Anyone who is even remotely familiar with television knows about “Breaking Bad,” “The Sopranos,” “The Wire,” and other all-time great crime dramas that changed the game. However, the genre has produced countless terrific shows that are overlooked in the grand scheme of things. Not every series can capture the wider public’s imagination, mind you, but the lack of attention paid toward some titles is, quite frankly, criminal.
Fear not, though, as it isn’t too late to rediscover some blasts from the past that failed to achieve the success and recognition they deserve. On this list, you will find 10 great shows that have flown under the radar, whether that’s due to airing on niche networks or being canceled too soon. Regardless of the reasons, they deserve more love.
This selection offers something for all tastes and showcases the diversity this genre has to offer. From cop shows to hitman thrillers, these are some of the most underrated crime dramas of all time.
10. Mr. Inbetween
Have you found yourself looking for more shows like “Breaking Bad” ever since Vince Gilligan’s series came to an end? If so, turn your attention to Australia’s “Mr. Inbetween,” another crime drama about a family man who gets up to some mischief. The series takes cues from “Breaking Bad” and “The Sopranos,” but its pitch-black humor and engaging characters give “Mr. Inbetween” its own identity.
Created by and starring Scott Ryan, the story follows Ray Shoesmith (Ryan), a hitman who goes by the name The Magician. His job requires him to carry out hits for the local gangsters, but his life is pretty normal otherwise. He just wants to do right by his daughter, but he’s also capable of chopping someone with an axe.
Ray is an easy antihero to root for. The people he brutalizes tend to be worse than he is, and he abides by a code built on honor and respect. Ryan’s performance is a joy to behold, with the actor straddling a fine line between menacing, calm, and hilarious.
9. Karen Sisco
Before “Justified,” there was “Karen Sisco,” a one-season wonder that’s sneakily connected to Raylan Givens’ adventures. It isn’t an official prequel series, but Carla Gugino briefly reprised the titular character for an episode of “Justified” — albeit with a different surname to avoid legal drama — so both shows take place in the same universe. As such, fans of one of the best neo-Western TV series will likely want to hunt down “Karen Sisco.”
But there is more to “Karen Sisco” than its association with “Justified.” The ABC series is a sun-drenched procedural that boasts colorful characters and a wry sense of humor. Like most Elmore Leonard adaptations, the dialogue is snappy and witty, so it’s hard not to fall for the cops and crooks who populate this world.
“Karen Sisco” boasts the case-of-the-week format associated with other procedural fare, but it’s anchored by character-driven storytelling. The show also features the almighty Robert Forster, who previously starred in Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown” — another Leonard adaptation. The cast is loaded with good actors, and their talents shine thanks to the show’s excellent writing.
8. Perry Mason
The Perry Mason character is a perennial presence in pop culture. Author Erle Stanley Gardner created the him in the 1930s, with the fictional lawyer appearing in numerous novels before finding his way to the small screen. HBO’s 2020 reboot gives “Perry Mason” a fresh coat of paint, however, chronicling the character’s origin story during the Great Depression.
The end result is a dark and compelling series that treats viewers to a more cynical take on the character, who’s played to perfection by Matthew Rhys. This version is jaded and haunted, but you try feeling optimistic while struggling to make ends meet in the 1930s. HBO’s prequel also eschews the case-of-the-week format of the 1950s TV show in favor of a stylish, serialized noir, but it works.
“Perry Mason” is a feast for the eyes, which might be the show’s biggest strength, as the visuals create a world you can easily get lost in. Meanwhile, Rhys is captivating as the gruff protagonist, even if his character feels like an archetype of the broken heroes who populated classic noir. Still, these types of stories are few and far between, meaning that “Perry Mason” remains a breath fresh air.
7. Hap and Leonard
“Hap and Leonard” is one of the more entertaining crime dramas to center around an odd couple pairing. Based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novel series, it follows the central characters as they find themselves in all sorts of trouble. Hap (James Purefoy) is an ex-con who spent time behind bars for dodging the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, Leonard (Michael K. Williams) is an openly gay veteran with conservative political leanings. They bicker all of the time, but that’s what best friends do.
“Hap and Leonard” co-creator Jim Mickle understands Lansdale’s imagination, as he proved with his excellent adaptation of “Cold in July” in 2014. Like that movie, “Hap and Leonard” is a compelling Southern noir laced with humor and pathos — and it’s a treat.
6. Marcella
Don’t go into this one if you want to feel upbeat and optimistic. “Marcella” is as dark and bleak as television gets. The series follows the titular detective (Anna Friel) after she returns to work following a hiatus from law enforcement life. Her task? To hunt down a serial killer whose methods echo those of another deme?
Some of the cases depicted on “Marcella” confront taboo subject matter, especially in regard to children. These are topics most shows stray away from, despite reflecting horrors that happen in the real world. Friel’s detective also has a broken home life and experiences blackouts, further compounding the misery. She’s a messy character — and all the more interesting for it — and Friel’s performance is outstanding.
“Marcella” is violent, suspenseful, and gritty, even if it feels like a punch in the gut at times. However, shows about serial killers should make us feel uncomfortable, so no one can accuse “Marcella” of not having its desired effect.
5. Dept. Q
“The Queen’s Gambit” co-creator Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani are the masterminds behind this acclaimed Netflix series. Based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s novel series, “Dept. Q” follows a group of outcast detectives who solve cold cases in Edinburgh. Led by the grouchy Carl Morck (Matthew Goode), they don’t have any reigence and investigative prowess
“Dept. Q” certainly boasts enough compelling mysteries to satiate viewers looking for a good detective story. However, it also excels as a character drama about broken people finding purpose by solving cases and bringing resolution to others. Additionally, Goode is tremendous as Morck, an obnoxious and sarcastic genius who alienates most people he comes into contact with.
The Netflix series isn’t without its moments of humor, but it’s also psychologically complex and emotionally stirring. “Dept. Q” is one of the best shows that came out in 2025, and one of the better detective series to come along in quite some time.
4. The Night Of
HBO produces lots of great TV series, so it’s only natural that some get overlooked. This brings us to “The Night Of,” an eight-part mystery series about a college student (Riz Ahmed) who gets accused of murder and spirals into addiction following a drug-fueled night. All of the evidence suggests he’s the culprit, but it might not be as simple as that.
“The Night Of” is an enthralling murder mystery that delves into the flaws of the American criminal justice system and the bureaucratic mumbo jumbo that keeps people — including innocent ones — behind bars. Even though the series keeps the answers close to the vest, Ahmed’s performance is so good that you’ll empathize with his character, whether you believe his side of the story or not. “The Night Of” was nominated for 13 Emmys and won five, which is a testament to its quality. But the series doesn’t get as discussed as often as it should, and that’s a crime in and of itself.
3. Quarry
On paper, “Quarry” comes across as another derivative story about disillusioned veterans. The Cinemax series follows Mac Conway (Logan Marshall-Green), a soldier who returns to Memphis, Tennessee, following the Vietnam War and finds that he is no longer welcome. To make ends meet, he accepts a gig as a hitman working for someone called The Broker (Peter Mullan), and chaos ensues.
“Quarry” is pure Southern Gothic noir that aims to capture the American cultural mood of the 1970s. However, the series also explores more timeless ideas — like how people can be driven down a dark path because society leaves them with little in the way of prospects. If that sounds like grim viewing, it’s because it is.
Of course, that’s not to say “Quarry” is always bleak. Action purists will love the sudden bursts of violence and high-octane set pieces when the proverbial poop hits the fan. It boasts all of the thrills and chills we want from shows of this ilk, but the grounded human drama adds more emotional weight to the proceedings. Sadly, Cinemax canceled “Quarry” after one season, robbing us of more on-screen adventures featuring Max Allan Collins’ beloved literary character.
2. Top of the Lake
Jane Campion’s “Top of the Lake” boasts some stunning scenery, with New Zealand providing the backdrop for Season 1. However, the show is about the darkness that lies in the heart of an idyllic community, as Elisabeth Moss’ detective searches for a pregnant 12-year-old girl who’s gone missing. Season 2 moves the action to Sydney, where our detective unravels the mystery behind a woman whose body shows up on the beach. Both installments scratch the itch for eerie, captivating mysteries.
“Top of the Lake” isn’t in a hurry to get to the bottom of its mysteries, though. Campion’s series is a slow-burn affair that goes on narrative detours, making it feel reminiscent of shows like “Twin Peaks,” albeit without the supernatural elements. Like David Lynch’s series, “Top of the Lake” is also concerned with exploring how traumatic events affect communities at large, which uncovers some harrowing revelations.
The atmosphere is chilling and oppressive throughout, and Moss delivers one of the best performances of her career as Robin Griffin. “Top of the Lake” isn’t for the faint-hearted — and viewers looking for action and excitement might be disappointed — but it soars as a contemplative drama.
1. Line of Duty
If you live in the United Kingdom, you are probably familiar with this detective series from “Bodyguard” creator Jed Mercurio. The “Line of Duty” Season 6 finale attracted 12.8 million viewers when it aired on BBC One in 2021, so it isn’t exactly obscure. However, the rest of the world should be familiar with this series, as it’s one of the best British crime dramas of all time.
“Line of Duty” follows Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), a pair of Anti-Corruption Unit detectives whose job is to flush out their more questionable colleagues. Every season sees them investigate new bent coppers – but a mysterious character named H is the evergreen threat driving organized crime from within the force.
“Line of Duty” seasons are short and sweet, so you can binge the entire thing in several days. You will want to, as it’s so addictive. The overarching H mystery goes deep into the labyrinth, and the show’s interrogation scenes are beyond intense. Throw in some big-name supporting players like Kelly Macdonald, and what’s not to love? If nail-biting crime dramas are your cup of tea, “Line of Duty” is essential viewing.
