Top Police and Detective Shows: Television's best
by theNeoplatonist | created - 24 Mar 2015 | updated - 28 Jun 2019 | PublicIn alphabetical order...The police/detective shows that most appeal to the forensic sensibilities of theNeoplatonist. ----Excluding shows in which the crime-fighter is a superhero (Batman, Green Arrow), or operates in sci-fi mode (Flash, Fringe, The X-Files) or espionage/CIA mode (Callan, The Equalizer, Spooks). Most of these shows are grounded in the “real” world (relatively speaking!) of police/detective work. ....And I admit that many of them are rooted in childhood nostalgia.
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1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1985)
TV-PG | 688 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson solve the mysteries of copper beeches, a Greek interpreter, the Norwood builder, a resident patient, the red-headed league, and one final problem.
Stars: Jeremy Brett, David Burke, Rosalie Williams, Eric Porter
Votes: 24,212
Jeremy Brett - the definitive Holmes, in theNeoplatonist's humble judgment. See also "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" (1986), "The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes" (1991), and "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" (1994).
2. Poirot (1989–2013)
TV-14 | 100 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Hercule Poirot, a famous Belgian detective, who has an impeccable knack for getting embroiled in a mystery, solves crimes along with Captain Hastings and Scotland Yard Chief Inspector James Japp.
Stars: David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson, Pauline Moran
Votes: 52,078
3. Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010)
TV-MA | 1,320 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
After being shot in 2008 while investigating DCI Sam Tyler, DI Alex Drake wakes up in 1981.
Stars: Philip Glenister, Keeley Hawes, Dean Andrews, Marshall Lancaster
Votes: 11,068
The sequel to "Life on Mars" (see below). Has a paranormal element but this is kept in the background most of the time. The heart of the show is the half-troubling, half-hilarious clash between British policing styles of the present day and the 1970s/80s. The latter is personified by detective Gene Hunt, a masterful screen presence, who gets his results by beating up suspects etc, in between boozing his beer by the gallon and behaving in a most politically incorrect way towards women.
4. Bulman (1985–1987)
60 min | Crime, Drama
Having left the police force in disgust, the eccentric and bad-tempered detective George Kitchener Bulman set himself up as a private investigator. This leads him into trouble with the hard... See full summary »
Stars: Don Henderson, Siobhan Redmond, Thorley Walters, Mark McManus
Votes: 95
Great sequel to "The Strangers" in which Bulman becomes a private eye.
5. Mystery!: Campion (1989–1990)
TV-14 | 50 min | Adventure, Crime, Drama
In 1930s England, a man from an aristocratic family takes up the pseudonym Albert Campion and, with the help of his ex-burglar manservant, solves mysteries.
Stars: Peter Davison, Brian Glover, Andrew Burt, Moray Watson
Votes: 1,011
Starring the 5th Dr Who, Peter Davison.
6. Cannon (1971–1976)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Frank Cannon, a husky ex-cop and culinary enthusiast, solves tough cases as a private investigator.
Stars: William Conrad, Patrick Culliton, Tom Pittman, Charles Bateman
Votes: 3,611
A childhood favorite. The Fat Detective and his theme music are iconic.
7. Columbo (1971–2003)
TV-PG | 100 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Los Angeles homicide detective Lieutenant Columbo uses his humble ways and ingenuous demeanor to winkle out even the most well-concealed of crimes.
Stars: Peter Falk, Mike Lally, John Finnegan, Bruce Kirby
Votes: 41,973
Can't really comment, as I regard Peter Falk's Columbo as beyond perfection. Among guest murderers, my vote goes to three-times-appearing Jack Cassidy.
8. Crime Story (1986–1988)
TV-14 | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The saga of a Chicago police detective's efforts to stop a young hood's ruthless rise in the ranks of organized crime.
Stars: Dennis Farina, Bill Smitrovich, Tony Denison, Steve Ryan
Votes: 3,359
Two great seasons cancelled on a freeze-frame cliffhanger. Arghh!
9. Dixon of Dock Green (1955–1976)
Crime, Drama
Constable George Dixon and his colleagues at the Dock Green police station in the East End of London deal with petty crime, successfully controlling it through common sense and human understanding.
Stars: Jack Warner, Peter Byrne, Geoffrey Adams, Arthur Rigby
Votes: 309
Evening all. Another childhood favorite.
10. Father Brown (1974)
TV-14 | 668 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Based on the stories of G.K. Chesterton, a British Catholic Priest solves mysteries.
Stars: Kenneth More, Dennis Burgess, Graham Crowden, Bill Maynard
Votes: 477
Brilliant adaptations of the G.K.Chesterton tales. Endlessly rewatchable.
11. The F.B.I. (1965–1974)
60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The cases of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Stars: Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Philip Abbott, William Reynolds, Stephen Brooks
Votes: 1,373
Great theme music.
12. The Following (2013–2015)
TV-14 | 43 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
A brilliant, charismatic, and psychotic serial killer communicates with other active serial killers and activates a cult of believers who follow his every command.
Stars: Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Shawn Ashmore, Valorie Curry
Votes: 91,482
Has the most charismatic villain of all time, Joe Carroll, a serial killer with an uncanny flair for attracting a cult-like following (hence the title). Played to perfection by James Purefoy.
13. Hawaii Five-O (1968–1980)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The investigations of Hawaii Five-0, an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police answerable only to the governor and headed by stalwart Steve McGarrett.
Stars: Jack Lord, James MacArthur, Kam Fong, Herman Wedemeyer
Votes: 8,181
Err, great theme music again...!
14. Ironside (1967–1975)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Wheelchair-using, crime-fighting detective Robert T. Ironside battles the bad guys on the streets of San Francisco.
Stars: Raymond Burr, Don Galloway, Don Mitchell, Barbara Anderson
Votes: 4,098
Another nostalgia-inducing childhood favorite.
15. Juliet Bravo (1980–1985)
50 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Inspector Jean Darblay is assigned to Hartley, Lancashire. Initially facing scepticism from sergeants Joe Beck and George Parrish, she gradually earns their respect and admiration as their new female boss at the police station.
Stars: David Ellison, Noel Collins, Stephanie Turner, Anna Carteret
Votes: 282
Police work in realistic mode, with the charm lying in the characters rather than any spectacular crimes.
16. Kojak (1973–1978)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A bald, lollipop sucking police detective with a fiery righteous attitude battles crime in his city.
Stars: Telly Savalas, Dan Frazer, Kevin Dobson, George Savalas
Votes: 8,881
Comment would be superfluous. Just buy a lollipop.
17. Law & Order (1990– )
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
New York's finest police detectives and prosecutors fight to make the city a safer place. With integrity as the guiding force from investigation to verdict, the teams weigh every perspective in their commitment to finding justice.
Stars: Jerry Orbach, Jesse L. Martin, Dennis Farina, Sam Waterston
Votes: 44,566
18. Life on Mars (2006–2007)
TV-14 | 959 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
After a near-fatal car accident, smart, savvy, sharp-suited detective Sam is mysteriously transported back to 1973. Confused by his new surroundings, Sam tries to return to the present, but the police force of long ago needs his help.
Stars: John Simm, Philip Glenister, Liz White, Dean Andrews
Votes: 32,386
See "Ashes to Ashes" for comments.
19. Longstreet (1971–1972)
90 min | Action, Crime, Drama
The cases of a blind insurance investigator.
Stars: James Franciscus, Marlyn Mason, Peter Mark Richman, Ann Doran
Votes: 627
About time this came out on DVD... A childhood favorite.
20. Miami Vice (1984–1989)
TV-14 | 48 min | Action, Crime, Drama
-Resplendent with authentic 1980s music, fashion, and vibe, "Miami Vice" follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.
Stars: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown
Votes: 30,184
Classic, of course. The best episodes are stunning evocations of the 1980s and just stunning on all counts.
21. Millennium (I) (1996–1999)
TV-14 | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
A former FBI profiler with the ability to look inside the mind of a killer begins working for the mysterious Millennium Group which investigates serial killers, conspiracies, the occult, and those obsessed with the end of the millennium.
Stars: Lance Henriksen, Megan Gallagher, Terry O'Quinn, Brittany Tiplady
Votes: 12,282
Frank Black, the gloomy retired FBI agent now back in action as an outsider, is brought to life so compellingly by Lance Henriksen, he should get a special merit award. Some great conspiracy themes too.
22. Monk (2002–2009)
TV-PG | 44 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
The series follows Adrian Monk, a brilliant former San Francisco detective, who now consults the police as a private consultant whilst battling with an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Stars: Tony Shalhoub, Jason Gray-Stanford, Ted Levine, Traylor Howard
Votes: 88,466
Monk and Columbo - the most endearing of the intellectual sleuths.
23. Police Woman (1974–1978)
TV-14 | 120 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Follows Sergeant "Pepper" Anderson, LAPD's top undercover cop. A member of the Criminal Conspiracy Unit, Pepper works the wild side of the street, where she poses as everything from a gangster's moll to a streetwalker to a prison inmate.
Stars: Angie Dickinson, Earl Holliman, Charles Dierkop, Ed Bernard
Votes: 2,334
24. Public Eye (1965–1975)
60 min | Crime, Drama
Cynical, dour and world-weary, private eye Frank Marker is frequently the unwitting stooge in bigger criminal wheels in his attempts to make a tenuous living on the outskirts of London.
Stars: Alfred Burke, Ray Smith, Pauline Delaney, Brenda Cavendish
Votes: 427
Perhaps the best for giving a genuine "feel" of the life of a private investigator. Often grim and sleazy and definitely unglamorous. Alfred Burke is brilliant as Frank Marker, the intelligent but (shall we say) unprosperous detective of the back streets.
25. Sexton Blake (1967–1971)
30 min | Adventure, Family
Adventures of the handsome, fencing detective Sexton Blake and his sidekick Tinker.
Stars: Laurence Payne, Roger Foss, Dorothea Phillips, Meredith Edwards
Votes: 22
Sexton Blake is a lesser-known, more muscular "Sherlock Holmes" type. He or other characters always seem to be plunging into a stygian pit of unconsciousness. The original stories are well worth a read.
26. Softly Softly (1966–1969)
50 min | Crime, Drama
Thie West Country police force solving local crime. its a spin-off from another BBC drama series, Z Cars (1962).
Stars: Stratford Johns, Frank Windsor, Norman Bowler, John Barron
Votes: 123
A British masterpiece. The crimes and criminals terrified me as a child far more than any space-aliens ever could.
27. Softly Softly: Task Force (1969–1976)
50 min | Crime, Drama
1970s BBC police drama with experienced cops DCS Charlie Barlow and DS John Watt who lead a task force charged with tackling the toughest cases Thamesford has to offer.
Stars: Frank Windsor, Norman Bowler, David Lloyd Meredith, Terence Rigby
Votes: 114
See comments for previous entry.
28. Special Branch (1969–1974)
60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Groundbreaking British police drama series following the exploits of the Special Branch of the Metropolitan Police: an elite group of officers tasked with protecting London from spies, terrorists, and subversives.
Stars: Derren Nesbitt, George Sewell, Morris Perry, Fulton Mackay
Votes: 195
Watch out for the two latter seasons in 1973 and 74, where a fine double act is made up by George Sewell and Patrick Mower as Inspectors Craven and Haggerty. The direct predecessor to "The Sweeney".
29. Star Cops (1987)
55 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
The adventures of the International Space Police Force, led by Nathan Spring, in 2027. The Star Cops are made up of officers from all over the world: the British Colin Devis, the Australian... See full summary »
Stars: David Calder, Erick Ray Evans, Trevor Cooper, Linda Newton
Votes: 227
Not exactly sci-fi --- merely science. How an investigative agency in the near future might "police the spaceways". No aliens in sight....!
30. Strangers (1978–1982)
60 min | Crime, Thriller
The eccentric police detective George Kitchener Bulman is reluctantly transferred to a station in the North of England.
Stars: Don Henderson, Dennis Blanch, Fiona Mollison, John Ronane
Votes: 111
Fantastic performances by all, especially Don Henderson as Bulman, the grouchy, left-wing, Shakespeare-spouting copper, the "Oliver Cromwell" of the British police (as he is often called).
31. The Streets of San Francisco (1972–1977)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A veteran cop with more than twenty years of experience is teamed with a young Inspector to solve crimes in San Francisco, California.
Stars: Karl Malden, Michael Douglas, Reuben Collins, Richard Hatch
Votes: 6,900
32. The Sweeney (1975–1978)
TV-PG | 51 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Jack Regan and George Carter are hard-edged detectives in the Flying Squad of London's Metropolitan Police. They pursue villains by methods which are underhanded and often illegal, frequently violent and - more often than not - successful.
Stars: John Thaw, Dennis Waterman, Garfield Morgan, John Alkin
Votes: 2,650
Wonderfully violent stuff. John Thaw before he became Inspector Morse.
33. Ultraviolet (1998)
TV-14 | 300 min | Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
The six-episode series, first aired in 1998, stars Jack Davenport as Detective Sergeant Michael Colefield, who discovers a secret government vampire-hunting unit while investigating the disappearance of his partner.
Stars: Jack Davenport, Susannah Harker, Idris Elba, Philip Quast
Votes: 2,824
Perhaps I cheat a little: the "criminals" are vampires. But otherwise a solid police-procedural series.
34. The Untouchables (1959–1963)
50 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Special Agent Eliot Ness and his elite team of incorruptable agents battle organized crime in 1930s Chicago.
Stars: Robert Stack, Walter Winchell, Nicholas Georgiade, Paul Picerni
Votes: 3,077
To heck with the weird anti-historical movie - watch the series!!!
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