Criminal Minds and Beyond: Top 10 Procedural Dramas for Binge-Watching

1. Criminal Minds ( 2005-present)

Starting off our list is the granddaddy of 'em all, "Criminal Minds." With a staggering 16 seasons (yes, we're counting the revival season) and a commendable IMDb rating of 8.1, it's quite the behemoth of the procedural genre.

It steps away from your typical "whodunnit" to focus on the "whydunnit," delving into the minds of the criminals. The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) at the FBI uses psychology, sociology, and, of course, good old detective work to catch perpetrators. With an ensemble cast including Mandy Patinkin, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Kirsten Vangsness, the character development is as captivating as the crimes.

Here's a fun fact: the team's jet is purely fictitious, the real BAU flies commercial.

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

"Homicide: Life on the Street" is an often-overlooked American procedural that deserves way more love.

This series, with an IMDb rating of 8.7, stood out from its contemporaries by offering a more realistic portrayal of detective work – long hours, red tape, unsolved cases, and the impact of the job on the detectives' personal lives. It may not have garnered the fame of "Law & Order," but it's worth watching for its strong writing and character development.

"Homicide" was based on a book by David Simon, who later went on to create another little-known show you might've heard of: "The Wire."

3. Happy Valley (2014-)

"Happy Valley" is a misleading title for a series that deals with serious and heavy issues. It has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 98% and stars Sarah Lancashire as Catherine, a no-nonsense police sergeant dealing with personal tragedy while hunting down criminals in West Yorkshire.

The series offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of life in a small town, and Lancashire's performance is nothing short of spectacular. The series was originally called "Scary Valley," but, well, that would be just a little bit obvious, right?

4. Longmire (2012-2017)

Let's take a detour to the American west with "Longmire." This series, with an IMDb rating of 8.3, brings the procedural drama to rural Wyoming. Robert Taylor did a brilliant job as Walt Longmire, a sheriff sorting out his life while solving crimes in his jurisdiction.

Unlike many other entries on this list, "Longmire" blends elements of the western genre with procedural drama, offering an interesting (and, to be honest with you, very addictive) twist to the formula.

It's also based on a series of mystery novels by Craig Johnson.

5. Shetland ( 2013-present)

Heading back to the UK, "Shetland" takes procedural drama to the windswept islands of Shetland in Scotland.

With a Letterboxd rating of 3.4, it might not be at the top of the ratings chart, but it more than makes up for it with the unique setting, tight-knit community, and complex character dynamics. Douglas Henshall plays DI Jimmy Perez, a single dad navigating the crime world on the remote islands.

The series is based on novels by Ann Cleeves and offers a darker, grittier take on life in such an isolated community.

6. Unit One (2000-2004)

"Unit One" or "Rejseholdet" in its native Danish, is a standout Nordic Noir that has won an International Emmy for Best Drama Series.

With an IMDb rating of 8.1, it brings a human touch to the grim realities of crime-solving. Following an elite mobile police task force as they solve crimes across Denmark, it stars Charlotte Fich and Mads Mikkelsen ( yes, that Mads Mikkelsen!).

It is a lesser-known fact that before reaching international fame through "Hannibal " and "Casino Royale," Mikkelsen actually got his start in TV through "Unit One."

7. Signal (2016)

This South Korean gem of a series, "Signal," is a treat for any procedural drama fan who enjoys a twist of the supernatural.

With an impressive IMDb rating of 8.5, it centers around a mysterious walkie-talkie that allows a detective in 1989 to communicate with a cold case profiler from 2015. With this uncanny connection, they work together to solve long-forgotten crimes.

It's a mix of suspense, drama, and just a wee bit of time-bending chaos.

8. Braquo (2009-2016)

From France, we have "Braquo," a raw and gritty procedural that follows a squad of Paris cops who exist in the blurred lines between law and crime. With a commendable IMDb rating of 7.9, it's a darker, perhaps even nihilistic view of law enforcement.

Its creator, Olivier Marchal, was actually a former police officer, bringing an authentic, albeit bleak, touch to the narrative.

9. The Break (2016-2019)

Belgium's "The Break," or "La Trêve," brings the procedural drama to the Ardennes.

With an IMDb rating of 7.6, the series centers on detective Yoann Peeters, who, after a personal tragedy, moves back to his hometown. But the quiet life is disrupted when a young African footballer is found dead, and Peeters gets pulled into the investigation.

It's a brooding, atmospheric series with a deeply flawed protagonist, offering a refreshing contrast to the urban settings typically seen in the genre.

10. Broadchurch (2013-2017)

"Broadchurch" is a British procedural drama that ran for three gripping seasons. With a Letterboxd rating of 3.7, it focuses on the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town and the media frenzy that follows.

Starring the brilliant David Tennant and Olivia Colman, this is not just another murder mystery. It's a heartfelt, gut-wrenching tale of a community torn apart by tragedy.

The creator, Chris Chibnall, was so determined to keep the killer's identity a secret during filming that only 29 people knew who it was until the reveal. Now that's some dedication to suspense, amirite?