Top 10 CBS crime dramas, ranked

Crime dramas have captivated viewers ever since they debuted with their compelling plots, in-depth investigations, and complex storylines. CBS has proven itself a master of this specific television genre by creating award-winning programs for viewers to enjoy. In these intriguing television programs, the exciting world of crime investigation is revealed through the hosting of combined battles between law systems and scientific fields, psychological examinations, and specialized force units.

Each of these CBS shows provides different insights into crime investigation, starting from the psychological aspects of Criminal Minds to the sophisticated surveillance methods in Person of Interest. Viewers are entertained for multiple seasons because these crime dramas feature complex storylines, outstanding heroes, and nail-biting suspense. Each entry in this top 10 CBS crime drama ranking brings viewers to the next must-watch observational addition of law enforcement action.

Here is the list of the top 10 CBS crime dramas, ranked.

Disclaimer: Please note this entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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10. The Good Wife (2009)

This CBS crime drama features Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick, Archie Panjabi, Matt Czuchry, Christine Baranski, Josh Charles, and others in its main cast under the direction of Rosemary Rodriguez, Michael Zinberg, and Brooke Kennedy. Alicia makes her law career comeback when her former law husband, Peter Florrick, faces a scandal in the public eye. During her busy time of balancing personal commitments with professional responsibilities, Alicia has to face various complex ethical and legal situations.

This CBS crime drama follows the crime drama category because it traces corporate corruption and criminal investigations yet maintains its primary focus on legal and political events. Viewers adore this series due to its intricate narrative and strong character development. The program is streaming on PlutoTV, Roku, Hotstar Freevee (through Prime Video), and Paramount+.

9. S.W.A.T (2017)

SWAT is a CBS crime drama directed by Shawn Ryan and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas. The series stars Shemar Moore with Stephanie Sigman and Alex Russell, followed by Lina Esco and Kenny Johnson, along with Jay Harrington and David Lim. Before assuming command of the Special Weapons and Tactics unit in Los Angeles, Hondo was a Marine and is famous for his untreated rank of Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson. Hondo's team takes on dangerous missions and handles the external pressures of maintaining connections between police forces and residents in their community.

Observing tactical operations and criminal cases involving ethical challenges in the team leads audiences to classify the show as a crime drama. The production contains thrilling action moments and the development of its characters. Thus, it provides viewers with a deeply engaging drama experience. Netflix, Sony LIV, and JioTV are providing streaming access to the show "S.W.A.T."

8. Person of Interest (2011)

This show is a CBS crime drama series created by Jonathan Nolan under the directorial work of Richard J. Lewis and Chris Fisher. Jim Caviezel heads the lead cast of this drama together with Michael Emerson, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman, and Amy Acker. Historical events inspire the plot about Harold Finch constructing The Machine to identify violent crimes with his wealth. The billionaire joins forces with ex-CIA officer John Reese to stop this illegal activity before predictions come true.

Since it demonstrates the utilization of improved surveillance systems and the prevention of criminal activity through moral dilemmas, the television drama series falls under the crime genre. The captivating nature of this TV show emerges from its combination of action stories with mysteries and sci-fi elements. HBO Max and Prime Video subscribers can watch the program at this time.

7. Elementary (2012)

Robert Doherty created this CBS crime drama while Guy Ferland, Christine Moore, and John Polson directed multiple episodes. The leading actors of this show are Jonny Lee Miller playing Sherlock Holmes with Lucy Liu portraying Dr. Joan Watson. In addition to John Noble and Aidan Quinn, the CBS crime drama series includes Jon Michael Hill. The synopsis shows that Sherlock Holmes leaves behind his drug addiction journey to partner with Dr. Joan Watson for crime investigations with the NYPD in New York City.

The show functions as a crime drama that combines forensic testing with criminal investigation activities as it shows Holmes and Watson forge their important bond as central characters. This TV show is streaming on TV Insider, Paramount+, and Hulu.

6. Blue Bloods (2010)

The creators of this CBS crime drama TV series are Robin Green and Mitchell Burgess. David Barrett, Ralph Hemecker, and Alex Zakrzewski directed the series. The main cast of this show includes Tom Selleck, joined by Donnie Wahlberg and Bridget Moynahan, together with Will Estes and Len Cariou. The focus of this story belongs to the Reagan family, who have worked as law enforcement officers in New York City for many years. The NYPD Police Commissioner Frank Reagan leads his department while his three children operate in separate sections of the NYPD under his authority.

This show presents itself as a crime drama because it depicts the investigative work of police officers while showing the ethical challenges encountered during duty. Currently, the show is available on Paramount+, Hulu, and Pluto TV.

5. Hawaii Five-0 (2010)

It is a CBS crime drama developed by Peter M. Lenkov, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci. The primary cast actors of CBS's crime drama consist of Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, and Daniel Dae Kim alongside Grace Park and Chi McBride. According to the story, Steve McGarrett shapes a special task force named Five-0 before returning to Oahu to hunt his father's murderer, which brings him back together with the Governor.

The show is classified as a crime drama since it depicts tactical team activities and the interpersonal relationships of team members while following upscale criminal case investigations. The series uses action sequences and mystery elements to develop its characters as its primary plot feature. This series is streaming on Paramount+ & Prime Video.

4. The Mentalist (2008)

This TV show is a CBS crime drama created by Bruno Heller. John F. Showalter, Eric Laneuville, and Chris Long were among the many gifted directors who worked on the production. The main cast consists of Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, together with Robin Tunney as Teresa Lisbon and Tim Kang as Kimball Cho, along with Owain Yeoman as Wayne Rigsby and Amanda Righetti as Grace Van Pelt. As an ex-telepath, Patrick Jane dedicates his outstanding observational capabilities to assisting the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) during crime investigations against the lethal Red John.

Due to its primary focus on solving mysteries through investigation & the psychological complexity and moral dilemmas it presents to its characters, this television program functions as a crime drama. The CBS crime drama show is streaming on OSN+, Prime Video, and TV Insider.

3. NCIS (2003)

Don McGill & Donald P. Bellisario created this CBS crime drama, which premiered in 2003. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service leads its investigation team through Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs and the other team members, including Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo, Pauley Perrette's Abby Sciuto, and David McCallum's Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard.

Within the crime drama plot, the viewers witness this specialized division investigating criminal cases that involve U.S. Navy and Marine Corps protocols. The procedural elements combined with forensic science investigations and a character-based plot in "NCIS" establish it as a crime drama television show. The audience can stream this CBS crime drama via Paramount+.

2. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000)

The founder of the CBS crime drama is Anthony E. Zuiker. The TV show premiered in 2000, according to its release date records. Dr. The forensic drama picks its leadership from William Petersen as Gil Grissom and Marg Helgenberger, who plays the role of Catherine Willows. Gary Dourdan portrays the character of Warrick Brown. The show launches in Las Vegas by following a team of forensic investigators who penetrate hidden evidence secrets to catch criminals as their main characters.

With its extensive use of forensic science and investigative techniques, the show qualifies as a crime drama and gives viewers a comprehensive understanding of criminal investigations. Hulu allows viewers to stream the current version of this TV show.

1. Criminal Minds (2005)

In 2005, this CBS crime drama made its debut. Jeff Davis created this show. Thomas Gibson plays Aaron Hotchner, Matthew Gray Gubler plays Dr. Spencer Reid, and Mandy Patinkin plays Jason Gideon. The show follows FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit members who use behavioral pattern analysis and profiling to identify and capture serial offenders.

This program is a top crime drama because of its in-depth analysis of criminal psychology and the complex thought processes of criminals. This show is available on Paramount+.

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As a broadcasting colossal, CBS stealthily established its position with criminal dramas that revealed captivating plots replete with mysteries, suspense, and genuine human turmoil. These crime shows established permanent impressions on the genre by breaking new storytelling methods, memorable character development, and intense storytelling techniques. Viewers globally became absorbed by the crime drama content of Criminal Minds and NCIS, which explored human psychology and military forensic analysis.

Viewers remained devoted to weekly broadcasts, hoping to see law enforcement conduct justice while uncovering secrets and romantic connections being assessed within risky investigations. Although certain shows have ended their run while others maintain their franchise status, the influence on television from these series stands unchallenged.