Top 10 Crime Drama Shows To Rewatch

As a critic who’s seen a lot of TV, let me tell you, the number of crime dramas that hold up to repeat viewings is huge. We’re talking about some of the best shows ever made, and honestly, any list claiming to be about the most rewatchable ones has to include the classics. It’s almost impossible to talk about the genre without immediately thinking of shows like The Sopranos – it’s just that foundational to the conversation.

I expect this list will be a bit different from others, because many excellent crime dramas aren’t shows I’d want to watch again. Some depend heavily on solving a mystery, others are simply too lengthy, and a few are too intense to revisit. Hopefully, you’ll find some unexpected choices here.

Mr. Inbetween (2018-2021)

I stumbled upon this Australian show called Mr. Inbetween and honestly, it’s incredible that more people haven’t discovered it. It’s a dark comedy drama set in the suburbs of Sydney, and it follows Ray Shoesmith, played by Scott Ryan, who’s a hitman getting a little older. The show really digs into how his violent life, working for a mob boss named Freddy (Damon Herriman), starts to mess with his relationships with the people he cares about – his friends and family. It’s really well done.

Initially, Mr. Inbetween is a strikingly dark and unusual crime series, boosted by a brilliant performance from Ryan, who manages to be both intimidating and likable. However, the show evolves into a more bizarre and unsettling territory, reminiscent of Fargo. It’s a consistently well-made series, and its quality becomes even clearer when you watch it again.

Narcos (2015-2017)

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Netflix’s Narcos was an early original series that signaled the streaming service wouldn’t just depend on content from other companies. The show, which ran for three seasons, tells the story of Pablo Escobar’s life and downfall, and the chaos that followed his death.

Narcos feels incredibly realistic, almost like a documentary, with Steve Murphy (played by Boyd Holbrook) narrating the story of the growing drug war in Colombia and its aftermath starting in the 1970s. It’s a captivating but disturbing show, especially relevant today, and you’ll likely notice new, unsettling details each time you watch it.

Happy Valley (2014-2023)

Happy Valley is a British crime drama that has aired for three seasons. The series jumps forward in time between seasons – the second begins a year and a half after the first, and the third is set six years later. Sarah Lancashire plays Sgt. Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant and single mother still haunted by a past tragedy that continues to affect her life.

Every season follows Catherine as she solves a different crime, but each case somehow connects to a painful past event in her own life. She needs to deal with her personal issues before she can truly solve the mysteries. The show is both intensely dramatic and surprisingly heartwarming, and Sarah Lancashire’s incredible acting will keep you coming back for more.

The Night Of (2016)

I was completely captivated by The Night Of. This eight-part series is a truly stunning, though heartbreaking, look at how justice works in America. It centers around Naz, a quiet, Pakistani-American college student who, after a night of unexpected connection with a woman who finally gives him the attention he craves, wakes up to find her dead next to him. It’s a really powerful story.

This gripping miniseries delves into the harsh realities of the prison system, following Naz as he’s sent to Rikers Island while awaiting his trial and thrust into a world he never expected. Though often unsettling, it’s a series you’ll find yourself revisiting for its small triumphs and the incredible work of the entire cast.

Barry (2018-2023)

Barry centers around Barry Berkman, a gloomy hitman played by Bill Hader, who discovers a potential new life and sense of belonging when a job leads him to an acting class in Los Angeles. The show is known for its incredibly funny moments, but it’s equally striking for its shockingly dark and violent scenes.

In recent years, Barry stands out as a truly original TV show. Bill Hader expertly balances the show’s intense drama with its quirky humor, creating a captivating experience. It’s a show you can enjoy multiple times, whether you’re in it for the laughs or the compelling, darker story.

We Own This City (2022)

HBO’s miniseries We Own This City is a crime drama created by David Simon, who also made The Wire. Similar to The Wire, the show is set in Baltimore and focuses on the city’s police department. However, We Own This City is based on a true story of corruption, greed, and racial injustice.

Jon Bernthal plays Sgt. Wayne Jenkins, a key member of the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force. This real-life unit misused its authority – while officially tasked with seizing drugs and guns, they also robbed people, committed assaults, and committed many other federal crimes. It’s a compelling story with layers that reveal something new each time you watch it.

Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

I’m a huge fan of Peaky Blinders, and it really holds up on rewatches. It makes perfect sense to me that the creator, Steven Knight, is calling the upcoming 2026 film The Immortal Man. The show, and now the movie, is set in Birmingham, England, right after World War I. It follows Tommy Shelby, played brilliantly by Cillian Murphy, who’s this incredibly intense and troubled gang leader. He takes his gang, the Peaky Blinders, from running bets to actually gaining power within Parliament – it’s a wild ride!

Peaky Blinders is a fast-paced show packed with action – every episode features Tommy Shelby either pursuing someone or being pursued himself. The show stands out with its contemporary music, sharp dialogue, and impressive visuals, making it a series you’ll enjoy watching again and again.

Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

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Though Better Call Saul comes close to matching its quality, Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, remains one of the best TV shows ever made. The premise – a high school chemistry teacher turning to drug dealing – is a brilliantly simple and effective idea for a television series.

Every time I rewatch Breaking Bad, I’m struck by how entertaining and over-the-top it is. This playful quality really distinguishes it from other crime dramas—even those with similar storylines, like Ozark. The show is clearly made with a lot of enjoyment, making it surprisingly fun to watch, even when terrible things are happening.

The Wire (2002-2008)

Watching The Wire is similar to reading a complex, highly-regarded novel. It can be challenging the first time around, with a lot of intricate themes and intense emotions. But with each re-watch, you start to grasp more of its meaning, and new layers of understanding unfold.

Each season of The Wire focuses on a different aspect of Baltimore, revealing its deep-rooted problems and how they connect. It’s structured almost like a collection of related stories, and many viewers find their favorite season changes with each viewing.

The Sopranos (1999-2007)

Many consider The Sopranos to be the best TV show of all time. It really defined the modern gangster genre, both in movies and on television, and offered a uniquely detailed look at American life. Despite its often harsh and gritty content, it remains surprisingly easy to watch again and again.

Every few years, it seems like a new wave of viewers discovers The Sopranos and raves about how amazing it is. This often prompts a renewed interest, with many people revisiting the show for another watch. It’s a cycle that keeps this iconic crime drama’s legacy alive.

2026-03-07 19:50