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10 Essential Crime Shows You Need To Watch Before You Die
Collider offers a list-based feature spotlighting ten crime television series it considers essential viewing, arguing that crime drama is among the most influential genres in TV history, having drawn heavily on cinematic touchstones such as Francis Ford Coppola's Godfather trilogy and Martin Scorsese's gangster films. The piece frames these picks as standout examples of storytelling craft rather than a simple ranking of popularity, aimed at viewers who want a grounding in the genre's best work.
Shows featured include 24 (2001-2014), praised for its real-time format and morally complex depiction of Kiefer Sutherland's Jack Bauer amid post-9/11 anxieties; Better Call Saul (2015-2022), described as an exceptional Breaking Bad spinoff anchored by Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn's performances; and Mr. Robot (2015-2019), noted for its stylised direction and authentic depiction of hacking culture. The full list runs to ten entries in total, spanning multiple decades and networks.
In short
- Collider names ten essential crime TV shows worth watching.
- Highlights include 24, Better Call Saul and Mr. Robot.
- List praises storytelling craft and cinematic influences on the genre.
Explained simply
Crime television has long been one of the most influential genres in broadcasting, drawing inspiration from classic films and fundamentally shaping how audiences understand criminal narratives. The genre encompasses a wide range of storytelling approaches, from action-driven procedurals to intimate character studies exploring moral complexity.
A recent Collider article has compiled a list of ten crime television series deemed essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the genre's most significant achievements. Rather than ranking by popularity, the piece spotlights standout examples of storytelling craft across multiple decades and networks.
The list spans from early 2000s real-time television to more contemporary explorations of the legal profession and cybersecurity, representing diverse creative approaches to crime storytelling. Selected programmes include 24, Better Call Saul and Mr. Robot, each notable for distinct stylistic or thematic contributions to the genre.