The 50+ Best Procedural Shows Of All Time, Ranked By Fans

For many TV fans, there’s nothing more satisfying than a good procedural drama. These shows, which center around solving cases, investigating mysteries, or following complex legal battles, have stood the test of time for their gripping plots and memorable characters. Procedural TV shows have a way of drawing viewers in with their mix of formulaic storytelling and fascinating cases, offering a sense of closure by the end of each episode. But among the hundreds of procedurals that have aired over the years, which ones rise to the top? Here’s a look at the 50+ best procedural shows of all time, ranked by fans.

What Makes a Great Procedural Show?

Before diving into the rankings, let’s consider what makes a procedural show stand out. Typically, a procedural follows a set pattern: each episode presents a new case or investigation that needs solving. The key is in how the show builds suspense, develops its characters, and delivers the case resolution. While the formula can be predictable, the best procedurals manage to keep things fresh with engaging twists, strong performances, and emotional depth.

50. Rizzoli & Isles (2010–2016)

While the dynamic duo of detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles may not have reinvented the procedural wheel, their chemistry and witty banter kept fans hooked. Based on the novels by Tess Gerritsen, Rizzoli & Isles brought a strong female presence to the crime-solving genre, making it a fan favorite. The combination of crime-solving and personal stories made this show more than just your average procedural.

49. Cold Case (2003–2010)

This unique procedural flipped the script by focusing on unsolved cases from the past. Detective Lilly Rush (played by Kathryn Morris) investigates cold cases, often dealing with the emotional repercussions of long-forgotten crimes. Fans loved the way each episode delved into history while allowing characters to reflect on their past decisions.

48. The Mentalist (2008–2015)

Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), uses his keen observation skills to solve crimes. The character-driven plots and witty dialogue made The Mentalist a hit with viewers, combining elements of psychological drama and crime-solving in a highly entertaining way.

47. Law & Order: SVU (1999–present)

Arguably the longest-running procedural in the history of television, Law & Order: SVU has tackled sensitive and often controversial topics with its compelling depiction of the Special Victims Unit. The iconic performances of Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson and Christopher Meloni as Elliot Stabler elevated this show into must-watch territory for millions.

46. Castle (2009–2016)

Combining crime-solving with a healthy dose of humor, Castle brought fans the unlikely partnership of a bestselling mystery novelist and a tough NYPD detective. Nathan Fillion’s charismatic portrayal of Richard Castle and Stana Katic’s portrayal of Detective Kate Beckett made this series one of the most entertaining procedurals of the 2000s.

45. Bones (2005–2017)

Bones brought the forensic science of anthropology into the spotlight, with Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and FBI agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) solving murder mysteries using skeletal remains. The show’s unique blend of science and crime-solving with personal drama became a fan favorite, maintaining high ratings for its 12 seasons.

44. NCIS (2003–present)

With its lovable ensemble cast, NCIS has been a staple of procedural TV for nearly two decades. The show follows a team of special agents who investigate criminal cases involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Its diverse characters, including the iconic Gibbs (Mark Harmon), have kept the series going strong for over 20 seasons.

43. Criminal Minds (2005–2020)

Criminal Minds dives into the psychological aspect of crime-solving, with a team of FBI profilers working to track down some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. The show’s ability to delve into the minds of criminals while balancing intense action and emotional depth helped it maintain a loyal fan base throughout its 16 seasons.

42. Elementary (2012–2019)

A modern take on the Sherlock Holmes character, Elementary brought the iconic detective to New York City, with Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as his partner, Joan Watson. This procedural blended traditional detective work with character-driven storytelling, making it stand out among the sea of similar shows.

41. CSI: Miami (2002–2012)

Set in the sun-soaked streets of Miami, CSI: Miami followed a team of forensic investigators as they solved crimes in one of the most visually striking settings on TV. With the dramatic presence of David Caruso as Horatio Caine, this spinoff of the original CSI franchise became a fan favorite for its fast-paced action and memorable one-liners.

The Top Procedural Shows: What Makes Them Stand Out

As we move through the list, it becomes clear that what sets the best procedural shows apart is their ability to balance complex storytelling with character development. While many procedural shows focus on the mechanics of solving crimes, the best ones also delve into the emotional and personal lives of their characters, keeping viewers invested over multiple seasons. The following rankings reflect not only their success in solving crimes but their cultural impact, longevity, and fan support.

Top 10 Procedural Shows, Ranked

10. Law & Order (1990–2010)

The granddaddy of all procedural dramas, Law & Order is responsible for spawning an entire franchise, with its iconic combination of police investigations and courtroom drama. Each episode was neatly divided into two parts: the investigation and the trial. The show’s formula became a blueprint for procedural dramas that followed.

9. The Wire (2002–2008)

The Wire may not fit the traditional mold of a procedural show, but it’s a hard-hitting crime drama that offers deep insights into the workings of law enforcement. Set in Baltimore, this series explores the lives of both law enforcement and criminals, all while shedding light on the systemic issues affecting the city.

8. Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Although not a typical procedural, Breaking Bad follows the transformation of a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin. Its deep exploration of morality, crime, and consequences has made it one of the most compelling shows ever made, attracting a devoted fanbase that spans genres.

7. Dexter (2006–2013, 2021)

Dexter Morgan is a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police who moonlights as a serial killer, targeting other criminals. The show balances procedural elements with dark, psychological drama, drawing fans in with Dexter’s complicated moral code and his struggle to maintain his double life.

6. True Detective (2014–present)

Each season of True Detective is an anthology, with new characters and cases, but the first season, featuring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is widely regarded as one of the best. The show blends mystery with deep philosophical themes, making it a standout among procedural dramas.

5. NCIS: Los Angeles (2009–present)

This spinoff of the original NCIS follows an elite division of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service in Los Angeles. The show is known for its action-packed plots and diverse, dynamic cast, with characters like G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) leading the charge.

4. Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2011)

A spinoff of the original Criminal Minds, this show focused on the Behavioral Analysis Unit’s Special Operations Division. Although it only lasted one season, its intriguing characters and high-stakes cases have earned it a cult following among fans.

3. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000–2015)

The original CSI series revolutionized crime procedurals, with its focus on forensic science and cutting-edge technology to solve cases. The show’s success led to multiple spinoffs, and its impact on TV crime dramas is undeniable.

2. The Sopranos (1999–2007)

While primarily known as a mob drama, The Sopranos also had a procedural aspect, focusing on the psychological complexities of its central character, Tony Soprano. The show’s intricate character development and exploration of family, crime, and morality make it one of the most influential shows ever aired.

1. Sherlock (2010–2017)

With Benedict Cumberbatch’s brilliant portrayal of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, this modern-day take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic stories captured the imagination of viewers worldwide. The clever writing, fast-paced plots, and mind-bending mysteries have made Sherlock the top-ranked procedural show on this list.

Experiences and Fan Feedback: What Viewers Love About Procedural Shows

Fans of procedural shows often find themselves drawn to the predictability of the formula – the comfort of knowing that by the end of each episode, a mystery will be solved, and the case will be closed. However, what truly sets apart the best procedural shows are the deep emotional arcs and the relationships between characters that evolve over time. Whether it’s the mentor-mentee dynamic in shows like NCIS or the slow-burn romance in Castle, these emotional beats keep fans coming back for more.

Moreover, the appeal of procedural shows isn’t just in the solving of crimes but in the puzzle-solving aspect. Fans love piecing together clues, often before the detectives on-screen can, which creates a level of engagement that sets procedural dramas apart from other genres. Shows like The Mentalist and Criminal Minds invite fans to participate actively, guessing motives and connecting the dots.

Additionally, procedural shows have the ability to explore various sub-genres, from the gritty psychological exploration in True Detective to the action-packed sequences in NCIS. This versatility ensures there’s a procedural show for almost everyone, regardless of personal preferences.

For viewers who love mystery, crime, and deep character development, procedural dramas offer endless entertainment. Their rich storytelling, evolving plots, and iconic characters make them not only a favorite pastime but a significant part of television history.

Conclusion

Procedural dramas have evolved over the years, but the best ones remain beloved by fans because of their ability to balance thrilling cases with complex characters and emotional depth. From the gritty realism of The Wire to the intellectual puzzles of Sherlock, these 50+ shows have left an indelible mark on TV, keeping fans engaged and invested in their favorite detectives and investigators for years to come.

sapo: Looking for the best procedural shows of all time? Dive into our ranking of over 50 top shows, including Sherlock, CSI, and The Wire, and see which ones come out on top!