“Ranking the Top 10 Police Procedurals of the 2020s: Which Series Made the Cut?”

Police procedurals have been an integral part of the primetime TV line-up for decades. Fans young and old love sitting back and watching the formulaic nature of each episode. They usually involve an investigation of some kind, perhaps a few twists, turns, and dangerous moments, followed by a resolution. The genre is satisfying because fans know exactly what to expect. But every show offers its own unique twist.
Even in the latest decade, new and continuing police procedurals that either debuted in 2020 or thereafter or started shortly before and continue to air new episodes, are just as enticing. The best ones draw viewers into the plots, compelling characters, and interesting angles.

10 ‘FBI’ (2018-)Commencing just prior to the new decade but still going strong with six seasons and counting, renewed through at least 2027, FBI stars an ensemble cast as characters who all work within the criminal division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in New York, working to keep the city safe and free of criminals. The stories follow different cases each week along with the personal lives of the key characters.
Spawning two spin-offs, FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International, FBI also features characters crossing over from both along with other shows, like Chicago P.D. Filled with adrenaline, action, and familiarity with other Dick Wolf works (he’s the same man behind the Law & Order and Chicago franchises), fans of those shows will love this one, too, that adds its own spin, new characters, and a new setting and angle.
9‘Found’ (2023-)
Gaby Mosely (Shanola Hampton) in Found is a talented recovery specialist who dedicates her life to finding missing people that are otherwise overlooked by the system. She, along with her team of dedicated employees, each with unique talents, work tirelessly, often putting themselves in harm’s way, to bring people home. Gaby chose this line of work for a reason: she was kidnapped as a teenager and held captive for almost a year. But she also has a secret: she located her kidnapper and has been keeping him locked in her basement, using his warped mind to help her solve cases.
Found is a unique entry into the police procedural genre, with every episode tackling a different case. The nail-biting tension rises with each one as well as the walls close in on Gaby. Her secret cat could be out of the bag at any moment, ruining everything for which she has worked so hard. The show is formulaic, as viewers would expect from a procedural, with the team even partaking in a post-case ritual at the end of each successful win. Found has been renewed for a second season, and fans can’t wait to find out what happens next after the first season’s cliffhanger ending.
8‘The Rookie’ (2018-)
Nathan Fillion found a new home after the end of Castle on this police procedural about John, a man in his forties who decide to start life anew and begin working as a police officer. At his age, however, he’s the oldest rookie present at the LAPD, which presents challenges beyond just the job.
What makes The Rookie so interesting is that it was actually inspired by a true story, eventually revealed to be that of an old college friend of one of the producers. The man behind the show, Bill Norcross, still works with the LAPD and serves as an executive producer on the show, adding a level of authenticity.
Law & Order: SVU’ (1999-)

 

With the distinction of being the longest-running primetime live-action series, surpassing even the original Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU has become a fan favorite. The series deals with more sensitive cases, following those who work with the Special Victims Unit (SVU) of the NYPD that deals with sexually based crimes.
What makes Law & Order: SVU so compelling, alongside the wonderful chemistry between its original leads Mariska Hargitayand Christopher Meloni as Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, is the fact that many of the stories told are ripped right from the headlines. Gut-wrenching, emotional, and heartbreaking, the episodes take viewers on a journey through sometimes difficult to watch material. But each one is compelling, earning Law & Order: SVU numerous Emmy Awards along the way. Gearing up for its 26th season, Law & Order: SVU shows no signs of slowing down.