15 Best Procedural TV Shows, Ranked
Procedural TV shows have been captivating audiences for decades, combining suspenseful storytelling with intriguing case-of-the-week structures. These series often follow police officers, detectives, doctors, or lawyers who solve crimes or medical puzzles each episode, with overarching character developments spanning across the seasons. If you’re looking to dive into a series that combines compelling drama with the satisfaction of resolution by the episode’s end, look no further. Here are the 15 best procedural TV shows, ranked for your viewing pleasure.
15.”Bones”
The chemistry between forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan and FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth makes “Bones” a standout. Their crime-solving partnership delves into cases using anthropological expertise to catch suspects.
14.”Criminal Minds”
“Criminal Minds” explores the psychological aspect of crimes through the eyes of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. The team profiles and captures some of the country’s most twisted criminal minds.
13.”Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
Focusing on sensitive issues of sexual assault and abuse, “Law & Order: SVU” is a hard-hitting series that has achieved legendary status through its empathetic storytelling and strong performances.
12.”Hawaii Five-0″
A reboot of the classic series, “Hawaii Five-0” boasts beautiful locales and high-octane action as an elite task force tackles crime on the islands with Aloha spirit.
11.”NCIS”
Combining military drama with police procedural, “NCIS” investigates crimes related to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, balancing humor and camaraderie with suspenseful plots.
10.”CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”
Pioneering modern forensic drama, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” invites viewers to follow evidence rather than confessions to solve riveting Las Vegas crimes.
9.”Person of Interest”
Mixing procedural elements with science fiction, “Person of Interest” revolves around a super AI that predicts violent acts, forcing the protagonists to intervene in potent crime narratives.
8.”Elementary”
Offering a modern take on Sherlock Holmes set in New York City, “Elementary” thrives on its fresh spin on classic tales and the fantastic dynamic between Sherlock and Joan Watson.
7.”Castle”
Pairing a mystery novelist with a detective might seem odd, but in “Castle,” it leads to an engaging mix of drama, romance, and whodunits that keeps viewers hooked episode after episode.
6.”The Closer”
Kyra Sedgwick stars as an expert interrogator in “The Closer,” which showcases Los Angeles’ elite homicide unit employing unique methods to close high-profile cases.
5.”The X-Files”
Blending procedural narrative with science fiction and horror, Mulder and Scully’s quest for the truth established “The X-Files” as a pop culture phenomenon that still commands a dedicated following.
4.”House M.D.”
Delving into medical mysteries akin to detective stories, “House M.D.” centers around the enigmatic Dr. Gregory House whose controversial diagnostic techniques unravel illnesses like elaborate puzzles.
3.” 24″
Breaking from traditional case-of-the-week formats with real-time storytelling over 24 hours per season, “24” is an intense procedural thriller following counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer.
2.“Dexter”
A dark twist on crime-solving shows Dexter Morgan as both blood-spatter analyst for Miami Metro Police and a vigilante serial killer dispatching justice in his unique way.
1.” Law & Order”
This acclaimed franchise sets the gold standard for procedurals due to its split structure—half police investigation followed by courtroom drama—making “Law & Order”.