The crime genre has always been a small-screen staple, but the 2020s have unleashed a wave of shows that shatter expectations. These series don't just solve murders—they reinvent the whodunit with sharp humor, emotional depth, and storytelling twists that keep us guessing. From amateur sleuths in New York apartments to darkly funny conspiracies in Tasmania, the decade's best crime shows prove there's no one way to crack a case.
What sets this era apart is its incredible variety. Alongside gritty true-crime dramas and devastating detective tales, we've gotten quirky comedies, satirical thrillers, and mysteries that unfold in ways no one sees coming. The classic procedural has been left in the dust, replaced by shows that blend genres and challenge our assumptions. Here are the 10 greatest crime shows of the 2020s, ranked.
10. 'Big Mistakes' (2026–Present)
Netflix's Big Mistakes follows siblings Nicky (Dan Levy) and Morgan Dardano (Taylor Ortega) as a small theft spirals into organized crime. What starts as a desperate act to help their dying grandmother snowballs into blackmail, gangsters, and a web of lies that threatens their already dysfunctional family. The show thrives on weaponized incompetence—these aren't masterminds but people constantly in over their heads. Levy and Ortega's electric sibling chemistry, paired with sharp writing, creates a chaotic blend of suspense and comedy. It's a crime thriller viewed through the lens of a messy family sitcom, proving that even the best crime shows don't have to take themselves too seriously.
9. 'Deadloch' (2023–Present)
Prime Video's Deadloch begins like a typical noir murder mystery: a body on a beach in a small Tasmanian town. But it quickly establishes its own wonderfully strange identity. Local Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) hopes for a straightforward investigation, only to be disrupted by abrasive Detective Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami) from Darwin. Their clashing personalities provide much of the comedy, while the central mystery remains compelling. The show brilliantly balances thrilling detective work with razor-sharp satire, poking fun at genre conventions and small-town politics. It's Australian television at its best—smart, dark, and slightly vulgar.
8. 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' (2024–Present)
Based on Holly Jackson's bestselling novels, this Netflix series follows Pip Fitz-Amobi (Emma Myers) as she reopens a five-year-old case: a young woman believed murdered by her boyfriend, who later died by suicide. Unlike most YA mysteries, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder commits fully to the seriousness of its investigation. Pip's curiosity feels grounded in genuine empathy, not amateur-detective wish fulfillment. The show steadily peels back layers of secrets, exposing how rumors and prejudice shape a community. Season 2 has raised the bar even higher, making this a must-watch for fans of smart, emotional thrillers. For more on book-to-screen adaptations, check out our ranking of the best drama movies based on books.
7. 'The Afterparty' (2022–2023)
Apple TV+'s The Afterparty is a masterclass in inventive storytelling. When a high-school reunion after-party ends with a pop star's death, Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish) interviews each guest—and every episode retells the night from a different character's perspective, adopting a unique genre like rom-com, action, or psychological thriller. This structure could have been a gimmick, but the show uses it to explore perception and perspective. The mystery remains engaging, but it's the clever storytelling and stellar ensemble that make this one of the most refreshing shows of the decade.
6. 'Bad Sisters' (2022–Present)
Apple TV+'s Bad Sisters follows the Garvey sisters after the sudden death of the deeply unpleasant John Paul Williams. The series blends dark comedy with emotional depth, exploring family loyalty and the lengths people go to protect each other. Its intricate plot and stellar performances make it a standout crime drama that keeps you guessing until the very end.
5. 'Mare of Easttown' (2021)
HBO's Mare of Easttown is a devastating detective tale set in a small Pennsylvania town. Kate Winslet delivers a career-best performance as Mare Sheehan, a detective grappling with personal tragedy while investigating a local murder. The show is emotionally raw, with a gripping mystery that unfolds slowly, revealing the town's secrets and Mare's own vulnerabilities. It's a masterclass in character-driven crime storytelling.
4. 'Only Murders in the Building' (2021–Present)
Hulu's Only Murders in the Building reinvents the murder mystery with humor and heart. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez star as three strangers who bond over their love of true crime and start investigating a death in their New York apartment building. The show's witty dialogue, clever twists, and genuine emotional moments make it a must-watch. It's proof that crime shows can be both hilarious and suspenseful.
3. 'The White Lotus' (2021–Present)
HBO's The White Lotus is a satirical crime drama set in luxury resorts. Each season follows a new cast of wealthy guests and staff, with a murder looming in the background. The show skewers privilege and hypocrisy while delivering a compelling mystery. Its sharp writing and ensemble cast make it one of the most talked-about shows of the decade.
2. 'Succession' (2018–2023)
While not a traditional crime show, HBO's Succession is a gripping drama about power, betrayal, and family dysfunction. The Roy family's battle for control of a media empire is filled with backstabbing, lies, and moral compromises that feel criminal. Its razor-sharp writing and phenomenal performances make it a must-watch for fans of high-stakes drama.
1. 'Better Call Saul' (2015–2022)
AMC's Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad that stands on its own as a masterpiece. The series follows Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) as he transforms into the morally flexible lawyer Saul Goodman. It's a slow-burn crime drama that explores themes of identity, morality, and consequence. With stunning performances and meticulous storytelling, it's the best crime show of the 2020s. For more on underrated crime series, don't miss our look at HBO's overlooked crime miniseries 'Five Days'.
The 2020s have proven that the crime genre is far from tired. From comedic mysteries to emotionally devastating dramas, these shows have pushed boundaries and kept us glued to our screens. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh or a good cry, there's a crime show on this list for you.
