The best cop shows of all time
The top 3 according to 228 votes from people: NYPD Blue (1993–2005) · Hill Street Blues (1981–1987) · The Wire (2002–2008). (Updated May 27, 2024.)
From Hill Street Blues to The Wire: the police series critics and fans rank highest (Paste, Screen Rant, Ranker).
Top 12
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1
NYPD Blue (1993–2005)
Realism that redefined the genre.
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2
Hill Street Blues (1981–1987)
The groundbreaking series that paved the way for modern police dramas.
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3
The Wire (2002–2008)
Baltimore's drug trade, police and institutions, unflinching.
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4
Homicide: Life on the Street (1993–1999)
Baltimore homicide detectives, from David Simon's book.
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5
Happy Valley (2014–2023)
Sarah Lancashire's sergeant in West Yorkshire.
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6
Columbo (1968–2003)
Peter Falk's raincoat and «just one more thing».
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7
The Shield (2002–2008)
Vic Mackey's corrupt strike team.
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8
Prime Suspect (1991–2006)
Helen Mirren as DCI Jane Tennison.
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9
Line of Duty (2012–2021)
Anti-corruption unit AC-12 and its famous interrogations.
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10
True Detective (season 1, 2014)
Rust Cohle and Marty Hart in Louisiana.
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11
Starsky & Hutch (1975–1979)
The quintessential 70s buddy cop show.
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12
Dragnet (1967–1970)
Sergeant Joe Friday and «just the facts».
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (1)
The Wire isn't really a cop show, it's a show about a whole city. Still #1.