If you’re a fan of crime dramas like Homicide: Life on the Street, you’ll love these 20 TV shows that capture the same intensity and depth. These shows feature compelling storylines, complex characters, and gripping investigations that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. The Wire

The Wire explores the gritty underbelly of Baltimore through the eyes of both law enforcement and drug dealers. Starring Dominic West, Lance Reddick, and Idris Elba, this show is often praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life.

2. NYPD Blue

NYPD Blue follows the lives of the detectives in the 15th Precinct of the New York City Police Department. With standout performances from Dennis Franz and Jimmy Smits, the series delves into both their professional and personal lives.

3. The Shield

The Shield is a hard-hitting series about a corrupt Los Angeles police unit led by Detective Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis. The show dives deep into moral ambiguity and the consequences of corruption.

4. Law & Order

Law & Order is a procedural drama that splits its focus between the police who investigate crimes and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders. Featuring a rotating cast with notable names like Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston, it is a staple of the genre.

5. Southland

Southland offers a raw and authentic look at the lives of LAPD officers. The series stars Michael Cudlitz and Regina King, and is known for its realistic portrayal of police work and the personal challenges faced by officers.

6. Bosch

Bosch follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he solves complex murder cases while grappling with his own troubled past. Titus Welliver stars in this adaptation of Michael Connelly’s novels, bringing a nuanced portrayal of the titular character.

7. True Detective

True Detective is an anthology series that examines different investigations in each season. With powerhouse performances from actors like Matthew McConaughey and Mahershala Ali, the show delves into dark and philosophical themes.

8. Mindhunter

Mindhunter centers on FBI agents who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think. Starring Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, this series provides a chilling look into the minds of some of the most notorious criminals.

9. Broadchurch

Broadchurch is a British series that follows Detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller as they investigate the murder of a young boy in a small town. David Tennant and Olivia Colman deliver compelling performances that drive the emotional core of the show.

10. Luther

Luther features Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, a detective who is brilliant but emotionally impulsive. The series dives into his complex relationship with a psychopathic murderer, played by Ruth Wilson, adding a unique twist to the crime drama genre.

11. The Killing

The Killing follows detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they investigate the murder of a teenage girl. Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman lead the cast in this moody and atmospheric series that keeps viewers guessing.

12. Chicago P.D.

Chicago P.D. is part of the larger Chicago franchise and focuses on the Intelligence Unit of the Chicago Police Department. Starring Jason Beghe and Sophia Bush, the series explores the complexities of police work in a major city.

13. Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds follows a team of FBI profilers who analyze the nation’s most dangerous criminal minds. With a rotating ensemble cast including Mandy Patinkin and Joe Mantegna, the series delves into the psychological aspects of crime.

14. Dexter

Dexter centers on Dexter Morgan, a forensic expert for the Miami Metro Police Department who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. Michael C. Hall’s portrayal of the conflicted protagonist has garnered widespread acclaim.

15. Hannibal

Hannibal explores the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is secretly a cannibalistic serial killer. Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy star in this visually stunning and psychologically complex series.

16. Broadway Empire

Broadway Empire is a crime drama set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era, focusing on political figure Enoch “Nucky” Thompson. Steve Buscemi stars in this richly detailed series that blends historical events with fictional storytelling.

17. Oz

Oz is set in the Oswald State Correctional Facility and explores the lives of its inmates. With a diverse cast including Ernie Hudson and J.K. Simmons, the series is known for its brutal and unflinching portrayal of prison life.

18. Blue Bloods

Blue Bloods follows the Reagan family, who have a long history of law enforcement in New York City. Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, and Bridget Moynahan star in this series that combines crime-solving with family dynamics.

19. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation focuses on a team of forensic scientists as they solve crimes in Las Vegas. With a cast led by William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger, the show popularized the forensic procedural genre.

20. Line of Duty

Line of Duty is a British police procedural that follows the investigations of AC-12, a unit that specializes in uncovering police corruption. Starring Martin Compston and Vicky McClure, the series is known for its intense interrogations and intricate plotting.

These shows will surely satisfy your craving for gripping crime dramas. Whether you’re into gritty realism, psychological depth, or intricate plotting, there’s something here for every fan of the genre.