the series changed again, adding new characters while pitting Jane against unique challenges. 

6. Psych (2006-2014)

Hilarious, addictive, delightful, and often poignant, Psych follows Shawn Spencer (James Roday), an incorrigible man-child with a good heart, acute observation talents, and a photographic memory. Pretending his skills are psychic abilities, he teams up with his lifelong best friend Gus (Dulé Hill) to consult with the Santa Barbara Police Department on some of its most complex cases. Shawn and Gus are the goofy counterparts of the strait-laced detectives Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson) and Juliet O’Hara (Maggie Lawson).

Psych released at the height of the police procedural, providing a different angle much like Monk was doing at around the same time. 

7. Criminal Minds (2005-Present)

The intense and gritty series Criminal Minds centers on a revolving team investigating the most ruthless criminals imaginable. In order to get into the mindset of the most evil culprits requires people of high moral fiber, tremendous fortitude, sharp intelligence, and unquestionably thick skin. Consequently, we see the juxtaposition of society’s polar opposites in riveting and dark storylines. 

Criminal Minds featured a rotating door of actors, including Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Lola Glaudini, and Shemar Moore, none of whom were actually around for the full run of the series. 

8. Hill Street Blues (1981-1987)

Hill Street Blues was a revolutionary series in its time and still holds up as one of the finest police procedurals ever. From its first episode, viewers are entrenched in the daily proceedings of a Chicago-inspired precinct, following the low-level beat cops, high-ranking detectives, and the respected but imperfect captain. Ushering in the ensemble drama series, Hill Street Blues consistently surprised and enthralled, earning eight Emmy Awards during its initial season and 26 additional over the course of its seven seasons. 

9. Elementary (2012-2019)

This modern-day version of Sherlock Holmes slaps a fresh coat of paint on the classic characters and Americanizes them to fit in a new setting. Holmes (Jonny Lee M Miller) is a self-centered, eccentric, and brilliant recovering addict. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) is a former surgeon who becomes his sober companion and finds she has a knack for assisting in his crime-solving. 

Holmes and Watson consult with the New York Police on various investigations, learning much about themselves and forming an untenable bond. Elementary gives the Holmes characters a fresh and exciting appeal in this steady, profound, and under-the-radar series that tackles important themes of recovery and loyalty.

10. Blue Bloods (2010-Present)

Blue Bloods holds a unique distinction from other shows of the genre. This poignant New York set series centers on one family with a significant number of members in law enforcement. In the Reagan family, patriarch and police commissioner Frank (Tom Selleck) leads with solid convictions, inspiring his children to follow in his footsteps.

These include hard-headed detective Danny (Donnie Wahlberg), fair-minded assistant district attorney Erin (Bridget Moynahan), and by-the-book beat cop Jamie (Will Estes). Blue Bloods balances family drama and criminal investigations with ease, giving audiences characters we grow to care about deeply and storylines that demonstrate a strong sense of justice. 

11. NYPD Blue (1993-2005)

Gritty and provocative, NYPD Blue follows the homicide detectives of New York City’s 15th precinct and was, for the longest time, the police procedural to watch if you weren't engrossed in an episode of Law & Order. The series consistently stuns viewers and brings them to tears with intense storytelling and very different characters, some of whom do not always follow the rules. The fascinating dichotomy between brash Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) and his more strait-laced partners Bobby Simone (Jimmy Smits) and Danny Sorensen (Ricky Schroder) provides the show’s emotional and raw backbone, drawing in a massive audience.

12. White Collar (2009-2014)

White Collar is a breezy and stylish procedural following charismatic art thief, forger, and confidence man Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer). In Catch Me If You Can fashion, his steadfast purser, FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), suggests the imprisoned Neal use his particular skills to assist them on cases.

Despite Neal's former ways, he complies, forming a strong bond with Peter but always keeping his criminal ways simmering under the surface. With witty banter and moving storytelling, White Collar delights us endlessly.

13. Without a Trace (2002-2009)

Without a Trace more than deserves to be described as “riveting.” The series follows the FBI Missing Persons Department and many fictional cases. Led by stoic and stalwart Jack Malone (Anthony LaPaglia), this intrepid team uses psychological profiling and other tools to find the missing victims in the crucial 72-hour window. This fascinating series gives us a glimpse into the tireless work of divisions responsible for bringing the innocent home to their loved ones.

14. JAG (1995-2005)

JAG comes from the creator of NCIS and features a similar tone, quality, and rich storytelling. This series centers on Naval Pilot Harmon Rabb (David James Elliot) and Marine Sarah “Mac” Mackenzie (Catherine Bell), lawyers for the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General division. With a touch of humor, gripping storylines, and a fantastic will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Harm and Mac, JAG takes us on an incredible journey of poignant and grounded proportions.

15. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-2015)

CSI brought the lives of forensic investigators into our homes for the first time in the 2000s, making us all feel like we could be crime solvers as well. This series features an impressive rotating cast and provocative storytelling about a CSI team in Las Vegas. The spin-offs CSI: Miami and CSI: New York are equally enthralling, with the original series giving audiences a glimpse into this dark world.

CSI became so popular that it spawned a Las Vegas attraction and several video games that present several cases for players to solve.

16. Law & Order (1990-2009, 2022-present)

How many shows feature an unmistakable intro that’s only two notes? The iconic clang from Law & Order is instantly recognizable, but that’s not all this raw and riveting series has going for it. Dick Wolf crafted real stories with real people and set loose an incredible and often-changing cast of officers protecting the streets of New York. 

Chris Noth, Jerry Orbach, Sam Waterston, Benjamin Bratt, Paul Sorvino, and Michael Imperioli all took a turn cracking murderous cases, whether as officers of the NYPD or attorneys of the district attorney.

17. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present)

The spin-off of Law & Order, Special Victims Unit is a favorite for many thanks to its affecting stories and cast led by Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni. These cases involve what they deem the “most heinous crimes,” with many involving women and children. It’s often tough to watch but always engrossing, impeccably acted, and emotional. Meloni's troubled and overly protective Elliot Stabler and Hargitay's compassion created such a memorable dynamic that fans grew quite vocal when they parted ways after Meloni's sudden departure. 

18. Murdoch Mysteries (2008-Present)

This Canadian period series follows William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) of the Toronto Constabulary, the kind-hearted, steadfast, highly moral, and ingenious detective of Station House Number Four. With his love, Dr. Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy), by his side, he and his fellow officers George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) and Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Colm Meaney) solve every crime with intelligence and integrity. Murdoch Mysteries is based on Maureen Jennings' series of Detective Murdoch novels.

19. Bones (2005-2017)

Bones is for those who enjoy a mix of macabre and humor. After battling vampires alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar as the sometimes good, sometimes bad Angel, David Boreanaz opted to pick up the mantle as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth alongside forensic anthropologist Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Emily Deschanel). Bones series follows the awkward but sweet forensic anthropologist as she uses an innate gift to see what others miss to solve otherwise unsolvable crimes. Also featuring a lovely love story between the two leads, Bones has 12 seasons of reliable and poignant entertainment.

20. Forever (2014-2015)

Wholly original and moving, Forever tells the story of Doctor Henry Morgan (Ioan Gruffudd), a man whose death and rebirth trigger a perpetually ageless state. As he attempts to find normalcy with only a now much older son to confide in, Henry becomes a consultant for the NYPD. His work as a medical examiner proves helpful, but his years of life, wisdom, and emotional intelligence guide him the most. Forever proves that a procedural show can follow a tried and true formula and give audiences something new and exciting.

21. Cold Case (2003-2010)

Ask anyone in law enforcement, and they will tell you cold cases are the most challenging crimes to solve. This series examines the crimes that feel impossible to solve with a team of investigators whose tireless work helps bring justice and closure to the friends and families of many victims. Utilizing a flashback narrative style, Cold Case draws you in and thoroughly engages. Kathryn Morris, Justin Chambers, Danny Pino, John Finn, and Jeremy Ratchford round out a likable and engaging cast that helps sell the premise.

22. Miss Scarlet and the Duke (2020-Present)

The stylish and atmospheric Miss Scarlet and the Duke follows Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips), a woman who decides to open a private detective agency in 19th-century London. Because she’s a woman in an age where they had little power or respect, Eliza must work twice as hard and play by her own rules. On her side, but often in contention with her, is William “Duke” Wellington (Stuart Martin), the lead inspector of Scotland Yard and Eliza’s dear friend.

23. Grantchester (2014-2023)

Grantchester is another series that follows the basic procedural formula but with an original premise. The 1950s story centers on young clergymen who devote their time to their faith while also investigating mysterious and dangerous happenings in his small village near Cambridge. With the help of a gruff police detective, they form an unlikely team. And the show is a treasure. 

24. Magnum, P.I. (1980-1988)

The 1980s classic Magnum, P.I. still holds up today for its engaging characters, captivating storytelling, and star Tom Selleck’s legendary mustache. Magnum is a Vietnam War veteran and private investigator in Hawaii, solving many crimes with panache and tenacity. More than any other procedural show, Magnum, P.I.’s tone is pure escapist entertainment that enthralls its viewers.