Best U.S. Crime Dramas

Crime dramas occupy a particularly prominent place on television these days, and the casual observer may wonder, which of these shows are actually worth watching? Don't they all just talk about the same things, with just a few plots constantly recycled? Actually, there are a few of these series, both currently airing and recently off the air, that are definitely worth watching and enjoying.

Law and Order

This delightful crime drama, which recently left the air, was once one of the longest-running primetime dramas. Throughout its two decade run it survived numerous cast changes and time slot changes. However, the most successful members of the cast, including the inimitable Sam Waterston, made this crime drama one of the best on television, and it truly sad that it has now left the air.

CSI

This enormously successful show, which spawned two equally successful spin-offs, follows a group of police and forensic investigators as they solve some of the most unusual and grisly crimes in the glitzy and flashy city of Las Vegas. Despite a few cast shake-ups in recent years, the show has continued to be enormously successful, and is a great way to spend an evening. Be sure to catch a new episode the next time that it comes on.

CSI: Miami

This crime drama features a truly spectacular ensemble cast, including the singular David Caruso as Horatio, the main protagonist in the series and one of the most formidable lawmen to exist in the fictional Miami of the series. Blending cutting edge plots and graphics that dazzle, this crime drama manages to keep you constantly in suspense. However, where this series really shines is in its cast. Although there have been a few shakeups in recent years, the cast has once again coalesced around the figures who made the show great, and we can hope that it will continue to be on the air for many more years to come.

Criminal Minds

This crime drama plumbs the depths of the human psyche and shows us just what the most twisted members of the human race are capable of. The plots are always fascinating and keep you on the edge or your seat, and some of the characters are some of the most well-drawn and endearing that you will likely see in contemporary television. this is one crime drama that is certainly not to be missed.

Although contemporary television is full of many crime dramas, there are some that simply stand above the rest and deserve a great deal of respect and appreciation. If you've been wanting to watch one of these series but just can't decide which one to watch, then be sure to try any of these.