Whether you’re into nostalgic 2000s TV shows or newer productions, there is always something to binge. While sitcoms took the top 2 spots of the most popular TV shows in the 2010s, that era was especially thrilling for crime TV show lovers. It seemed like there was an endless number of crime shows airing all the time.

These scripted shows tended to have one or two main characters with a shining cast of supporting characters. Most importantly, they ran for multiple seasons, each of which had 20+ episodes. Whether you prefer the classic cop shows, the cop consultant shows, or the federal agency shows, we have you covered. These are our go-to crime TV shows from the 2010s.

Castle

Castle is arguably one of the most culturally impactful murder mystery shows of all time. It popularized the cop – consultant formula, and it remains the best example of a show with this setup. Castle tells the story of murder-mystery writer Rick Castle and jaded NYPD detective Kate Beckett. They first meet because Beckett realizes a killer staged his murder based on one of Castle’s books. Thanks to his charm and influence, Castle weasels his way into the investigation and the NYPD.

He joins Beckett and her colleagues, detectives Ryan and Esposito, as a consultant. Over 8 seasons, they solve hundreds of murders, getting into shenanigans that are both amusing and thrilling. Castle is goofy and carefree; Beckett is serious and rigid, but their yin-yang dynamic just makes sense. That’s why Castle is one of our go-to crime TV shows from the 2010s.

NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles was the most successful spin-off of the so-called mothership: NCIS. This show premiered in 2009 in an episode of NCIS, and then it went on for 14 seasons and 323 episodes. It is definitely one of the most impressive runs of a spin-off TV show in recent memory. Its episodes may have been somewhat formulaic, but that didn’t detract from its entertainment value.

This show told the story of NCIS special agent G Callen, whose first name and family were a mystery to him. He was a team leader at the Los Angeles Office of Special Projects, led by the legendary Hetty Lange. Callen’s team solved crimes related to the U.S. Navy, getting into high-speed chases, shootouts, and explosions. The interpersonal relationships, especially the main romantic relationship between Kensi and Deeks made this show so special. Callen may have been set up as the main character, but this was an ensemble TV show in every sense of the word.

Law and Order: SVU

Law and Order: SVU is one of the longest-running TV shows in the US, with 27 seasons. This crime TV show, with an 84% Popcornmeter rating on RottenTomatoes is one of our go-to crime TV shows from the 2010s. Technically, this show started in 1999, and it is still airing, but it made a particular mark on the 2010s as a decade in TV.

It tells the story of the NYPD Special Victims Unit, a group of detectives based out of the 16th precinct. They investigate and prosecute sexually oriented crimes, such as rape, domestic abuse, and human trafficking. Though the subject matter is incredibly dark, the show does a magnificent job handling it. The cast, from the show’s stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni to the supporting cast members like Ice-T, Law and Order: SVU is brimming with talent.