5 Lesser-Known (But Brilliant) Police Procedurals to Watch When Blue Bloods Ends
These projects offer a unique opportunity to take a close look at the life and work of the representatives of the law and order.
The already iconic police procedural Blue Bloods is coming to an end. This is an excellent opportunity to remember other TV shows about law enforcement officers – both bad cops and real detectives.
1. The Sommerdahl Murders, 2020-...
The action takes place in the coastal town of Helsingor. The series tells the story of Dan and Marianne Sommerdahl, who work together as police officers. The man has a best friend – Flemming Torp. His help in investigating crimes can hardly be overestimated, as well as in the collapse of the Sommerdahl relationship.
Flemming and Marianne, who is disappointed in her constantly busy husband, become closer faster than Dan can solve a new case. But police work cannot be distracted by family drama, and the trio must work together for the sake of the rule of law.
The Sommerdahl Murders is based on the books by the popular Danish crime writer Anna Grue. But unlike the literary source, the authors of the series mix the personal problems of the characters with criminal twists and turns, resulting in a perfect Scandinavian noir.
2. The Responder, 2022-...
Chris Carson, played by Martin Freeman, is an experienced policeman who has been demoted to night patrol. In the darkness of Liverpool, he tries to stop people from getting hurt, while during the day he is torn between therapy and his sick mother.
The Responder creator Tony Schumacher paid special attention to the authenticity of the story – dozens of real police officers were interviewed. The situations that Chris Carson is confronted with, whether it is a showdown with small but evil drug dealers or another domestic violence situation, are as close to the realities of police work as possible.
3. Happy Valley, 2014-2023
The main character of Happy Valley is former detective Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire. She joined the police after the suicide of her only daughter: the girl became pregnant as a result of a sexual assault, and this broke her.
Deciding not to send the newborn to an orphanage, Catherine has been raising the boy for nine years, despite the disapproval of her own son and ex-husband, who see the boy only as a reminder of the tragedy.
Catherine herself is haunted by the fact that her daughter's rapist, the dangerous psychopath Tommy, went unpunished. He becomes involved in the kidnapping of a businessman's daughter, and Catherine must navigate her way out of a very difficult situation in which the personal and the professional are tied into a tight knot.
4. Person of Interest, 2011-2016
Billionaire Harold Finch develops a program for the US government that can predict terrorist attacks and even ordinary crimes. However, it uses data from video surveillance, phone calls and social networks, which is considered an invasion of privacy. Therefore, Finch and a former CIA agent decide to catch the bad guys themselves.
Of course, the main idea of the series looks almost fantastic, but still, the plot of most episodes is built like a traditional detective story about two partners with completely opposite personalities.
5. 24, 2001-2010
Agent Jack Bauer takes on the most difficult and important missions. He saves a presidential candidate from an assassination attempt, prevents a nuclear bomb from exploding, and searches for a dangerous virus. He has only one day to complete each task.
The events of the series are always shown in "real time." Each season consists of 24 episodes, and all the action fits into one day. This approach ensures constant dynamics and does not allow you to get bored while watching.