Cold Case is a riveting crime drama that has captivated audiences with its unique approach to solving long-forgotten crimes. If you’re a fan of this genre and looking for more shows that offer similar intrigue and suspense, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 17 TV shows that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. For more on Cold Case, click here.
1. Without a Trace
Without a Trace follows the Missing Persons Unit of the FBI in New York City as they investigate cases of missing individuals. Starring Anthony LaPaglia and Poppy Montgomery, each episode delves into the lives of the missing, uncovering secrets and hidden motives.
2. Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds centers on a team of FBI profilers who analyze the country’s most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The show features Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Kirsten Vangsness.
3. Bones
Bones pairs forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan, played by Emily Deschanel, with FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth, portrayed by David Boreanaz. Together, they solve intricate cases by examining human remains.
4. NCIS
NCIS follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, led by Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), as they solve crimes involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The show blends crime, military, and procedural drama seamlessly.
5. The Mentalist
The Mentalist stars Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium who uses his keen observational skills to help the California Bureau of Investigation solve crimes. The show is known for its clever plots and character development.
6. Law & Order: SVU
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is a long-running series focusing on crimes of a sexual nature. Mariska Hargitay stars as Olivia Benson, a dedicated detective who tackles some of the most harrowing cases in New York City.
7. Castle
Castle features Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, a famous mystery novelist who teams up with NYPD detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) to solve unusual homicides. The dynamic between the leads adds a unique charm to the procedural format.
8. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation takes viewers into the world of forensic science as a team of investigators in Las Vegas solves crimes using cutting-edge technology. The show stars William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger.
9. Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars stars Kristen Bell as a high school student who moonlights as a private investigator. The show combines elements of mystery, drama, and teen angst, making it a unique addition to the genre.
10. Mindhunter
Mindhunter delves into the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star as agents who interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think.
11. True Detective
True Detective is an anthology crime drama series, with each season featuring a new cast and story. The first season stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as detectives investigating a series of gruesome murders in Louisiana.
12. Broadchurch
Broadchurch is a British crime drama that follows detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) as they investigate the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town. The show is known for its emotional depth and stunning scenery.
13. The Killing
The Killing is a gripping drama that follows detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) as they investigate the murder of a teenage girl in Seattle. The show is praised for its dark atmosphere and complex characters.
14. Luther
Luther stars Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective in London. The series explores his battles with his own demons while solving some of the city’s most horrific crimes.
15. Hannibal
Hannibal is a psychological thriller that explores the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a brilliant psychiatrist with a dark secret. The show is known for its stylized visuals and intense storytelling.
16. The Blacklist
The Blacklist follows Raymond “Red” Reddington (James Spader), a former criminal mastermind who surrenders to the FBI and offers to help catch other criminals under the condition that he works exclusively with profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). The show is filled with twists and turns that keep viewers guessing.
17. Sherlock
Sherlock is a modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. Set in contemporary London, the series brings a fresh perspective to the legendary detective’s adventures.
