M STARWORTH DAILY
// Television

Top 10 Must-Watch Crime Dramas from the 2010s

By Michael Green

Picking up where the 2000s left off, these crime dramas crafted intricate tales that kept audiences riveted throughout the 2010s. From gritty police procedurals to morally complex antiheroes, the decade produced some of the most impactful stories in recent television history.

  1. Broadchurch: Set against the stark beauty of the English coast, this six-part saga follows Detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller as they untangle a child's murder mystery, revealing deep-seated secrets within a seemingly tranquil community.
  2. Fargo: Inspired by the Quentin Tarantino film, this anthology series intertwines dark humor with brutal crime, presenting standalone stories that explore the absurdity and tragedy of human nature.
  3. Justified: Watch U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens navigate the perilous backroads of Kentucky in this action-packed show, where sharp wit meets ruthless crime-fighting.
  4. Bosch: Grounded in realism, the series chronicles the relentless pursuit of justice by Los Angeles Police Department detective Harry Bosch, whose dedication often puts him at odds with the system.
  5. The Americans: A tense spy thriller set during the Cold War, focusing on a KGB pair masquerading as an American family while grappling with loyalty and deception.
  6. The Americans: Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, this gripping series follows a KGB couple posing as an American family while wrestling with their true identities and allegiances.
  7. True Detective: Each season presents a self-contained investigation marked by philosophical depth and stunning cinematography, examining the darkest corners of human psyche.
  8. Bosch: Expanding the universe of police procedural storytelling, Bosch's journey reflects the evolving challenges faced by law enforcement in modern America.
  9. Narcos: Chronicling the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, this Netflix original offers a vivid portrayal of Colombia's drug trade and its ramifications on society.
  10. Breaking Bad: Following a high school chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin, the series charts a descent into moral ambiguity, cementing itself as a landmark in television history.

Each entry represents a pinnacle of storytelling that contributed significantly to the cultural zeitgeist, shaping how audiences perceive crime and justice on screen. Their lasting influence continues to inspire new generations of writers and viewers alike.