Are you a fan of action-packed crime dramas like L.A. Heat? If so, you’re in for a treat! We’ve compiled a list of 16 thrilling TV shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Check out L.A. Heat for a refresher on the genre.
1. Nash Bridges
Nash Bridges stars Don Johnson as an inspector for the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit. The show combines action, drama, and humor as Nash and his partner Joe Dominguez, played by Cheech Marin, solve crimes in the city by the bay.
2. Walker, Texas Ranger
In Walker, Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris plays Cordell Walker, a martial artist and Texas Ranger who fights crime with his partner, James Trivette, portrayed by Clarence Gilyard. The series is known for its action sequences and moral-driven storylines.
3. The Shield
The Shield follows Vic Mackey, a corrupt and brutal detective played by Michael Chiklis, who leads a special anti-gang unit in Los Angeles. The show is gritty and intense, exploring the moral complexities of law enforcement.
4. Miami Vice
Don Johnson returns as Sonny Crockett in Miami Vice, a stylish and iconic series set in the vibrant streets of Miami. Alongside Ricardo Tubbs, played by Philip Michael Thomas, Crockett tackles drug lords and crime syndicates.
5. Homicide: Life on the Street
This critically acclaimed series stars Andre Braugher and Richard Belzer as detectives in Baltimore’s homicide unit. Homicide: Life on the Street is known for its realistic portrayal of police work and complex characters.
6. Hill Street Blues
Hill Street Blues offers a gritty look at the daily lives of the officers and detectives at a police precinct in an unnamed American city. The ensemble cast includes Daniel J. Travanti and Veronica Hamel, and the show is praised for its realistic and multi-dimensional storytelling.
7. Third Watch
Third Watch focuses on the lives of New York City firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. The series stars Michael Beach, Coby Bell, and Kim Raver, offering a gripping look at the personal and professional challenges faced by first responders.
8. NYPD Blue
Dennis Franz stars as Andy Sipowicz, a gruff but dedicated detective in NYPD Blue. The series delves into the personal and professional lives of the officers of the 15th precinct in Manhattan, blending intense drama with character-driven storytelling.
9. The Wire
David Simon’s The Wire is a masterful exploration of crime, law enforcement, and society in Baltimore. The ensemble cast includes Dominic West, Idris Elba, and Michael K. Williams, and the series is lauded for its realistic and nuanced portrayal of urban life.
10. Blue Bloods
Tom Selleck leads the cast of Blue Bloods as Frank Reagan, the New York City Police Commissioner. The show follows the Reagan family, all of whom are involved in law enforcement, blending crime drama with family dynamics.
11. Hawaii Five-0
Alex O’Loughlin stars as Steve McGarrett in the reboot of Hawaii Five-0. Alongside Scott Caan’s Danny Williams, the team tackles crime in the picturesque yet dangerous Hawaiian islands, offering a mix of action and stunning scenery.
12. CSI: Miami
David Caruso stars as Horatio Caine, the head of a Miami forensics team in CSI: Miami. The show combines crime-solving with cutting-edge forensic science, and is known for its dramatic flair and memorable one-liners.
13. Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds follows a team of FBI profilers who analyze the country’s most dangerous criminal minds. The ensemble cast includes Joe Mantegna, Matthew Gray Gubler, and A.J. Cook, and the series is known for its psychological depth and suspenseful storytelling.
14. Law & Order
Law & Order is a long-running series that blends police procedural and legal drama. The show features an ensemble cast, including Jerry Orbach and Sam Waterston, and is renowned for its “ripped from the headlines” storytelling approach.
15. Chicago P.D.
Chicago P.D. follows the elite Intelligence Unit of the Chicago Police Department, led by Hank Voight, played by Jason Beghe. The series delves into the complex and often dangerous world of law enforcement in the Windy City.
16. True Detective
True Detective is an anthology series that explores different crime stories with each season. The first season stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as detectives investigating a series of murders in Louisiana, offering a dark and gripping narrative.
Dive into these captivating crime dramas and enjoy the thrilling ride!