Hill Street Blues redefined the police procedural and drama genres with its gritty portrayal of life in an urban police station. If you’re a fan of this iconic series, you’ll love these 17 TV shows that capture similar themes of complex characters and intense storytelling. Learn more about Hill Street Blues.
1. The Wire
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Wire
The Wire delves into the intricate web of crime, law enforcement, and politics in Baltimore. With standout performances from Dominic West and Idris Elba, this series offers a raw and realistic look at urban life.
2. NYPD Blue
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=NYPD+Blue
NYPD Blue follows the professional and personal lives of the detectives in Manhattan’s 15th precinct. Starring Dennis Franz and Jimmy Smits, the show is known for its gritty realism and complex characters.
3. Homicide: Life on the Street
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Homicide+Life+on+the+Street
Homicide: Life on the Street is a gripping drama that focuses on a Baltimore homicide unit. With Richard Belzer and Andre Braugher leading the cast, the series is praised for its authenticity and depth.
4. Southland
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Southland
Southland offers a raw and unfiltered look at the lives of LAPD officers. Starring Michael Cudlitz and Regina King, this series is known for its intense action and emotional storylines.
5. Law & Order
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Law+%26+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. With a rotating cast that has included Sam Waterston and Jerry Orbach, the show is a staple of the genre.
6. The Shield
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Shield
The Shield centers on a corrupt Los Angeles police unit and its morally ambiguous leader, played by Michael Chiklis. The series is known for its dark themes and complex characters.
7. Blue Bloods
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Blue+Bloods
Blue Bloods follows a multi-generational family of police officers in New York City. Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg star in this engaging drama that blends crime-solving with family dynamics.
8. Chicago P.D.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Chicago+P.D.
Chicago P.D. is part of the “One Chicago” franchise and focuses on the Intelligence Unit of the Chicago Police Department. With Jason Beghe and Sophia Bush, the show offers a compelling mix of action and character development.
9. True Detective
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=True+Detective
True Detective is an anthology series that explores different crime stories each season. With standout performances from Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, the show is known for its intense storytelling and atmospheric settings.
10. Bosch
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bosch
Bosch follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he navigates complex cases and personal challenges. Titus Welliver stars in this gripping series based on Michael Connelly’s novels.
11. Criminal Minds
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Criminal+Minds
Criminal Minds focuses on a team of FBI profilers who analyze the country’s most dangerous serial killers. Starring Matthew Gray Gubler and Paget Brewster, the series combines psychological intrigue with high-stakes drama.
12. Broadchurch
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Broadchurch
Broadchurch is a British crime drama that follows detectives investigating a young boy’s murder in a small town. David Tennant and Olivia Colman deliver powerful performances in this emotionally charged series.
13. Line of Duty
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Line+of+Duty
Line of Duty delves into the lives of anti-corruption unit officers in the UK. With Martin Compston and Vicky McClure, the series is known for its intricate plots and intense interrogations.
14. Luther
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Luther
Luther stars Idris Elba as a brilliant but troubled detective in London. The series is praised for its dark atmosphere and Elba’s compelling performance.
15. Mindhunter
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mindhunter
Mindhunter explores the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star in this fascinating series based on true events.
16. The Killing
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Killing
The Killing follows two detectives as they investigate a young girl’s murder in Seattle. Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman lead the cast in this atmospheric and gripping series.
17. Ozark
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Ozark
Ozark is a crime drama that follows a financial planner who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney star in this intense and suspenseful series.
