The Wire is perhaps one of the most popular Cop TV Shows on the Planet. Even though it’s been a decade and a half since it aired its last episode, the show still has a special place in our hearts. Known for its realism, the show never did receive any accolades during its initial run. Regardless, it is considered the gold standard in Crime Drama TV Shows. The realistic nature of the show stems from the fact that the writers worked very closely with the law. And several events were inspired by real-life events.
The Wire is the brainchild of David Simon and Ed Burns. Simon is an Ex-Police Reporter, while the latter is an Ex-Homicide Detective. Taking place in Baltimore, the show takes heavy inspiration from the time Ed Burns served on the force. The show helps shine a light on how certain aspects of the city perceive its relationship with the law enforcement community.
Aside from the stellar cast of actors, several prominent figures in Maryland has cameos in the show. Suppose you are a long-time fan of the show or finished watching it recently. And is currently looking for a show to fill the void left by The Wire, you have come to the right place. Here is a list of shows you might like if you liked The Wire.
40 Shows Like The Wire
The Wire follows the activities of the infamous Gang run by the members of the Barksdale family. The Barksdales prove to be a formidable foe for the Baltimore Police Department. Hinting at how far and deep their influence really is.
Any type of investigation against the criminal activities committed by the Barksdales is mysteriously squashed. Any witness they have who is willing to speak up against them changes their mind last minute. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that the Barksdale Family is a force to be reckoned with.
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 60
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: HBO Now, Prime Video
1. True Detective
In True Detective, there is no singular plot point. Each season has its own definite story that concludes with that season. The next season will be a completely different story with its set of characters and so forth. However, it is unclear whether the events take place in a singular universe or not, as there is no mention of the exploits of the previous season in any of the subsequent ones.
Season 1 follows an old case of Homicide Detectives Rustin Cohle and Martin Hart. The once estranged partners are forced to come together due to a serial murder case they worked on in 1995. It comes as a shock to everyone when another woman was killed by the same MO as in 1995. Even though Cohle and Hart supposedly solved the case back in the day.
- Seasons: 3
- Episodes:24
- Duration: 55min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: HBO Max, Prime Video, Disnry+
2. The Shield
The Shield is yet another Crime Drama show and is considered one of the best in the Genre. This claim can be backed up by the several awards racked by the show and its actors. Which includes and is not limited to Golden Globes and Emmys. The Shield focuses on corruption within law enforcement. And is loosely based on the Rampart Police Division Scandal from the 90s.
From the get-go, it becomes apparent that corruption runs deep within these cops. Abusing their power to serve criminals and drug lords. Even resorting to cold-blooded murder to protect their way of life.
Furthermore, it is also revealed that during Drug Busts, the task force members have their way with the confiscated contraband. Helping themselves to cut off the evidence, which they use for personal gain.
- Seasons: 7
- Episodes:88
- Duration: 47min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
3. Gomorrah
Based on the book of the same name, the show follows the aftermath of a power vacuum that was left when Clan head Pietro Savastano gets incarcerated. Taking place in Naples, Italy, Gomorrah follows the Ciro Di Marzio as he finds himself shut out by the people he once considered his family. He was entrusted by the clan head to Groom, his son, to take over the clan. Everything changed, father, with the unexpected arrest of Pietro Savastano.
The title of the head passes to his wife, Immacolata. Immacolata has developed a dislike towards Marzio, making him feel unwelcome in his own clan. She passes this distrust on to her son Gennaro Savastano, the future head of the clan. There is a lot of Bad Blood between Savastanos and Marzio, forcing him to take some extreme measures to ensure the welfare of the clan.
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes:58
- Duration: 55min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video
4. House of Cards
Based on the BBC TV Show of the same name, House of Cards is about a power-hungry political who will go to any means necessary to get to the top. The story follows the life of Frank Underwood, a Democrat from South Carolina. Accompanying him is his wife, Claire, who is just as power-hungry as him. She uses her husband’s position as a person of power to further her own agenda.
The story takes a turn for the worse when Frank is denied the promotion he was promised. What follows is a cascade of events engineered by Frank to make the person who took his job bad. At the same time, making him look like the better candidate. He will stop at nothing till he reaches the top. There is no plan too underhanded for Underwood. Even murder.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes:73
- Duration: 51min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Netflix, Prime Video
5. The Sopranos
The story is about an Italian Mobster as he struggles to maintain his persona as a Family Man and a Crime Boss. The story’s protagonist is Tony Soprano. Due to the stress, he is under, Tony starts getting panic attacks. To remedy this, he starts seeing a therapist. This shows the humane side of Tony as it shows then even Mob Bosses can suffer from Mental Illness.
Through his therapy sessions, it is revealed that Tony’s upbringing played a large role in how he is today. As the story progresses, they realize there is a mole in the organization. Before things get any worse, Tony agrees to give up his position as head to his uncle Corrado. It is soon revealed that Carrado is just a figurehead and does not have any power; he makes an attempt at Tony’s Life.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes:86
- Duration: 55min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video, HBO Max
6. Ozark
The story is about a Chicago-based financial advisor who is forced to uproot his entire life due to some unforeseen circumstances. Marty Byrde, along with his Bruce Liddell, is Financial Advisor for the Mexican Drug Cartel. As in they help the Cartel in laundering drug money. When Bruce steals money from the Cartel, it falls on Marty to settle the debt.
In exchange for his life, Marty promises a brand new operation in Ozark, promising to launder up to 500 Million dollars in 5 years. Marty now has to come up with a way to replace the money his partner stole and start a Money Laundering operation from scratch in a town he has never heard of. Ozark proves to have more challenges than Marty anticipated.
- Seasons: 4
- Episodes:41
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Netflix
7. The Blacklist
The story is about an Ex-Navy intelligence officer who falls off the radar and becomes one of the FBI’s most wanted. He emerges after 20 years willing to work out a deal in exchange for immunity against persecution. Even though skeptical at first, Raymond Reddington proves he is useful by giving up the location of a Serbian Terrorist. His intel proved to be true and thereby greenlighting his deal.
As part of his deal, he asked to be paired with Rookie Elizabeth Keen. He does not disclose why, apart from claiming she is very special. The story progresses as Ray uses “The Blacklist” he compiled during his 20 years in the criminal world to capture international criminals. Even though Keen tries to find out how she is connected to Reddington but every lead she finds seems to lead to a dead end.
- Seasons: 9
- Episodes: 196
- Duration: 43min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Netflix, Prime Video
8. Mindhunter
The story is about the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI. The Unit consists of Psychologist Wendy Carr and FBI Agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench. They are interviewing several serial killers in hopes of learning more about their psyche. Furthermore, they are hoping to use their findings to solve other possible serial murder cases.
Several Serial killers are mentioned throughout the show and are interviewed for research purposes. The show offers a sneak peek into the minds of these supposed serial killers. Providing an explanation of why they turned out as they did. Their research laid the groundwork for modern criminal psychology/profiling techniques.
- Seasons: 2
- Episodes: 19
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Netflix
9. Breaking Bad
The story is about a Chemistry Teacher from Albuquerque who begins a life of crime after learning that he is dying of Cancer. Walter White is an underpaid Highschool Chemistry Teacher living pay cheque to pay cheque, barely getting by. His entire life is turned upside down as he learns that he is suffering from Stage III Lung Cancer.
Walter is forced to confront the fact that he is dying sooner than later and that his family won’t survive without him. Using his superior knowledge of Chemistry, he begins manufacturing Methamphetamine. He recruits one of his former students to handle the business side of things. He hopes to earn enough money for his treatment and leave a nest egg for his family just in case.
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 62
- Duration: 49min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Netflix
10. Bosch
This is a story of an LAPD Homicide detective as he traverses what it means to be a Police Officer. Along the way, he uncovers several secrets which could threaten his and his family’s lives. Harry Bosch is an ex-special forces officer turned LAPD Homicide Detective. Each season of the show tackles a different villain. During the first season of the show, the antagonist is a Serial Killer.
Raynard Waits confesses to the murder. However, it was not enough to convince Bosch. This was a huge mistake on Bosch’s part as Waits escapes custody and taunts Bosch for his ignorance. The story progresses as he tries to the right his wrong by finding Waits. And finally, give some closure to the family of the 13-year-old boy that was murdered.
- Seasons: 7
- Episodes: 68
- Duration: 51min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video
11. The Mentalist
The story is about a con man turned police consultant in his quest for revenge against the one who murdered his family. Patrick Jane is a “Psychic” with abilities ranging from reading your mind to contacting your loved ones. He seeks out gullible clients and cons them into believing him. He accomplishes this by using his superior observation skills, reading their body language, etc.
During one of his many television interviews, he makes the mistake of angering a Serial Killer, Red John. In retaliation, Red John murders his wife and daughter. A distraught Jane abandons his fraudulent ways and decides to use his skills to catch Red John. He partners with the California Bureau of Investigation. They have a quid pro quo arrangement. Jane helps them solve cases; in exchange, he is given all they have against Red John.
- Seasons: 7
- Episodes: 151
- Duration: 43min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video
12. Justified
The story is about a U.S. Marshal whom we shall say is “Trigger Happy,” a shoot first ask questions later type of person. The U.S. Marshal in question is Raylan Givens. His unorthodox ways have his superiors on wit’s end. He is transferred to Marshal’s Office in Kentucky, Lexington. Which, as it turns out, is where Raylan grew up. And suffice it to say he is not happy with this transfer. As he thought he had escaped that place for good.
It doesn’t take much time for Raylan to find himself in yet another standoff with a criminal. Even though he shoots his opponent, he survives. The opponent is Boyd Crowder of the Crowder Crime Family, who mysteriously survives. Claiming this is a case of Devine Intervention, Boyd decides to go on the straight and narrow. As the story progresses, the duo forms an unlikely alliance to stand against all injustices.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 78
- Duration: 44min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video
13. The Night Of
The story is about someone who was wrongfully accused of murder and his attorney. Nasir Khan is a Pakistani-American College student from Queens, the accused in the story when he steals his father’s taxicab to attend a party but changes his mind after meeting Andrea. After spending the night with her, Nasir wakes up to find her dead beside him.
This prompts Nasir to leave quickly, but he is arrested. At the station, the police find the murder weapon in his coat. Believing him to be the culprit, they charge him with the crime. This is where John Stone comes in, offering to represent him in court. The story progresses as the prosecution tries its best to put away Nasir for good. But John Stones proves to be very good at his job. He will not let his client go down that easily.
- Episodes: 8
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video, HBO Max
14. Sharp Objects
This is a story about a reporter who is forced to return to her hometown to cover a double murder. Little did she know she was going to uncover a giant can of worms. Camille Preaker is released from psychiatric care after getting admitted for alcoholism and self-harm. She had the tendency to carve words onto her body as a coping mechanism for which she was treated. Back in her hometown, she is forced to confront her overbearing mother. We all know the type.
Coming back to her hometown does not help Camille’s recovery in the slightest, as she starts having intense flashbacks of her past; In the murder case, one body was found in the forest, while the other was found closer to the middle of town. Almost like whoever killed her wanted someone to find it. The story progresses as more victims are revealed, and a dark secret within her own family comes to light.
- Episodes: 8
- Duration: 50min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video, HBO Max
15. Narcos
The story is about the Infamous Drug Kingpin Pablo Escobar. The story depicts how he starts his life of crime as a lowly smuggler. This was the case until he was approached by Mateo Moreno with a new business prospect. The prospect was, you guessed it: Cocaine. What started as a small underground operation quickly became the most lucrative business in the world.
To keep up with the new demand, Escobar had to make bigger and better labs and secure the safe passage of the product to his clients. As cocaine-related crimes started to reach new heights in the U.S., the DEA was forced to send a task force to Colombia to put an end to Escobar’s operations. Even though he is captured, he escapes and spends his life on the run until he is captured yet again but gets killed in the process.
- Seasons: 3
- Episodes: 30
- Duration: 49min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Netflix
16. Boardwalk Empire
Taking place in Prohibition-era America, Boardwalk Empire is a story about a greedy politician. Enoch Thomson is the treasurer of Atlantic County. He believes he can get wealthy quickly by bootlegging. And therefore decided to get into business with crime-boss Arnold Rithstien and Gangster Charlie Luciano.
It is possible that Thomson may have bitten off more than he can chew. The government takes an interest in the increased bootlegging operations in the area and sends investigators. Thomason’s lavish lifestyle while on a county political figure’s salary is as suspicious as ever.
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 56
- Duration: 55min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: HBO
17. Luther
This story is about a police officer forming an unlikely relationship with a psychopath which extends beyond his professional life. To say that John Luther is obsessed with his work is an understatement. He becomes so entranced in it that he loses sense of himself. The nature of his work takes a serious toll on his mental health, even though Luther does his best to act as if he is fine.
The story progresses as he crosses paths with the charming Alice Morgan. Too bad she is a murdering psychopath. And a genius one at that. Even though Luther is certain she is the culprit, he is forced to let her go due to the lack of evidence. Morgan seems to have taken a liking to Luther, and he is using it to gain knowledge about other criminals.
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 50
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
18. Criminal Minds
The story is about a group of expert profilers using their expertise to solve difficult cases. The Behavioral Analysis Unit of the FBI was formed to find culprits who seem to have vanished without a clue.
The Unit was founded by Jason Gideon, who is known for his profiling skills and is considered the best in the business. The Unit is led by Unit Chief Hotchner and is joined by several profilers with their own area of expertise.
- Seasons: 16
- Episodes: 327
- Duration: 42min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
19. Line of Duty
The story is about a Deputy Sergeant with a strong Moral Code. Steve Arnott is transferred into the Anti-corruption Unit. Ironically due to his refusal to partake in the corruption he encountered. Together with his partner Kate Fleming they try to expose the corruption that has taken root in the Central Police Force. Steve will do his best to see Justice prevail.
The story progresses as they investigate the “H,” which is supposedly a group of high-ranking officers with ties to Organized Crime Syndicates. Law enforcement faints a blind eye to their operations, and in return, they line their pockets with bribes.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 36
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
Read More: 33 Movies Like Nope That You Should Consider Watching
20. Peaky Blinders
This is a story of an up-and-coming street gang from Birmingham as they grow from a small-time operation to one of the strongest gangs in the country. The Peaky Blinders gang is run by the Shelby Family. The Gang is headed by Tommy Shelby, who uses his cunning mind to increase their influence far and wide. Things start to get complicated when an officer of the law, Major Chester Campbell, interferes in their business.
The story progresses as the ever-ambitious Tommy Shelby expands his operations to cross continents. After a lot of scheming and bloodshed, Tommy is successful. However, now comes the time when he has to suffer the consequences as mobs around the country want to have a piece of the Peaky Blinders for all the damage they caused to the other gangs.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 36
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Netflix
21. Law & Order
The show follows the lives of NYPD Detectives as they bring criminals to Justice. However, it’s not as easy as it sounds, as each case may look cut and dry. But further investigation always reveals some detail that will completely change the perspective. Each episode has a set layout. The hour-long episode is split in half.
The first half depicts the NYPD in pursuit of the perpetrator, finding clues, gathering evidence, and whatnot. The second half depicts the court trials and sentencing of the culprit. The episodes are sometimes inspired by actual cases but with certain key elements changed.
- Seasons: 22
- Episodes: 474
- Duration: 45min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video
22. Blue Bloods
The story is about a family where all members are a part of law enforcement. The Reagan Family has a certain affinity for the law. Frank Reagan is the Commissioner of Police, and his sons both are in the NYPD while his daughter is an assistant District Attorney.
Frank’s other son was murdered by a group known as the Blue Templars. The Blue Templars are a group of corrupt NYPD Cops. As a part of an FBI Investigation, his son got close to the group, and it cost him his life.
- Seasons: 13
- Episodes: 261
- Duration: 43min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
23. NCIS
NCIS stands for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service, a fictional unit of law enforcement specifically for the U.S. Navy. The story follows the NCIS as they investigate cases involving the United States Navy and the Marine Corps.
NCISEven their families. Any crime that involves a member of the Navy or the Marine Corps falls under the jurisdiction of the NCIS.
- Seasons: 20
- Episodes: 443
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Netflix
24. Dexter
The story is about a guy who is a forensic blood spatter analysis technician by day and a ruthless serial killer by night. The show follows the life of Dexter Morgan. Witnessing the gruesome murder of his mother at a very young age scars him on a psychological level. The event left him with an unnatural attraction towards blood and, by extension, murder.
However, with the help of his Police Officer step-father, Dexter has learned to channel these urges for good. He stalks criminals who escaped the law and delivers his own brand of Justice. The story progresses as Dexter goes head-to-head with other serial killers and even his own police department when they come close to finding out about his “Extra-curricular Activities.”
- Seasons: 9
- Episodes: 96
- Duration: 53min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video
25. S.W.A.T
Based on the 1970s show of the same name, the show follows the LAPD S.W.A.T Unit under the leadership of Sergent Daniel Harrelson. Harrelson, AKA Hondo, was offered the position when his predecessor accidentally killed a young African-American boy during a shootout.
Hondo is a Los Angeles local, and by giving him the position, the LAPD is hoping to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the Community. The show, at times, depicts the tension between the boys in blue and the African-American Community pertaining to the recent events.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 113
- Duration: 42min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Netflix
26. Magnum P.I.
The story is about an ex-navy seal turned private investigator as he works as a detective for hire. However, his unusual investigative methods put him at odds with law enforcement officers. Esteemed author Robin Masters is writing a book called the White Knight. The book is about Thomas Magnum, the show’s protagonist, and his time in the Military.
They have an arrangement where Robin allows Magnum to stay in his Guest House, and in exchange, Magnum fills the role of a security consultant for him. The story progresses as Magnum enlists the help of other ex-servicemen to help in whatever case he is working on at the moment. Even though the local PD does not approve of his methods, they still have respect as he always delivers on his promises.
- Seasons: 4
- Episodes: 76
- Duration: 43min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video
27. Quantico
The story is about a falsely accused FBI Agent who goes on the run to prove her innocence. Alex Parrish gets arrested for charges of treason after the Grand Central Terminal attack. Even though Parrish preaches her innocence, it falls on deaf ears. Alex is forced into a corner, and the only way out is to escape custody and solve the case alone.
However, escaping custody does not help her case at all. Furthermore, more attacks take place after her escape furthering suspension. The show progresses as we are shown glimpses of the past. Her time at the Academy and her work as an undercover operative for the CIA. There we are introduced to the AIC, a group of rogue operatives with malicious intent.
- Seasons: 3
- Episodes: 57
- Duration: 42min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Hulu, Prime Video
28. Banshee
The story is of an ex-convict who steals the identity of a dead cop to infiltrate a town to confront his partner and demand his share of the loot from the job that landed him in jail in the first place. The story protagonist gets out of jail after a very long sentence. His crime: stealing over 15 million dollars worth of diamonds. The job was commissioned by Ukrainian Mobster, Rabbit, but he had other plans. He was to double-cross Rabbit and keep the loot for himself.
Since he was captured, the entire loot went to his partner, who is also Rabbit’s daughter. The daughter escaped to the rural town of Banshee and adopted a new identity. The story progresses as he tries to establish his relationship with his partner. But she has a family now. He is also trying to attain his portion of the diamonds. All this while assuming the identity of the town Sheriff.
- Seasons: 4
- Episodes: 38
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: HBO Max, Prime Video
29. Sons of Anarchy
The story is about a man who is left in charge of a biker gang and is struggling with his new position. John Teller was one of the founders of SAMCRO, the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, and Redwood Original. After his death, his son Jackson Teller is in line to be the President of the Gang.
The story progresses as a rival gang destroys a warehouse owned by the club. This warehouse was used to store guns which is one of the main sources of income of SAMCRO. As episodes go by, more threats show up. Slowly but surely, Jackson rises to the occasion and turns out he is a natural at this.
- Seasons: 7
- Episodes: 92
- Duration: 45min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Hulu, Prime Video
30. Hawaii Five-O
The story is about a special branch of law enforcement in Hawaii that is tasked with handling anything from robberies to terrorism. Being a special task force is not without its perks. They have full authority to use them at their discretion and the resources.
The only person above them is the governor of Hawaii. And he is not one to say no to their requests. The task force is headed by Steve McGarrett, a Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander from the Navy Reserves.
- Seasons: 10
- Episodes: 240
- Duration: 42min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video
31. MacGyver
The story is about a brilliant engineer using his skills to fight crime. His quick thinking and knowledge have helped him get out of many tough situations, even turning a potentially lethal situation in his favor. Angus MacGyver is a secret agent but not of the traditional nature. His team deals with international issues where almost secrecy is required.
He is a part of the experimental team-up of engineers and soldiers in the field. And his case was a soaring success. His knowledge of anything science and tech-related has helped him prevent potentially catastrophic incidents. Anything from keeping a bomb from going off to disarming a nuclear missile is not much for him.
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 94
- Duration: 43min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video
32. The Rookie
The show is about a man in his 40s who becomes the oldest rookie in LAPD History. Inspired by true events, the story is about John Nolan, who finds his calling in life a little older than most people. Nolan comes to this realization after he helps some police officers during a bank robbery. He immediately movies to Los Angeles and joined the police academy.
However, not everyone is happy about his decision. His commanding officer seems to believe that having Nolan on the force is a liability, as his age and obvious inexperience make him a danger to himself and others. However, Nolan is hellbent on proving him wrong. As time goes by, Nolan proves he was not having a midlife crisis when he decided to join the force.
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 85
- Duration: 43min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Hulu, Prime Video
33. Scorpion
This is a story of a group of individuals whose combined IQ might reach the 3-figure line. However, having an increased IQ means they lack EQ. This team is employed by Homeland Security and dispatches them all across the world on high-risk missions. The group is headed by Walter O’Brien. He has the highest IQ in the group.
The show progresses as they welcome a new member to their team, Paige, who helps Walter with his low EQ. However, her son proves to be someone like Brian, and as the show goes by, it is revealed that he has an even higher IQ than Walter. Walter recognized him as one of their own early on, and was one of the reasons he offered to have Paige join the team.
- Seasons: 4
- Episodes: 93
- Duration: 45min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video
34. Bull
The story is about an expert in Trial Science who uses his expertise to come up with a jury that is most probable to rule in his client’s favor. Dr. Jason Bull is the head of Trial Analysis Corporation.
Apart from helping his clients with Jury selection, he also helps the attorneys in coming up with statements that will better resonate with the jurors.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 125
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video
35. Elementary
The story is about a modern version of Sherlock Holmes, and it is not how you imagined. In this “alternate universe,” Sherlock Holmes is a recovering drug addict, which led to him losing his job as a police consultant for Scotland Yard. Holmes relocates to America, and his father arranges to have a sober companion for him. That role is fulfilled by Dr. Joan Watson.
However, Sherlock has his own way of getting over his addiction, and that is by working. And since Dr. Joan is to accompany him everywhere, she too comes along. The story progresses as Sherlock comes to realize Joan’s medical background is an excellent tool while investigating. At the same time, Joan comes to the realization that she has a knack for solving crimes.
- Seasons: 7
- Episodes: 154
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
36. Power
The story is about a drug dealer wanting to leave his criminal ways behind and become a legitimate businessman. James St. Patrick is a career criminal who works predominantly as a Drug Dealer. His partner in crime is his childhood best friend, Tommy Egan. To launder the huge amounts of money they are earning from the drug trade, and the duo starts a nightclub.
The story progresses as James runs into his childhood sweetheart Angela Valdes who is a lawyer now. What he didn’t know was Angela is an Assistant United States Attorney and is currently working on bringing down their drug supplier. However, Jackson is trying to leave drug dealing and turn his nightclub into a legitimate business. But Tommy is of the opposite mindset.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 63
- Duration: 50min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
37. The Night Manager
The story is about a Night Manager at a hotel who gets involved with the sale and purchase of illegal chemical weapons by some guests at his hotel. Based on the novel of the same name, the show follows the life of an Ex-British Soldier turned Hotel Manager, Jonathan Pine. Richard Roper is a big name in the illegal arms market, and Intelligence Officer Angela Burr is trying to end his operation.
When Roper comes to stay at the hotel managed by Pine, he contacts Burr to fill her in. Burr wants Pine to help her in her mission as he has easy access to Roper. And, by extension, his illegal dealings. Even though Pine is reluctant at first, Burr plays on the fact that he used to be a soldier. During his time in the service, Pine had first-hand experience with how harmful chemical weapons are. And therefore, he decides to help her in taking down Roper.
- Episodes: 6
- Duration: 60min
- Rating: TV-14
- Stream: Prime Video
38. Queen of the South
The story is about a woman who falls in love with a member of a drug cartel. Inspired by the La Reina del Sur telenovela, Queen of the South follows the life of Teresa Mendoza. After the death of her lover, she flees to the U.S.
Using her experience from her time as a money changer back in Mexico, Teresa starts building her own drug cartel. However, it is not without challenges. The DEA and rival gangs all pose a significant obstacle to her operation.
- Seasons: 5
- Episodes: 62
- Duration: 42min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Netflix, Prime Video
39. Better Call Saul
The story is about a former con man who decides to leave his conniving ways to pursue a career in law. What he didn’t anticipate was that leaving his fraudulent ways was more difficult than he thought. If you have seen Breaking Bad, then you are well acquainted with lawyer Saul Goodmen. This show is a spin-off of Breaking Bad and depicts the origin story of Saul Goodman.
The story progresses as Saul realizes that living a life on the straight and narrow won’t get him anywhere in life. And therefore, he starts using the skills from his Con man days to win court cases. He starts resorting to questionable techniques to win cases. This helps in getting his name out, and he becomes quite popular among petty criminals. Thus starting his journey, which concludes with Breaking Bad.
- Seasons: 6
- Episodes: 63
- Duration: 46min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Netflix, Prime Video
40. Homeland
The story is about a woman who is a CIA Operative suffering from a serious medical condition. Carrie Mathison gets transferred to the counter-terrorism unit after she goes against orders to conduct an illegal operation in Iraq. The story shifts its focus to Marine Nicholas Brody. Brody has been MIA since 2003 and was supposedly held hostage by terrorist Abu Nazir.
Even though Brody is hailed as a hero, Mathison suspects that Brody has been compromised. Her instincts were spot on as it turns out Brody now works for Abu Nazir and has returned to avenge the death of Nazir’s son. But his plan to take revenge fails, and that is when he decides to play the long game. He runs for office and becomes an elected official, all the while being a double agent for Abu Nazir.
- Seasons: 8
- Episodes: 696
- Duration: 55min
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stream: Prime Video, Hulu
Read More: 41 Best Spy Kdrama That Will Keep You on The Edge of your Seats