From Benson to Scarpetta: How women are rewriting the rules of US TV crime drama

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For readers who enjoy a slow-burn story, few series offer the enduring appeal of those featuring Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

Since 1990, Patricia Cornwell’s Dr. Kay Scarpetta has captivated readers with her thrilling murder investigations. However, it wasn’t until 2026 that this iconic medical examiner made the leap from page to screen.

The long-awaited Scarpetta adaptation has finally arrived on Prime Video, with Nicole Kidman taking on the lead role. After over thirty years of planning, the series feels less like a fresh debut and more like the culmination of a very lengthy development process.

Interestingly, Scarpetta arrives at a moment when female leads are dominating the crime procedural genre on television. Historically a male-dominated space, these shows are now increasingly driven by female characters and perspectives.

Every good detective needs evidence, of course, so let’s consult the schedules.

I’m really excited about the new Matlock! Kathy Bates is fantastic as a seasoned lawyer they initially underestimate, but she quickly shows this fancy New York firm just how capable she really is. It’s a great twist on the original, and she absolutely shines in the role.

The show ‘High Potential’ features Kaitlin Olson as a brilliant single mother who, despite disliking rules, surprisingly becomes a valuable helper to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Carrie Preston’s character in ‘Elsbeth’ cracks cases by being charmingly eccentric, often disarming suspects and getting them to accidentally reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ has shown for over thirty years that understanding and compassion can be as effective as a tough approach when investigating terrible crimes.

What makes these shows unique isn’t just having female leads; it’s that the mysteries themselves are solved in new and interesting ways because of those leads. The shows aren’t appealing simply because of who the stars are, but because these female detectives offer a fresh take on crime-solving.

Understanding how things have evolved requires a look at the classic heroes of police dramas.

For many years, TV detectives often solved crimes by being incredibly forceful and charismatic. Think back to shows from the 1970s – characters like Kojak and Ironside commanded attention with just a look. Even the seemingly unassuming Columbo used unwavering determination to wear down suspects and uncover the truth, no matter how frustrated they became.

Many modern crime shows with female leads take a unique approach. Instead of relying on a commanding presence, these characters often succeed because people underestimate them. Their strength comes not from authority, but from being overlooked – a surprising benefit when others think they’ve already figured you out.

Several recent TV shows feature brilliant female characters who use underestimated appearances to their advantage. In Matlock, Kathy Bates’s character cleverly uses people’s preconceptions against them in court. Similarly, Carrie Preston in Elsbeth intentionally plays the fool to get suspects to underestimate her, and Kaitlin Olson’s character on High Potential appears unassuming while actually being the sharpest mind in the police precinct.

The difference between how people see these women and what they are truly capable of often reveals important clues and becomes a key part of the investigation.

The intelligence showcased in these shows has also changed. Older crime dramas typically resolved cases with physical action – chases, forceful interrogations, and confessions obtained through pressure. Modern shows, however, often feature breakthroughs stemming from subtler clues – a careless remark, a meaningful look, or a behavioral tic that reveals the truth.

Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, often solves crimes by connecting with and understanding the experiences of victims. Similarly, Natasha Lyonne’s character in the unfortunately cancelled Poker Face is skilled at detecting when people are lying.

Scarpetta brings a unique skill to investigations. Unlike typical detectives who question suspects, she examines the victim’s body to piece together what happened, using forensic science to recreate their last moments. Her power doesn’t come from being intimidating, but from her talent for noticing crucial details others overlook.

This highlights a shift in how we view heroes in crime shows and detective stories. These days, we’re less interested in physical strength and more fascinated by how a hero thinks – the joy comes from seeing their intelligence and insight at work.

This trend didn’t emerge suddenly. Shows like The Closer, featuring Kyra Sedgwick, and Veronica Mars, starring Kristen Bell, proved years ago that audiences enjoy seeing female detectives solve crimes using unique methods.

Long before many current shows, ‘Cagney and Lacey’ demonstrated that a drama could successfully center around strong, believable female police officers and still be taken seriously.

What’s changing is that characters like these don’t feel like oddities anymore. They’re increasingly becoming central to the stories we see in this genre.

The timing of the Scarpetta series release feels particularly right now. After decades as a bestselling author, Scarpetta is entering a TV world that’s more open to diverse detective stories. Unlike the past, when most detective shows focused on a single type of male character, there’s now room for a wider range of investigators and perspectives to solve crimes.

Don’t miss Scarpetta! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.

Authors

David BrownDeputy Previews Editor, TopMob

David Brown is a Deputy Previews Editor at TopMob, focusing on crime and fantasy television. He’s been featured as a commentator on BBC News, Sky News, and Radio 4’s Front Row, and his writing has appeared in publications like the Guardian, the Sunday Times, and the i newspaper. Beyond reviews, David has worked as a writer and editor for the National Television Awards and contributed to documentaries about prominent figures such as Lenny Henry, Billy Connolly, and the band Take That.

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2026-03-13 17:05