10 Must-See Crime Series for Fans of Blue Bloods

1. "Homicide: Life on the Street" (1993-1999)

"Homicide: Life on the Street" was a gripping series that dared to portray the grittier side of police work. The show was based on David Simon's book "Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets," which explored his year shadowing the Baltimore Police Department.

The show was known for its realistic portrayal of detective work and its focus on the psychological impact of the job. "Homicide: Life on the Street" was the first mainstream TV series to use the "walk-and-talk" filming technique, later popularized by "The West Wing."

2. "Wire in the Blood" (2002-2009)

"Wire in the Blood" was a British crime drama based on the Tony Hill novels by Val McDermid. It followed clinical psychologist Tony Hill, played by Robson Green, who possesses an eerie ability to empathize with serial killers, aiding the police in solving gruesome crimes.

While it might not have made waves on this side of the pond, the series received critical acclaim in the UK, and its blend of psychological suspense and procedural investigations make it a must-watch for "Blue Bloods " fans.

3. "The Bridge" (2011-2018)

"The Bridge," a Danish-Swedish collaboration, begins with a murder victim found exactly on the border between Denmark and Sweden, leading to a joint investigation by Danish inspector Martin Rohde and Swedish detective Saga Norén.

The show was lauded for its unique premise, complex characters, and its portrayal of the cultural differences between the two countries. Fans of crime genre will appreciate the careful detective work and the strong dynamic between the lead characters.

"The Bridge" has been remade in several countries, including the US, the UK (as "The Tunnel"), and even Asia.

4. "Longmire" (2012-2017)

"Longmire" was a modern Western crime series based on the Walt Longmire novels by Craig Johnson. Robert Taylor starred as Walt Longmire, a Wyoming county sheriff solving major crimes while grappling with personal loss.

The show was celebrated for its strong characters and the unique incorporation of Native American culture. The series was cancelled by A&E after three seasons due to demographic issues, only to be picked up by Netflix for three more (let's just not talk about the quality of those).

5. "Justified " (2010-2015)

"Justified" followed the exploits of Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), a Deputy U.S. Marshal enforcing his brand of justice in his Kentucky hometown.

The show was a potent mix of crime, drama, and the occasional dark humor. The series, based on Elmore Leonard's stories, earned praise for its sharp writing, compelling characters, and Olyphant's performance.

For trivia lovers: the hat worn by Olyphant's character in the series was custom made by Baron Hats, which has been making hats for Hollywood since 1940.

6. "Prime Suspect" (1991-2006)

"Prime Suspect," a British police procedural, focused on Jane Tennison, a senior investigating officer in the Metropolitan Police, played by Helen Mirren. In the midst of solving grisly crimes, Tennison fights her battles against the institutional sexism prevalent in the police force.

Each series featured a single complex case that unraveled over multiple episodes, showcasing a detailed investigation process. A standout case was the show's inaugural one, which delved into the dark corners of a serial murder investigation and the uphill struggle of Tennison to gain respect from her male counterparts.

7. "Southland" (2009-2013)

"Southland" took viewers to the streets of Los Angeles, following the lives of both uniformed police officers and detectives. The series didn't shy away from showing the nitty-gritty of law enforcement, intertwining personal dramas with challenging cases.

From rookie cop Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie) dealing with the harsh realities of his job to Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) trying to balance motherhood with her demanding career, "Southland" offered multi-dimensional characters and an authentic portrayal of the LAPD.

8. "Unforgotten" (2015-Present)

"Unforgotten" is a British crime drama featuring DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker ) and DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) who solve cold cases involving historic murders and disappearances. Each season is dedicated to one case, slowly peeling back layers of mysteries across multiple episodes.

Notably, the show garnered praise for its empathetic approach towards victims and suspects, treating them as real, complex characters rather than mere plot devices. The series may be lesser-known, but it is surely worth the watch for fans of intricate plotlines and engrossing character development.

9. "Bosch" (2014-2021)

"Bosch" follows the life of Los Angeles homicide detective Harry Bosch, played by Titus Welliver. The series was based on Michael Connelly's best-selling novels, focusing on Bosch's pursuit of justice while navigating department politics, city corruption, and his troubled past.

Over the span of its seven seasons, "Bosch" delved into various enthralling cases, from a cold case involving a young boy's skeletal remains to a high-stakes case of stolen radioactive material. The series was Amazon Studios' longest-running original series, eventually concluding with a spin-off titled "Bosch: Legacy."

10. "The Shield" (2002-2008)

"The Shield" centered around Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis), an ethically compromised detective in charge of an experimental division of the LAPD.

Unlike traditional police procedurals, the series dwelled on corruption within law enforcement, with Mackey often crossing legal and moral lines to maintain control over his precinct. Each episode depicted a tense cat-and-mouse game between Mackey and those who sought to expose his dirty deeds.