If you’re a fan of gritty crime dramas like The Beast, you’re in for a treat. This genre captivates audiences with intense storytelling, complex characters, and thrilling action. Below are 16 TV shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad follows the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer. Starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, this series is renowned for its deep character development and moral dilemmas.
2. True Detective
True Detective is an anthology crime drama with each season featuring a new cast and storyline. With standout performances from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in the first season, it’s a must-watch for fans of dark, psychological thrillers.
3. The Wire
The Wire offers a raw and realistic portrayal of life in Baltimore, exploring the city’s drug trade, police force, and institutions. With an ensemble cast including Dominic West and Idris Elba, this series is often hailed as one of the greatest TV dramas of all time.
4. Mindhunter
Mindhunter delves into the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star as agents interviewing serial killers to understand their psychology and solve ongoing cases.
5. Narcos
Narcos chronicles the rise and fall of the infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the MedellÃn Cartel. Wagner Moura stars as Escobar, with Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal as the DEA agents determined to bring him down.
6. Ozark
Ozark follows financial planner Marty Byrde, played by Jason Bateman, as he relocates his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. The series also stars Laura Linney and is praised for its tense, suspenseful narrative.
7. Hannibal
Hannibal focuses on the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist and secret cannibalistic serial killer. Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy deliver chilling performances in this psychological thriller.
8. Ray Donovan
Ray Donovan stars Liev Schreiber as a professional “fixer” for the rich and famous in Los Angeles. The series explores his complicated family life and the moral ambiguities of his job, with Jon Voight giving a standout performance as Ray’s father.
9. Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy is a gripping tale of an outlaw motorcycle club in California. Charlie Hunnam stars as Jax Teller, who grapples with the club’s illegal activities and his desire for a better life for his family.
10. Justified
Justified follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, portrayed by Timothy Olyphant, as he enforces his own brand of justice in his hometown in Kentucky. The series is known for its sharp dialogue and complex characters.
11. Luther
Luther stars Idris Elba as Detective John Luther, a brilliant but emotionally impulsive detective. The series delves into his personal and professional struggles as he tackles some of London’s most heinous crimes.
12. The Shield
The Shield centers on a corrupt Los Angeles police precinct and its leader, Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis. The series is known for its gritty realism and morally complex characters.
13. Dexter
Dexter follows 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 Dexter is both chilling and sympathetic.
14. Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire is set in Atlantic City during Prohibition and stars Steve Buscemi as Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a political figure who rises to prominence in the criminal underworld. The series is noted for its rich historical detail and complex characters.
15. Fargo
Fargo is an anthology series inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name, with each season featuring a new story and cast. The series combines dark humor with crime drama, starring actors like Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman.
16. Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders follows the Shelby crime family in post-World War I Birmingham, England. Cillian Murphy stars as the cunning and ambitious leader, Thomas Shelby, in this stylish and gripping series.
These TV shows will surely satisfy your craving for intense, character-driven crime dramas. Happy watching!