1. Mindhunter

Mindhunter dives deep into the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. The series stars Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany as they interview imprisoned serial killers to understand how they think.

2. 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 delivers a gripping performance as the titular character.

3. True Detective

True Detective is an anthology crime drama series where each season features a new cast and storyline. The first season, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is particularly acclaimed for its dark and intricate narrative.

4. The Blacklist

The Blacklist centers on Raymond “Red” Reddington, a former criminal mastermind who surrenders to the FBI and offers to help catch high-profile criminals. James Spader’s portrayal of Red is both charismatic and enigmatic.

5. Hannibal

Hannibal explores the early relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist destined to become Graham’s most cunning enemy. Mads Mikkelsen stars as the chilling Dr. Lecter.

6. Bones

Bones follows Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, and her team as they solve murders by examining the victims’ bones. Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz lead the cast in this long-running series.

7. NCIS

NCIS revolves around a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, led by Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Mark Harmon stars as Gibbs, guiding his team through complex military-related cases.

8. Luther

Luther features Idris Elba as Detective John Luther, a passionate and sometimes violent detective who is dedicated to solving heinous crimes. The series is known for its intense storytelling and psychological depth.

9. Broadchurch

Broadchurch is a British series that follows detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller as they investigate the death of a young boy in a small coastal town. David Tennant and Olivia Colman deliver powerful performances.

10. The Mentalist

The Mentalist features Patrick Jane, a former psychic medium turned consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation, who uses his keen observational skills to solve crimes. Simon Baker stars as the charming and insightful Jane.

11. Sherlock

Sherlock is a modern-day adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. The series is praised for its clever writing and brilliant performances.

12. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation follows a team of forensic scientists as they solve crimes in Las Vegas by analyzing physical evidence. The show, starring William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger, has spawned multiple successful spin-offs.