If you’re a fan of police procedural dramas, then Line of Duty has likely left you craving more high-stakes investigations and complex characters. Here are 14 TV shows that capture the same intense, gripping atmosphere. For more information on Line of Duty, you can check out this link.
1. Broadchurch
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Broadchurch
Broadchurch follows detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) as they investigate the murder of an 11-year-old boy in a small coastal town. The show delves into the emotional impact on the community and uncovers hidden secrets.
2. Happy Valley
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Happy+Valley
In Happy Valley, police sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) navigates personal and professional challenges while solving crimes in a small Yorkshire town. The show is lauded for its strong performances and intricate storytelling.
3. The Fall
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Fall
The Fall stars Gillian Anderson as Stella Gibson, a detective superintendent on the hunt for a serial killer in Belfast. Jamie Dornan plays the chilling antagonist, Paul Spector, creating a riveting cat-and-mouse dynamic.
4. Luther
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Luther
In Luther, Idris Elba stars as DCI John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective working in London. The show is known for its dark themes and complex characters, making it a must-watch for crime drama enthusiasts.
5. Bodyguard
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bodyguard
Bodyguard features Richard Madden as David Budd, a war veteran assigned to protect a controversial politician. The series combines political intrigue with intense action sequences, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
6. True Detective
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=True+Detective
True Detective is an anthology series that explores different crime stories each season. The first season stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as detectives investigating a series of murders in Louisiana, offering a deep dive into psychological and existential themes.
7. Unforgotten
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Unforgotten
Unforgotten follows DCI Cassie Stuart (Nicola Walker) and DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) as they solve cold cases. Each season unravels a new mystery, blending past and present to reveal hidden truths.
8. Mindhunter
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mindhunter
Mindhunter takes viewers inside the early days of criminal psychology and criminal profiling at the FBI. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany star as agents interviewing imprisoned serial killers to understand and catch active ones.
9. The Killing
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=The+Killing
The Killing centers on detectives Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos) and Stephen Holder (Joel Kinnaman) as they investigate the murder of a teenage girl. The show is praised for its atmospheric tension and complex characters.
10. Marcella
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Marcella
Marcella stars Anna Friel as Marcella Backland, a former detective who returns to the force to investigate a series of unsolved murders. The show delves into her personal struggles and the psychological toll of her work.
11. Bosch
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Bosch
Bosch follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) as he solves complex cases while navigating personal and professional challenges. The series is based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling novels and offers a gritty look at police work in Los Angeles.
12. Top of the Lake
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Top+of+the+Lake
Top of the Lake stars Elisabeth Moss as detective Robin Griffin, who investigates the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl in a remote New Zealand town. The show blends mystery with social commentary, creating a haunting narrative.
13. Shetland
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Shetland
Shetland follows DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) as he solves crimes in the isolated Shetland Islands. The show combines stunning scenery with intricate plotlines, making it a unique entry in the crime drama genre.
14. Hinterland
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Hinterland
Hinterland stars Richard Harrington as DCI Tom Mathias, who relocates to rural Wales to escape his past. The show is known for its moody atmosphere and complex characters, offering a fresh take on the police procedural format.
