# The Best Crime Shows on TV in 2017 | The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates

Crime shows–sometimes called “police procedurals”–have been a staple of American television since the 1950s, when Jack Webb’s landmark series *Dragnet* featured two Los Angeles detectives doggedly solving murders, robberies, and other mysteries. More than 60 years later, television (and now online distributors) features dozens of programs designed to satisfy the public’s seemingly insatiable appetite for stories about police and prosecutors who hunt down the “bad guys.” How many of these popular shows do you watch?

**Sherlock (CBS) and Elementary (BBC)**

Even before television there were crime novels and short stories. Perhaps the most famous literary detective, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, is the subject of two present-day crime dramas. CBS’ Sherlock features the detective in modern-day New York (with a female Dr. Watson), while the BBC’s Sherlock keeps the detective in his traditional London setting.

**NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: New Orleans (CBS)**

The NCIS franchise features three different shows–set in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New Orleans, respectively–that follow the fictional adventures of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Unlike many other police procedurals, the NCIS shows focus almost exclusively on military crimes rather than civilian courts.

**Blue Bloods (CBS)**

A combination of police and family drama, Blue Bloods features a family of cops working for the New York Police Department.

**Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC)**

For a free legal consultation, call [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) today

In the early 1990s, Law & Order revived the traditional Dragnet-style police procedural. The original series went off the air in 2010 but its first spin-off, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, remains one of the most popular crime shows on the air, focusing on “especially heinous” sexual offenses in New York City.

**Criminal Minds and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (CBS)**

Another multi-series franchise, Criminal Minds focuses on FBI agents who use advanced “profiling” techniques to catch criminals. Its second spin-off, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, focuses on crimes committed against American citizens abroad.

**Better Call Saul (AMC)**

A spin-off from one of the most popular crime dramas of recent years–Breaking Bad–this series is set around a small-town lawyer who becomes mixed up in criminal activity.

**Television Is Not Reality**

While crime dramas are great fun to watch, it is important to remember they are not an accurate picture of how the legal system actually works. Real criminal investigations and trials are not resolved neatly within an hour. And while police procedurals may show you exactly who committed a crime and why, discovering the truth can be a much more complicated process in real life. That is why if you are charged with a crime you should not call Saul Goodman, but the real-life [Galveston criminal defense attorneys](https://tadlaw.com/) at the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates. Our Houston attorneys are prepared to help you today.

Call or text [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) or fill out our [Free Case Evaluation Form](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) to get started

Criminal Defense Blog Posts:  [New Test Flags Underage Drinking Risk Criminal Defense Texas readers may be interested to learn that researchers have developed a new personality-based test aimed at identifying kids at high risk...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/new-test-flags-underage-drinking-risk/)   [Why Hire a Board Certified Attorney? Criminal Defense Why hire a Board Certified Attorney? Attorney Representation in Houston, Texas since 1992 Board certification is a distinction held by less than...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/why-hire-a-board-certified-attorney/)   [Texas Expands the Legal Definition of Stalking Criminal Defense Definition of ‘Stalking’ Expanded in Texas Texas law treats domestic violence as a serious crime. All reported acts of domestic abuse –...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/texas-expands-the-legal-definition-of-stalking/)   [Unpaid Red Light Fines and Vehicle Registration Criminal Defense Despite Notices, Harris County Will Not Prevent Vehicle Registration for Unpaid Red Light Camera Fines Harris County officials stated that outstanding citations...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/unpaid-red-light-fines-and-vehicle-registration/)

---

Source: https://tadlaw.com/blog/best-crime-shows-tv-2017/